1. Environmental Systems
Senior Internship Project

2. Overview: What is it?
A year-long, two-part comprehensive project designed by the student to focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic.
Capstone project and graduation requirement for all ESYS majors.

3. Overview: When does it happen?
ESYS majors complete the Senior Internship Project during their last full academic year at UCSD (typically 4th year).
The ESYS Senior Internship Project takes place during Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters, so students must be continuing students for the entire academic year.

4. Part 1: The Internship
ESYS Majors will complete a two quarter internship (Fall and Winter quarters).
ESYS 190A course sequence
4 UD units each quarter (8 units total)
200 hour commitment (20 10 hours per week)
No class meetings, no exams
Progress Report, Final Evaluation
Pass / No Pass

5. Part 1: The Internship (cont.)
Internship Requirements
Must focus on an interdisciplinary environmental problem or research topic
Student initiated and developed
Department does not provide placements, students are responsible for finding opportunities
Gather original data and/or develop analyses and experience

6. Part 1: The Internship (cont.)
Types of Internships
Faculty-led research
On-campus sustainability
Local govt. agencies, non-profits, private companies
On-campus or Off-campus
Original topics or continuations of previous research/projects
Must be local (San Diego Area)
Paid or Unpaid

7. Part 1: The Internship (cont.)
Supervision
Site Supervisor
Day to Day supervision and management at internship location
Faculty Mentor
Project overview and design
Assigns ESYS 190A units
Documentation
Senior Internship Contract Agreement
Must be Signed/Approved by: Student, ESYS Faculty Director, Site Supervisor, Faculty Mentor
Internship Progress Report, Final Internship Evaluation
Signed/Approved by Site Supervisor and Faculty Mentor
Communication is key!

8. Part 2: Senior Seminar ESYS 190B Spring Quarter (4 UD units)
Seminar-style Course
Class meets weekly
Letter grade
Develop Deliverables
25-page senior seminar paper and poster presentation
ESYS Symposium

9. Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find an Internship?
Online resources
ESYS website, Port Triton, REAL portal, etc.
s from ESYS department
Continuation/expansion of existing experience
Lab research, paid project based job, volunteering, etc.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (cont.)
What kind of internship should I look for?
Best match to potential careers after graduation
Best guess
Significant experience upon graduation
Realization of actual day to day work
Fits with personal strengths (and weaknesses)
Independent vs. Structured supervision
Fluid vs Rigid schedule
Flexibility with schedule and transportation

11. Frequently Asked Questions (cont.)
I’m having trouble finding an internship, what do I do?!
Don’t panic!
Come in and meet with an ESYS advisor, we’re here to help!

12. Questions? ESYS Contacts Sid Eads, Student Affairs Officer
Josh Reeves, Assistant Director
Dr. Jane Teranes, Faculty Director