How to Apply For an Internship in Environmental Engineering
If you’re planning to pursue a career in environmental engineering, an internship is a perfect way to get hands-on experience. You can find internships through public agencies or construction firms, and they can be virtual or in-person. For more information on how to apply for an internship, read on! BS or MS degree in Environmental Engineering is required. You can work with private companies or nonprofits to gain hands-on experience in environmental engineering.
Internships in environmental engineering can provide practical experience
If you are pursuing a degree in environmental engineering, an internship may be right for you. Environmental engineers work on projects that affect water resources, energy, transportation, and infrastructure. Other environmental engineering internships may work on national resources, infill projects, and urban development. These internships require a Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering or a related field. Typically, internship duties include trash assessment and data collection.
An environmental engineering internship may include working with government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits on projects related to water pollution or climate change. For example, you could help develop documentation for a Zero Waste Certification or ISO 14001 type certification. You could also work with a plant manager to develop preventative programs that will help the company achieve its goals while minimizing its environmental impact. While this internship might be time-consuming, it will help you gain practical experience and help you prepare for an entry-level position.
In addition to providing valuable hands-on experience, an internship in environmental engineering can help you decide which field you want to pursue. For example, an intern who focuses on marine law may want to specialize in the maritime industry, while an environmental engineering major might decide to focus on a career in public health. For example, an intern focusing on water quality management might decide to take extra chemistry and engineering classes, as well as work with other students.
While you can create your own internship in environmental engineering, you may need to get in touch with employers who are interested in your skills and interests. You can also approach the school office for suggestions. If you are required to complete an internship as part of your degree, you may have to find one through your school. Alternatively, your school’s department might have an internship program that requires all students to participate. If it doesn’t, a department can also pursue a new company and maintain contact with you in the future.
They can be virtual or in-person
The main difference between virtual internships and in-person internships is the extent to which they are interactive. Virtual internships offer students the opportunity to collaborate with experts in the field from the comfort of their own homes. They are an excellent way to learn about a field of study while developing valuable skills. They can also serve as a great way to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in ecology.
During the summer of 2018, SERC extended its internship program to support five students who were already in the field. These students were able to participate in research that would allow them to work part-time while still completing their thesis projects. The SERC plans to offer virtual and hybrid internships again in 2020. And in the meantime, there are a number of opportunities in environmental engineering. In addition to the traditional internship, interns can also complete research projects that would benefit the environment.
When choosing a virtual internship, consider the time it will take to complete your project. Many projects focus on technical techniques and methods of environmental science, but a virtual internship can highlight other kinds of projects that are equally as valuable. You can choose a project that combines technical skills with creative problem-solving. In the virtual environment, students can also focus on projects related to environmental health, such as studying how to make water cleaner or reducing the number of invasive species.
While the majority of EPA internships are in-person, some are virtual. Virtual interns at the DOE office may complete coursework in a course in environmental science. In-person internships may also be available in Michigan. In the case of a full-time internship in Michigan, you can choose an educational or research project in your chosen field of study. Your project may involve data analysis, mapping, journalism, or any other project related to the environment.
They require a Bachelor’s or MS degree
Graduate programs in environmental engineering typically require more education and experience than a Bachelor’s degree program. Requirements for admission may vary significantly from school to school, as some require years of experience and some admit students fresh out of their undergraduate programs. Many states have licensing requirements for environmental engineers, so it’s important to research each state’s requirements before applying for a master’s degree program.
The total cost of tuition and fees for an environmental engineering Bachelor’s degree program is approximately $16,647. Tuition rates can vary, depending on the university and program you choose. Tuition costs are also dependent on whether you are studying in-state or out-of-state. If you can’t afford school, you may qualify for financial aid, which will reduce or cover the entire cost of your education.
Most people start their careers as environmental engineers after earning a Bachelor’s degree. Environmental engineering programs usually combine classroom education with laboratory projects and field studies to provide real-world engineering experience. Students also often gain real-world work experience through internships, which is invaluable for those who plan to practice in the field. Accredited programs are also flexible, and you can pursue them on campus or online. Many online environmental engineering programs fulfill practical requirements in your community.
Many of the higher-level positions in environmental engineering require a master’s degree. Graduate programs will help you specialize in a specific area. These programs typically last two years and are heavily grounded in environmental research and engineering execution. It’s important to consider the accreditation requirements for these programs. You may also consider pursuing an advanced degree in environmental engineering if you already have a Bachelor’s degree.
They can be at construction firms or public agencies
Students interested in environmental engineering may want to consider an internship in a construction firm or a public agency. Depending on the company, the internship may focus on a specific problem area. For example, spill prevention and response projects require different skills than wastewater treatment projects. Environmental engineers may also seek related internships to expand their knowledge and experience in related fields. Here are a few examples of positions available at a construction firm or agency.
An environmental engineering internship at a construction firm or public agency may require students to collect data or help with research. This can include analyzing land use applications, creating staff reports, or assisting with on-site community engagement. In a research firm, students will help collect stream water samples, maintain field instruments, and contribute to reports. They will also have the opportunity to work closely with senior engineers and gain valuable cross-training in environmental science and engineering.
Interns in this field often earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or environmental science, but environmental engineering internships are less common among students pursuing a civil engineering degree. Many companies provide internship opportunities to students with relevant degrees. For example, Exelon, Tetra Tech, and Bowman Consulting Group all have several openings for environmental engineering internships. While these positions are typically unpaid, they can be beneficial stepping stones for a future career.
Other environmental engineering internship opportunities may be at government and nonprofit organizations. AECOM, for example, is seeking a highly motivated Environmental Engineering Intern. The company is seeking candidates with leadership skills, impact, and decisiveness. The company is looking for individuals with the ability to be positive role models for students and the community. They are willing to train you on environmental issues and solve challenges. You may want to apply to several different companies if you are interested in an internship with AECOM.
They pay more than waste management specialists
Waste management specialists have a high-paying career, with salaries ranging from $89,000 to $114,000 per year. Environmental engineers are in demand for a variety of reasons, including improving the environment and protecting the planet. These professionals perform a variety of tasks, including monitoring the environment to ensure that wastewater treatment facilities are up to par. Waste management specialists may specialize in a variety of fields, including hazardous waste management, sewage treatment, and water treatment.
Environmental engineers study environmental problems, including climate change and acid rain. They also evaluate and analyze the significance of environmental issues, such as deforestation and climate change. In addition, environmental engineers design municipal water supplies and industrial wastewater treatment systems. Environmental engineers also work in government, developing regulations to reduce pollution and protect public health. They also perform research to determine the effects of construction projects. In addition to research and design, environmental engineers work with other professionals, such as lawyers and urban planners, to address environmental sustainability.
The number of environmental engineers in the U.S. is expected to grow only modestly, with only a 4% annual increase. However, the number of openings will increase as the federal government focuses on the clean-up of contaminated sites. Shale gas drilling in areas with high rates of water pollution and wastewater treatment is also becoming a concern. Therefore, environmental engineers are in high demand.