Internships

Internships give biology students real-world, hands-on experience in field, lab, clinical, or community-based settings. They help you:

  • Apply your biology knowledge in professional environments
  • Build skills in research, communication, and teamwork
  • Make connections for future employment or grad/professional school
  • Explore career paths before graduating

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Plan Ahead

  • Internships are senior-level experiences, typically taken in your final year.

  • If you want your internship to count as your capstone experience, you’ll need to register for:

    • BSC 4944C – Senior Project I: Internship (2 cr)

    • BSC 4911 – Senior Project II: Presentation (1 cr)

Meet the Prerequisites

Before enrolling in BSC 4944C, you must complete at least one of the following:

  • PCB 3023C – Cell Biology

  • PCB 3043C – General Ecology

  • PCB 3063C – Genetics

Identify an Internship Opportunity

  • Look for opportunities on your own or with faculty help in:

    • Research labs

    • Wildlife or marine agencies

    • Hospitals or medical offices (if pre-med)

    • Environmental consulting firms

    • Local non-profits

    • For more information on internships, please check FGCU's Internships and Cooperative Programs
  • The internship must include a clear biological or scientific component and a qualified site supervisor.

Secure a Faculty Mentor

  • You must have a faculty mentor from the Department of Biological Sciences.

  • They’ll help define your project goals, provide oversight, and guide your final presentation.

Get Department Approval

  • For BSC 4940 (Internship in Biology) or BSC 4944C, you must obtain approval from the department chair.

  • This ensures your experience meets academic standards and counts toward your degree.

Where to Look for Internships

  • Talk to your professors — many involve students in their research or know local partners.

  • Check with Career Development Services at FGCU.

  • Ask your biology advisor (naturalsciences@fgcu.edu) for leads on biology-relevant internships.

Post-Internship Reflection