Formal Zoology Internships for Credit @ MSU

Students in the Zoo and Aquarium Science program are required to complete an internship in Zoology (ZOL 496 or 498) for graduation. Students in the Zoology Bachelor’s degree program may also choose to complete an internship.

These pages help explain how you get ready, choose, and complete a Zoology internship for credit at MSU.

What’s the difference between the two internship courses?
ZOL 496 is for Zoology majors without a Zoo & Aquarium Science concentration.

ZOL 498 is for Zoology majors with a Zoo & Aquarium Science concentration. Otherwise, they are the same thing.

Will all internships in zoology count towards the Zoo and Aquarium program?
No. Only professional zoos or aquariums are eligible host institutions. In addition, you must have approval of the Zoology Department (usually Dr. Snider). The steps outlined on these pages will help you in getting his approval, and speed the process.

What is involved in the internship?
The internship is a semester long, 30-40 hours a week, hands-on experience, usually at a zoo or aquarium. The host institution assigns the exact scope of the internship, provides supervision, and regularly reviews the student’s performance.

How do I get an internship?
These web pages will help prepare you for the internship (both inside and outside the classroom), give a general idea of when steps should be taken (such as when to talk with Dr. Snider), tips on how to narrow down your interests, and making sure you are prepared to talk with Dr. Snider.


Preparing for your Zoo and Aquarium Internship

General Course work that should be completed before you start your internship:

  • BS 110, BS 111, BS11L
  • General Chemistry &Chemistry Lab
  • Organic Chemistry I & II
  • Survey of Calculus I &II Or Calculus I & II
  • A statistics course
  • ZOL 313: Animal Behavior
  • ZOL 320: Developmental Biology
  • ZOL 328: Comparative Anatomy & Biology of Vertebrates
  • ZOL 341: Fundamental Genetics
  • ZOL 355, ZOL 355L: Ecology, Ecology Lab
  • ZOL 369: Introduction to Zoo & Aquarium Science
  • At least one Tier 2 writing course

Outside the Classroom Preparation:

Consider joining a Student Organization:

Zoological Students Association

Student organizations within the College of Natural Science

Volunteer in the Lansing Area:

Potter Park Zoo
MSU Service Learning
Capital Area Humane Society
Organization for Bat Conservation

 

Time Table: When should I do my Internship for Zoo & Aquarium Science?

Most students choose to do their internship the summer before or after their senior year. If you have completed the suggested courses, the exact timing of the internship is up to you. You have the option of completing it any semester, but it will take 14 weeks.

It is possible to complete all of the course work for a degree, walk in the graduation ceremony, and then do the internship. However, you will not receive your diploma until after you complete the internship because it is a required course.

Internship Planning Time Table

One of the easiest things you can do to get an edge on the competition is to start pursuing your internship early. Since you need departmental approval for the internship, make sure you start talking to Dr. Snider well in advance of your planned internship date!

  • For a summer semester internship, see Dr. Snider by beginning of fall semester of the previous year (ex: to go summer of 2006, see Dr. Snider fall of 2005)
  • For spring semester, see Dr. Snider by end of summer or early fall semester of previous year (ex: to go in Jan of 2006, see Dr. Snider early fall of 2005)
  • For fall semester see Dr. Snider by beginning to middle of spring semester of previous school year (ex: to go fall of 2006, see Dr. Snider spring 2005

Additional considerations:

  • Consider giving up a semester for your experience. While there are opportunities available year round, summer slots fill up faster than fall or spring semester opportunities.
  • Going for an international slot can mean facing stiffer competition. That means more time to obtain and to work out the details. Once again, start planning and pursuing even earlier!

 

Choosing where to go for your Zoo and Aquarium Internship

Any professional zoo or aquarium is an eligible host institution.

Self-Evaluation: How do you decide where to go?

What are your interests? What do you want to spend 14 weeks learning about?

  • Animal care: Is there a specific species or type of animal you want to work with? For terrestrial animals, working with African hoof stock is a bit different then working with big cats. For aquatic animals, caring for sharks varies from working with seals and other marine mammals.
  • Education department: In the summer most institutions have day camp or overnight programs.You might enjoy the opportunity to teach children or give tours and educate adults.
  • Front office: Learn about the decision making process for all aspects of the zoo. From advertising to fundraising to high power meetings, a different side of the zoo would be open to you.
  • "Other": Don't feel tied into just these suggestions. Students have also completed internships at a National Wildlife Refuge, an Architecture firm, and a dolphin research center, to name a few places.
  • Additional issues to consider when choosing your host insitution (PDF).

 

Your Conference with Dr. Snider

The Program Director is a busy guy, and it is not always easy to get an appointment with him. Make the most of the time you do get and be prepared when you walk into his office.

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

  1. When do you want to do your internship?
  2. Where do you want to go? What institutions are your top choices?
  3. Why are they your top choices?

You may be unable to obtain an internship at your top choice (they may already be full). Knowing what is important to you will help Dr. Snider suggest other locations that could be of interest.

Follow up is important!
Usually, Dr. Snider will be able to contact the institution to secure the internship after your meeting with him. He may request that you check back with him periodically for updates. Make sure you have an up to date resume for him to give to potential employers.