FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What internships are available?
Coastal Restoration Outreach & Extension*, Mississippi State University CREC, June: Interns will work with the Coastal Restoration & Conservation Program on research and extension projects related to community resilience, marine debris, and litter.
Environmental Education*, Gulf Islands National Seashore, June & July: Interns will assist with visitor services operations at the Staff Visitor Center at the Davis Bayou Area and Fort Massachusetts at Ship Island.
Fisheries Ecology* and Movement, GCRL Halstead, June: Interns will study endangered Gulf Sturgeon in the lab and track them in the wild.
Marine Aquaculture: Finfish and Live feeds, GCRL Cedar Point, June: Interns will participate in the growth and maintenance of Gulf of Mexico fish species at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.
Marine Aquaculture*: Oysters, GCRL Cedar Point, Halstead, June: Interns will participate in the growth and maintenance of oysters at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.
Hydrography* & Autonomous Surface Vehicles, Gulf Park & Stennis, June: Interns will learn how to use robotic equipment for the purpose of underwater map making.
Ocean Engineering (Integration of LiDAR into a AUV), Stennis, June & July: Interns will work with Dr. Nootz on design improvements to the uncrewed robotic system Iver.
*Interns at these sites will have opportunities to work on or near the water.
Where are the internships located?
Note: Selected interns are responsible for securing their own transportation.
HANCOCK COUNTY
Ocean Engineering (Stennis Space Center, Kiln, MS)
HARRISON COUNTY
Hydrography (USM Gulf Park Campus, Long Beach, MS)
Coastal Restoration Outreach & Extension (MSU CREC, Biloxi, MS)
JACKSON COUNTY
Fisheries Ecology (USM GCRL Halstead Campus, Ocean Springs, MS)
Environmental Education (Gulf Islands National Seashore, Ocean Springs, MS)
Aquaculture - finfish (USM GCRL Cedar Point, Ocean Springs, MS)
Aquaculture - oysters (USM GCRL Cedar Point, Ocean Springs, MS)
Who should I ask to be my references?
References may not be adults who are related to applicants. References should be individuals who can best speak to your qualifications for the specific position you are seeking to procure. Think carefully about who can speak convincingly about your many skills and talents! Teachers, coaches, community leaders, and mentors all make great references for the GenSea internship program. Past or current workplace supervisors are also wonderful references.
Note: References will be contacted.
What are next steps in the selection process?
We ask applicants to please respond to all communication from the GenSea program within 24-hours. We may contact interns to schedule an up to 30-minute Zoom interview. We will notify applicants of selection status by email by the end of February 2024.
How are interns placed at sites?
Applications will be evaluated based upon academic performance, interest in the blue economy, experience outside of the classroom, ability to travel to internship site, and application volume. While we will make every effort to place selected applicants in their preferred site, please note that accepted applicants may be placed at a second or third selected site.
Is housing and/or transportation provided?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide housing or transportation for this program. Accepted interns will be responsible for arranging travel to and from their assigned site.
What should I wear during my internship?
Each site and specific activities may have different dress code requirements. In general, accepted interns need to be prepared to wear closed toe shoes and business casual attire. Some positions will require students to complete field work, so clothes that are suitable for the outdoors will be required. Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and other sun protection will be useful.
Are there training requirements?
Each site has different safety training requirements, which students will complete as soon as their internship begins.
How do I get paid?
GenSea interns will be evaluated by Blue Economy Mentors and/or GenSea program staff at the conclusion of their internship experience. Once an intern’s evaluation is complete, students will be mailed a financial award. 4-week placements will be awarded $1,000 and 6-week placements will be awarded $1,500. Please note that these awards are based upon performance and may be voided or scaled if an intern does not successfully meet program expectations. Financial awards may take up to 1 month after completion of the internship to be processed and will be mailed to the address given on tax identification unless otherwise instructed. Interns will also be required to submit weekly time cards.
Additional information: surveys and evaluation
All GenSea interns will work with GenSea staff to complete ongoing placement evaluation,including but not limited to site visits, surveys (interns are required to respond to GenSea staff within 24-hours of received communication), and additional activities. GenSea interns will be asked to complete weekly reflections as a part of this process.
