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
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Internships are senior-level experiences, typically taken in your final year.
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If you want your internship to count as your capstone experience, you’ll need to register for:
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BSC 4944C – Senior Project I: Internship (2 cr)
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BSC 4911 – Senior Project II: Presentation (1 cr)
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Meet the Prerequisites
Before enrolling in BSC 4944C, you must complete at least one of the following:
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PCB 3023C – Cell Biology
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PCB 3043C – General Ecology
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PCB 3063C – Genetics
Identify an Internship Opportunity
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Look for opportunities on your own or with faculty help in:
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Research labs
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Wildlife or marine agencies
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Hospitals or medical offices (if pre-med)
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Environmental consulting firms
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Local non-profits
- For more information on internships, please check FGCU's Internships and Cooperative Programs
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The internship must include a clear biological or scientific component and a qualified site supervisor.
Secure a Faculty Mentor
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You must have a faculty mentor from the Department of Biological Sciences.
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They’ll help define your project goals, provide oversight, and guide your final presentation.
Get Department Approval
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For BSC 4940 (Internship in Biology) or BSC 4944C, you must obtain approval from the department chair.
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This ensures your experience meets academic standards and counts toward your degree.
Where to Look for Internships
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Talk to your professors — many involve students in their research or know local partners.
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Check with Career Development Services at FGCU.
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Ask your biology advisor (naturalsciences@fgcu.edu) for leads on biology-relevant internships.
Post-Internship Reflection