Finding an Internship
Internships help students make more informed career choices, apply theory learned in the classroom to a real-world setting, and enhance their employment opportunities. The School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning encourages students to seek out and participate in internships. Finding an internship requires preparation and commitment, so if you'd like to do an internship, plan to begin working on the search 2-4 months before you hope to be an intern.
How can I prepare for an internship search?
- Reflection: To help direct your internship search, reflect on what you hope to gain from an internship, what type of setting and experience you hope for, and how much time you're able to commit to an internship.
- Resume: A resume is a tool to tell a prospective employer or internship host about yourself and your interests. The resume you'll use to seek out an internship should emphasize experience relevant to the type of internship you're seeking—courses, class projects, volunteer activities—as well as giving information about your employment history. Utilize ASU's Career and Professional Development Services Checklist for Effective Resumes and Cover Letters to help you get started!
- Credit requirements: Internships relevant to Geography, Urban Planning, and/or GIS are eligible for undergraduate or graduate-level credit. Learn how you can earn credit for an internship.
- Schedule an appointment: Current SGSUP students can schedule an appointment with the school’s Internship & Career Coordinator to discuss a variety of professional development topics. SGSUP Alumni have up to 6 months after their graduation date to meet with the Coordinator. After that, Alumni will be directed to schedule an appointment with ASU Alumni Career and Professional Development Services.
- Create your internship search strategy. Enroll in Be Internship Ready
Where can I search for an internship?
- Check the SGSUP Internships page for a selection of internships relevant to Geography, Urban Planning, and/or GIS. Postings are updated weekly!
- Register for ASU's Handshake. After you set up your ASU Handshake profile, you can browse and set email alerts for internship or job postings, post your resume for employers to see, receive emails about upcoming career events, and apply for jobs and internships as they are posted.
- Many students arrange internships independently, by contacting organizations where they have an interest in interning. Before you contact a potential internship site, you should definitely have a resume that clearly summarizes your experience. Also, read the Internship Credit Application page so you know what’s required in order to earn credit for an internship, and can explain this to a potential supervisor.
Where can I get advice?
If you have questions about the internship search, a potential internship, or any other internship topics relating to geography, GIS, and planning. You can schedule an appointment with an ASU Career and Professional Development Services, Career Special: HERE
Internship Programs and Resources for Geography, GIS, and Planning Students
American Geographical (AGS) Society Virtual Scholar-Intern Program -Semester-long internships for students interested in spreading geographical awareness through blogging, social media, and mapping. An opportunity to work with a dynamic team of leaders, develop real-world experience in geographic and geospatial areas and strengthen skills. AGS is in New York but internships are virtual and open to students in any location.
Association of American Geographers Jobs - To see internships around the country, enter 'intern' in Search field. Includes many academic positions also.
GeoCorps America - Geology, earth science and hydrology internships, some GIS.
GeoScientists-In-the-Parks, US National Park Service - Scientists in Parks provides immersive, paid work experiences in natural resource fields so the next generation of park stewards—especially those underrepresented in science—have a unique opportunity to work on important real-world projects while building professional experience and a life-long connection to America’s national parks.
National Weather Service Internship and Employment Opportunities - Student interns work on worthwhile projects assigned by their manager or supervisor. Previous interns worked in a variety of areas, including meteorology, hydrology, science, and technology.
ASU GIS listserv - Email list focused on Arizona-based GIS internships, jobs, resources, and events. Link explains how to sign up.
ESRI - Career information and internship opportunities for current students and new graduates.
GeoCorps America - Geology, earth science and hydrology internships, some GIS.
American Planning Association - Career information, internships, and employment opportunities.
American Planning Association Arizona Chapter - Career information, internships, and employment opportunities.
National Trust for Historic Preservation – Has led the movement to save America’s historic places.
Planetizen – Lists career opportunities in urban planning, urban design, and other related fields.
UN-Habitat – Works in over 90 countries to promote transformative change in cities and human settlements through knowledge, policy advice, technical assistance and collaborative action.
Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) – Dedicated to shaping the future of transportation for the public good through the global advancement of women.
Capitol Scholars Program - Provides ASU undergraduate students with hands-on training in the public policy making process in Washington D.C.
ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy - is the only entity at ASU and in the state of Arizona to position race and democracy in direct relation with each other. The Center is known within and beyond the university for its spirited and innovative programming on issues of race, democracy and the known and understudied impact of systemic and institutional racism and undemocratic practices. Our Interns work, in a variety of specialized skills (such as GIS mapping), closely with our staff to accomplish the center’s goals.
Global Virtual Internships (GVI) - The ASU Global Education Office is excited you're interested in completing a Global Virtual Internship. Their website will answer some of the most frequently asked questions they receive about the program into four sections: General FAQs, Application & Interview Process, Internship Placement and Program Costs & Financial Aid. Previous SGSUP Urban Planning, B.S.P. students have pursued this opportunity to intern virtually with international planning offices. Contact the GVI Coordinators to know if that or a similar internship would be available during the semester you would like to apply for.
MCLEAPS Internships - This ASU and Maricopa County partnership offers top students hands-on experience and greatly enhances their education with an introduction to the opportunities and rewards of public service careers, including in county government.
NASA DEVELOP Internship Program - Team-based semester-long internships at NASA centers throughout the United States. Projects focus on use of NASA satellite-based earth observations to address environmental & public policy issues.
American Conservation Experience – is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities for youth, young adults, and emerging professionals of all backgrounds to explore and improve public lands while gaining practical professional experience.
Conservation and Land Management Internship Program - The Conservation and Land Management (CLM) internship program places early-career scientists in five-month paid internships to assist professional biologists with land management and conservation projects.
Conservation Legacy – Conservation Legacy focuses on local impact—engaging youth, young adults and veterans in conservation and service programs from 15 locations nationwide. We are embedded in our communities to meet the on-the-ground conservation needs.
The Student Conservation Association - The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America’s conservation corps. Our members protect and restore national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.
AmeriCorps.gov - Portal for 3 federal programs: AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). Part-time and full-time positions serve US communities in areas ranging from community development to conservation. Stipend and education grant / loan repayment offered.
Federal (USA Jobs) - Job site used by all US federal government agencies. Also see Go Government, which provides guidance on how to find and apply for federal government jobs.
Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program - helps bring diverse young talent to government and offers students the opportunity to apply their educational training to work at a federal agency.
US Bureau of Land Management - Here's a flyer with a host of links for environmental internships of all kinds.
US Department of Energy Internship Programs: Links to diverse internship programs across the country, many focusing on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Focus of internships range from scientific research to policy, government relations, law and more.
US National Park Service Internship Opportunities - The Park Service partners with several groups to offer paid internships in community planning, outdoor recreation planning, historic preservation and more.
Pathways - US Federal Government internship and jobs program for students and recent graduates.
Diversity Joint Venture for Careers in Conservation (DJV) - Uses new and existing programs to support women and people of color obtain conservation focused jobs.
Environment for the Americas - connecting diverse students with careers in conservation, natural resources, history, geology, with skill-building internships with national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, and other sites.
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) Internships - HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). HACU assist government agencies with promoting their internship opportunities to students – GIS and Geography opportunities might be available. HACU encourages students of all majors to apply!
The MANO Project - Paid internship experiences nationwide for Latinx college students and upcoming professionals; especially in areas of natural and cultural resources, environmental education, and cultural and heritage preservation.