Internships

Updates for 2021: 

We are currently unaware what MSU’s requirements for being on campus will be in 2021. It very likely will include wearing a mask and social distancing. It may include a COVID-19 vaccine and testing. You will be expected to follow all regulations.

Housing will not be shared this year.

It is likely that our dining hall will not be open. We are working to develop alternative options such as carry out lunch or a grocery stipend for students.

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Interns work with their mentor to come up with an individualized Learning Plan for the summer, attend weekly professional development seminars, and you may also complete a portfolio-worthy project.

At the end of the summer you will develop a professional poster and “elevator speech” about your KBS internship experience to be presented at the annual KBS Undergraduate Symposium, and/or write a professional blog post that will be shared on our KBS blog.

Dates:

Program dates in 2021 are set individually for each internship to best comply with COVID-19 expectations and to best support the needs of that internship.

Avian Care Internship – May 23 – Aug 14; 12 weeks. The first week will be virtual via zoom. The following weeks will be in person. Intern will be expected to arrive at KBS by 9AM Tuesday June 1.

External Communications Internship – May 30 – Aug 7, 2021; 10 weeks in person.

Social Media Marketing Internship – May 30 – Aug 7, 2021; 10 weeks in person.

Sustainable Agriculture Internship (2 positions) – May 17 – Aug 7, 2021; 12 weeks in person.

Visitor Experience Internship – May 30 – Aug 7, 2021; 10 weeks in person.

Hours:

Internships are typically part-time (20+ hours/week) to accommodate your KBS course load. Hours typically increase closer to full time during the session you do not have a KBS course commitment. Specific work hours will be arranged with your mentor.

Course Requirement:

As part of your learning experience you are required to enroll in a summer field course at KBS.  Interns are responsible for paying for the MSU tuition associated with their course(s). Please contact the MSU Office of Financial Aid if you will need summer financial aid.

Compensation:

$3000 stipend + FULL room & board scholarship (which includes Breakfast M-F, Lunch M-F, Dinner M-Th, Brunch Sat/Sun).

Housing is equipped with small full kitchens so students also have the ability to prepare meals on their own. Resident Mentors also facilitate group meals/BBQs on evenings when the Conference Center is not serving dinner.

***Note that interns are hired as an MSU Intern and pay checks will have taxes withheld.

Learning Plan & Professional Development:

All Interns will work through the I@S program and develop a Learning Plan with their mentor that outlines specific learning goals for the Internship.  KBS offers a variety of Professional Development seminars throughout the summer designed to provide Interns with essential professional skills. ***Attendance of designated Professional Development seminars is required.

You may click HERE for detailed student info and the required forms for the Internships @ State (I@S) Program.

KBS Internship Program – Expectations and Weekly Timeline

KBS Code of Conduct

MSU I@State Requirements

If you need an accommodation of any kind that is not supported in what we have provided, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Summer 2021 Internship Positions

External Communications Internship – Kellogg Biological Station
Mentors: Sarah Carroll & Cara Barnes (KBS Development & Community Relations)

The objective of this professional Internship is to facilitate the growth of the Intern’s communication and storytelling skills within a scientific context to reach a wide, varied audience. This Internship is unique because of its location at Michigan State University’s W.K. Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Corners, MI, where Interns have the chance spend a summer advancing in their field and learning about cutting-edge natural science. The Intern will be trained by the KBS Development & Community Relations Coordinator in using MSU brand standards as a platform to communicate to the community via social media, web and written communication. The Intern will be evaluated on their progress throughout the Internship and will have weekly check-in meetings with their mentor(s). Tasks that may be associated with this internship include: designing promotional materials promoting the significance of KBS research; connecting KBS alumni with current KBS goings-on; drafting, producing and distributing communication pieces and/or fundraising materials; and assisting with donor-related events.

 

 

Sustainable Agriculture Internship (2 Internships Available) – Kellogg Farm
Mentors: Dr. Brook Wilke (Farm Manager) and Dr. Dean Baas (MSU Extension)

The 2021 Sustainable Agriculture Internships at the Kellogg Biological Station will focus on sustainable production of row crops and livestock. The interns will develop an understanding of conservation practices within grain based cropping systems (e.g. cover crops, no-till, precision farming, etc.), and assist with production and associated research projects, such as the new Long-Term Agroecosystem Research project. Specific topic areas may include soil health, organic farming, cover crops, grains for the brewing and distilling industries, precision agriculture and bioenergy crops. The interns will also have an opportunity to learn about rotational grazing and forage production as well as education activities targeting professionals and the public. Contact Brook Wilke (wilkebro@msu.edu) if you would like more information.

 

Visitor Experience Internship – Kellogg Bird Sanctuary
Mentors: Misty Klotz (Envi. Ed. Assistant & Volunteer Coordinator) & Lisa Duke (Sanctuary Manager)

Intern will gain experience in programming and customer service roles designed to enhance visitor experiences at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Key responsibilities are:

• Develop and update social media posts about programs, events, and visitor attractions
• Assist with development and offering of self-guided visitor experiences such as scavenger hunts, story walks, etc.
• Assist with the development of virtual and (if allowed) in-person programming at the Sanctuary
• Completion of agreed upon intern project focused on self-guided and virtual experiences for visitors.
• Related duties will include:
  • Welcome and introduce visitors to the facilities, trails and exhibits at the Sanctuary.
  • Respond to questions from callers and visitors about Sanctuary programs, facilities, the Kellogg Biological Station and related questions.
  • Maintain merchandise displays including re-arranging, cleaning (light sweeping and dusting) and stocking as needed
  • Perform cash register operations and complete daily deposits

 

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!

See below for special internship opportunities at KBS with MSUE (Michigan State University Extension).  MSUE sponsored internships are FULL TIME (40 hrs/week), and you must apply using the position number through MSU’s Handshake.  If you would like to take a field course at KBS in conjunction with your MSUE internship, please visit our courses page to fill out an online course application!

 

TBA

Applications are open for Summer 2021 Internships.

Apply here!

What will you need?

• Ability to participate the entire program.
• A PDF of your current resume
• A PDF of your transcripts (unofficial is acceptable)
• A list of all college-level courses you have completed relevant to the internship you are applying for
• Contact information for at least one reference
• A statement of interest that highlights how this experience will enhance your learning and career goals
• Please DO NOT apply separately for KBS courses unless you intend to take courses at KBS even if your are not selected for the internship program.
• For non-MSU students: A personal identification number (PID) is required to complete this application. To obtain a PID, please visit: https://reg.msu.edu/ROInfo/EnrReg/LifelongEducation.aspx to become a Lifelong Learning Student, and a PID will be assigned to you.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 15 until March 15. However, we encourage students to apply as early as possible!

Applicants must be enrolled as college students during Spring/Summer 2021.  Preference for internship positions is given to MSU students, non-MSU students may be considered and can take their course requirement as a MSU LifeLong Learner.  Speak with your advisor about transferring course credits to your home institution.

Please contact the KBS Academic Programs Coordinator, Lindsey Kemmerling (KBSsummer@msu.edu), if you have a specific question about internships for Summer 2021. She can provide you with the most up to date information as things continue to change.