National Geographic Geography Intern Program, USA

National Geographic Geography Intern Program

The National Geographic Society established its Geography Intern Program in 1981 to furnish qualified students with a professional learning experience. Over 30 years later, more than 800 university and college juniors, seniors, and master’s students majoring in geography or cartography have participated in the program by interning on various projects aimed at the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge. 

The program is designed to give students an opportunity to apply knowledge and techniques learned in the classroom to practical publication procedures or other geographic outreach projects at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C.

What Does the Program Include?

The geography internship experience includes: 

• getting real-world work experience in one of the many National Geographic Society divisions

• experiencing National Geographic events, performances, and exhibits

• meeting National Geographic explorers, fellows, and photographers

• participating in career-oriented professional development offered on campus

• learning and working with other geography majors

• contributing to world-class programs, projects, and publications

Who is a Good Candidate?

Applicants for the Geography Intern Program should be:

• junior or senior undergraduates or graduate students majoring in geography or cartography at the time of application
• well-rounded students who have a breadth of interests and work experiences
• motivated students with excellent organizational and research skills, as well as strong attention to detail
• students who have effective written and oral communications skills 
• students who possess the professionalism needed to interact with all levels of management
• students with the capacity to work with minimal daily supervision

Application Requirements

Candidates must attach the following to the online application.

• A cover letter (200 words or less, please address to "To Whom it May Concern");
• A complete résumé that includes each of the following: the applicant’s extracurricular activities, awards and recognitions;  employment history; a list of specific skills such as software or language proficiencies; and other relevant information such as special interests, hobbies, and travel.
• A short essay (500 words or less) relating experiences that led the applicant to formal training in geography, stating his or her professional goals, and explaining why she or he wishes to participate in the National Geographic Geography Intern Program;
• Up-to-date unofficial college transcripts.

Additional Required Materials

Three letters of recommendation must be sent to geographyinterns@ngs.org prior to the application deadline from the following:

1. Applicant’s department chair or academic advisor,
2. Geography faculty member with whom the applicant has been associated, and;
3. One person of the applicant’s choice outside of the department (professional reference preferred).

This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

http://education.nationalgeographic.org/programs/ngs-geography-internship/