Gaining hands-on experience through an ornithology-focused internship as a student is invaluable preparation for a career studying birds.
Internships allow you to put academic knowledge into practice, develop technical abilities, build your professional network, and clarify your interests. However, finding the right opportunity takes effort and savvy.
This article provides tips for identifying organizations that host interns, utilizing job boards, creating strong applications, reaching out directly, and maximizing the internship experience.
With proactive planning and outreach, you can secure an internship enabling you to gain skills and experiences to propel your ornithology ambitions.
Identifying Potential Host Organizations
A wide range of organizations provide ornithology internships, so cast a wide net in your search.
Government agencies like the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and National Park Service frequently recruit interns to assist with bird surveys, banding, and conservation programs.
State departments of natural resources and park services also offer opportunities. Contact them about openings.
Conservation nonprofits like the National Audubon Society, local Audubon chapters, Nature Conservancy, and wildlife rehabilitators need interns too.
Zoos and aquariums with avian residents and exhibits recruit interns interested in animal husbandry, education, and research.
Finally, reach out to field stations, natural history museums, and university biology/ornithology departments about student research internships.
Internship Job Boards
Utilize online job boards to find ornithology internship listings. Conservation Job Board, Texas A&M Job Board, and The Student Conservation Association are good resources.
Search for openings using keywords like “ornithology,” “bird,” “avian,” or “wildlife.” Read each description closely to find those tailored to your skills and interests.
On a board like Conservation Job Board, you can filter by subtype “Internship” and subject “Wildlife” to pinpoint relevant postings.
The Student Conservation Association offers high school crews and college internship programs providing stipends for living expenses.
Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and other nonprofits also list internships on their websites. Look for local and student-focused job boards too.
And don’t forget to try general boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Handshake which sometimes have unique ornithology internship listings.
Creating Your Application Materials
Craft a compelling resume highlighting your college and high school preparations, including relevant coursework, previous volunteer experience, knowledge of bird biology/conservation, and technical abilities like bird identification, banding, or GIS skills.
Quantify your experiences using numbers – hours volunteered, species observed, etc.
In your cover letter, emphasize passion and fit for the specific internship. Do your research on the organization so you can explain why their work resonates with you.
If you will receive academic credit, detail this in materials. Some postings allow video statements – use them to convey enthusiasm and qualifications.
Build relationships with professors, past supervisors, and wildlife professionals who can write references emphasizing your abilities, knowledge, and character. Provide them with your resume and the internship description so they can tailor letters accordingly.
Always take extra care to submit polished materials showcasing your seriousness.
Reaching Out Directly
Don’t limit yourself just to advertised openings when seeking an internship. Many organizations don’t post about potential internships but are open if you proactively express interest.
Start local by contacting preserves, nature centers, zoos and rehab facilities in your community about volunteering first to build knowledge and then interning.
Attend ornithology conferences and engage with researchers, conservationists, and government staff – tell them your aspirations and ask their advice. If a lab or professor at a nearby college does bird-related research that intrigues you, reach out about volunteering and internship possibilities.
Follow up any conversations with polite emails restating your interests and qualifications. Persistence and relationship building are key.
While you may not land your dream remote internship immediately, start nearby to gain essential experience positioning yourself for future roles.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Once you secure an ornithology internship, follow these tips to maximize the experience:
– Ask questions – don’t be shy about asking to learn. Offer to help with tasks even if not assigned yet.
– Take initiative on projects but also follow directions carefully. Find the balance between showing leadership and being coachable.
– Observe carefully when shadowing researchers in the field. Take detailed notes on techniques.
– Maintain professionalism in dress, communication, and conduct. You are building your reputation.
– Build connections! Engage with staff and other interns. Exchange contact info and discuss paths to a career studying birds.
– If allowed, capture photos/videos documenting your work. Post on social media and in reports on your experience.
– Keep a daily journal reflecting on key lessons, challenges, achievements, and ideas. Review periodically.
– Thank your supervisor, co-workers, and any external partners involved. Send appreciation notes.
– Request a letter of recommendation from your supervisor highlighting your performance and skills.
– Reflect on whether this is the right path for you. Use the internship to clarify your interests and goals.
– Keep the organization updated on your career progress. You never know what doors this experience may open later!
Finding Ornithology Internships – final thoughts
Gaining hands-on ornithology experience through a well-chosen internship provides invaluable preparation if you hope to pursue a career studying birds. Begin the search process early by scouting diverse organizations that offer programs matching your abilities and interests.
Make use of job boards but also reach out directly to expand possibilities. Submit polished, tailored application materials.
If you secure an internship, approach it as a professional opportunity to learn, build skills, expand your network, and determine suitability of this career path for you.
An engaged, proactive approach will help ensure your experience provides knowledge to fuel your future ornithology ambitions.