Our Internship Program is designed with that in mind. It provides rich, challenging learning opportunity for high school and college students or recent graduates to work with professionals in The Society and contribute their talents and ideas to a variety of programs.

The program allows interns to expand their knowledge of environmental issues, apply academic knowledge in a real life situation, and learn new skills, which will enhance future career options.

Unless otherwise noted, all Wilderness Society internships are unpaid.

Types of Internships

Currently, The Wilderness Society offers internships in these programs:

• Communications - DC (Washington, DC)
• Communications - Denver (Denver, CO)
• Policy and Government Affairs (Washington, DC)
• Marketing (Washington, DC and Seattle, WA)
• Web / Digital (Washington, DC and Denver, CO)

Internships fall under these categories:

Volunteers

Recent college graduates work to gain hands-on experience while seeking full-time positions.

Community Service

May fulfill high school students' requirements for graduation.

School Credit

TWS will provide an appropriate written report, if needed. This may include a meeting with the professor in charge of the college or university's internship program.

Scope of the Program

Students interested in becoming interns at The Wilderness Society have the option of working on a part-time or full-time basis. There are three semesters offered during a calendar year, fall, spring and summer. Students must commit at least three consecutive days for a three-month period. Each intern has direct supervision from a program director and is given a long-term project.

The Administrative and Internship Coordinator of Policy and Government Affairs coordinates the intern program which includes advertising the positions, respond to internet requests, sending updated informational packages to universities, and attending universities' career fairs.

The administrative and Internship Coordinator is responsible for the interview and coordinates logistics of selected candidates. Also the Administrative and Internship Coordinator serves as the day-to-day supervisor for intern staff; provides assistance in finding appropriate housing opportunity for interns from out of region, schedule experts to do brown bag luncheon on issues that are of interest to TWS and students.

Directors are responsible for development of long-term projects, and educational direction for interns.
In the policy arena interns follow the legislative process by attending Congressional hearings, mark ups, lobby visits, polling meetings, and agency related activities.

Orientation

All interns participate in an orientation session, which involves an informal discussion of The Society's mission and provides an opportunity for the interns to meet the directors of the multifaceted programs of The Society. The orientation session provides an excellent forum for discussion of the shared vision of both students and staff members for the responsibility interns will assume during their internship period. The program directors also discuss and describe the types of products that will result from specific assignments and a discussion on C-3 and C-4 lobbying requirements.

Evaluation

The interns receive weekly reviews (verbal) by the intern supervisor, on projects and overall performance. There is a written evaluation by the intern on the program at conclusion of their tenure. Also a written evaluation on the intern completed by the supervisor and kept on file.

Applying for an Internship

If you would like to apply for an internship, please send a resume; and a cover letter introducing yourself and a writing sample. Within the cover letter, tell us about yourself and your school, your major area of studies, special interests, etc.

Be sure to also include:

• Name, Address, Email, and Phone number
• Type of internship applying for:
  • Communications (Washington, DC and Denver, CO)
  • Policy and Government Affairs (Washington, DC)
  • Marketing (Washington, DC and Seattle, WA)
  • Web / Digital (Washington, DC and Denver, CO)
• Semester Requested:
  • Spring (January - May)
  • Summer (June - August)
  • Fall (September - December)
• Location (if the position is available in more than one location)

Positions are open until filled. There is some flexibility in start time.

You may submit your cover letter, resume and writing sample by:

Email:
louise_tucker@tws.org

Postal Mail:
Louise Tucker
Administrative and Internship Coordinator
The Wilderness Society
1615 M St, NW – Suite 100
Washington, DC 20036

Fax:
202-429-3945

Thank you for your interest.