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What is the best way to go about finding biology internships in college?
I am a 18 year old senior and I am majoring in biological science at Merancas Middle College. I want to explore this path further when I go to my four year university.
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Martha’s Answer
Hi Asha, you are on a terrific path! And augmenting your education with internships is a great idea. Here are some ideas for finding internships:
- Check the career services center at your current school and at your four-year school when you get there. In addition to lists of internships, especially the four-year school may have alumni in your area who could provide shadowing and internship opportunities
- Check the websites of other schools in your area - they will likely favor students from their school, but they may not be able to fill all internships with their own students
- Set up job agents on job sites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed (searches from today below). While they may not have what you want in the location you want, it will educate you about what it available and what key words to include in your resume and communications
- Depending upon what aspect of biology you are interested in, check government agencies in public health or environmental protection
- Set Google alerts for bioscience companies based in North Carolina and science organizations in North Carolina (see last 2 links below). This will help keep you informed about internships and research grants for undergraduates
- Tell everyone you know what you are interested in -- maybe your neighbor or hair dresser knows a scientist. You wouldn't know unless you ask.
Good luck!
Indeed - https://www.indeed.com/q-internship-biology-degree-l-north-carolina-jobs.html?vjk=7f499c8ac75568b4
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/biology-intern-jobs-north-carolina/?currentJobId=4065068174
Pathways to Science - https://www.pathwaystoscience.org/Discipline.aspx?sort=MED-Biology_Biology
North Carolina Academy of Science - https://ncacadsci.org/
- Check the career services center at your current school and at your four-year school when you get there. In addition to lists of internships, especially the four-year school may have alumni in your area who could provide shadowing and internship opportunities
- Check the websites of other schools in your area - they will likely favor students from their school, but they may not be able to fill all internships with their own students
- Set up job agents on job sites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed (searches from today below). While they may not have what you want in the location you want, it will educate you about what it available and what key words to include in your resume and communications
- Depending upon what aspect of biology you are interested in, check government agencies in public health or environmental protection
- Set Google alerts for bioscience companies based in North Carolina and science organizations in North Carolina (see last 2 links below). This will help keep you informed about internships and research grants for undergraduates
- Tell everyone you know what you are interested in -- maybe your neighbor or hair dresser knows a scientist. You wouldn't know unless you ask.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Finding a biology internship in college is a fantastic way to gain hands-on experience, build your professional network, and explore potential career paths within the biological sciences. The best way to start is by utilizing the resources your university offers. Most universities have career centers that provide guidance on internship opportunities, offer resume workshops, and host job fairs where you can connect with potential employers. Additionally, many biology departments maintain partnerships with research labs, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and other organizations that offer internships specifically for students in the biological sciences. Make sure to engage with faculty members in your department, as they may have connections to labs or research projects that are actively looking for interns.
Another valuable strategy is to seek out internships through well-known internship platforms such as *Handshake*, *LinkedIn*, and *Internships.com*, which allow you to filter opportunities based on your field of study and location. Networking is also crucial—attend career fairs, professional conferences, and any other events related to biology or the life sciences, where you can meet industry professionals and learn about internship openings. Additionally, be proactive in reaching out directly to professors or researchers whose work aligns with your interests. Express your enthusiasm for their field of research and inquire about potential internship opportunities or volunteering roles that may help you gain experience.
Lastly, take advantage of your university’s connections with research institutes, hospitals, environmental organizations, or biotech companies. Many organizations have formal internship programs specifically designed for college students pursuing biological sciences, and some may even offer stipends or academic credit for your work. Don’t limit yourself to traditional lab-based internships—consider exploring opportunities in areas like environmental conservation, clinical research, public health, or genetics. By combining active outreach, networking, and leveraging your university's resources, you can secure a meaningful internship that will not only enrich your academic experience but also provide a solid foundation for your future career in biological sciences.
Another valuable strategy is to seek out internships through well-known internship platforms such as *Handshake*, *LinkedIn*, and *Internships.com*, which allow you to filter opportunities based on your field of study and location. Networking is also crucial—attend career fairs, professional conferences, and any other events related to biology or the life sciences, where you can meet industry professionals and learn about internship openings. Additionally, be proactive in reaching out directly to professors or researchers whose work aligns with your interests. Express your enthusiasm for their field of research and inquire about potential internship opportunities or volunteering roles that may help you gain experience.
Lastly, take advantage of your university’s connections with research institutes, hospitals, environmental organizations, or biotech companies. Many organizations have formal internship programs specifically designed for college students pursuing biological sciences, and some may even offer stipends or academic credit for your work. Don’t limit yourself to traditional lab-based internships—consider exploring opportunities in areas like environmental conservation, clinical research, public health, or genetics. By combining active outreach, networking, and leveraging your university's resources, you can secure a meaningful internship that will not only enrich your academic experience but also provide a solid foundation for your future career in biological sciences.