GenSea INTERNSHIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We strongly suggest you read through the following questions before filling out a GenSea internship application. Applications are now closed for summer 2025 internships, but this is still a good place to get ready for next year!

What hours will I be working? Each site will set its own specific hours, but students will not work more than 19 hours per week, typically during regular (M-F) office hours. Most sites try to work around student schedules/obligations if possible, but some have more strict work time frames than others. All sites will honor the July 4 holiday.

What internships are available?

  • Coastal Restoration & Research*, Mississippi State University CREC (Biloxi, MS), June & July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will work with the Coastal Restoration & Conservation Program on research and extension projects related to community resilience, marine debris, and litter.

  • Environmental Education*, Pascagoula River Audubon Center (Moss Point, MS), June & July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will assist with visitor services operations and summer camp counseling.

  • Marine Education*, Mississippi Aquarium (Gulfport, MS), June & July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will assist aquarium education staff in leading and organizing summer camp activities.

  • Fisheries Ecology*, USM GCRL Halstead (Ocean Springs, MS), June & July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will study endangered Gulf Sturgeon in the lab and track them in the wild.

  • Marine Aquaculture, Finfish and Live feeds, USM GCRL Cedar Point (Ocean Springs, MS), June, 4 weeks: 6/2/25 - 6/27/25: Interns will participate in the growth and maintenance of Gulf of Mexico fish species at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.

  • Marine Aquaculture*, Oysters, USM GCRL Cedar Point, Halstead, June & July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will participate in the growth and maintenance of oysters at the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center.

  • Hydrography* & Autonomous Surface Vehicles, USM Gulf Park (Long Beach, MS) & Stennis (Kiln, MS), June, 4 weeks: 6/2/25 - 6/27/25: Interns will learn how to use robotic equipment for the purpose of underwater map making.

  • Interdisciplinary Oceanography*, Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVO) - Stennis (Kiln, MS), June, 4 weeks: 6/2/25 - 6/27/25: Interns will assist Naval scientists and engineers on several exciting projects, including work in meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, acoustics, geology, computer science, information technology, and engineering.

  • Computer Ocean Modeling, USM Department of Marine Science - Stennis ((Kiln, MS), June & July, 4 weeks: 6/16/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will participate in computer modeling applications to study interactions of waves, currents, sediment transport, and atmosphere and to create ocean model products with observational systems such as autonomous underwater and surface vehicles.

  • Coastal Geology*, USM Department of Marine Science - Stennis ((Kiln, MS), June + July, 6 weeks: 6/2/25 - 7/11/25: Interns will have the opportunity to combine coastal geology with innovative 3D printing technology, working alongside geologists to study coastal geomorphology, sediment dynamics, and shoreline changes, using data from real-world coastal environments.

  • Oyster Farming*, French Hermit Oyster Company (Biloxi, MS), June, 4 weeks: 6/2/25 - 6/27/25: Interns will assist local off-bottom oyster farmers grow delicious Gulf Oysters in the waters surrounding Deer Island for harvest and sale to local seafood vendors.

    *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
Interdisciplinary Oceanography (NAVO, Stennis Space Center, Kiln, MS)
Coastal Geology (USM DMS, Stennis Space Center, Kiln, MS) Ocean Modeling & Engineering (USM DMS, Stennis Space Center, Kiln, MS)
HARRISON COUNTY
Hydrography (USM Gulf Park Campus, Long Beach, MS)
Coastal Restoration & Research (MSU CREC, Biloxi, MS)
Oyster Farming (French Hermit Oyster Co., Biloxi, MS) Marine Education (Mississippi Aquarium, Gulfport, MS)
JACKSON COUNTY
Fisheries Ecology (USM GCRL Halstead Campus, Ocean Springs, MS)
Environmental Education (Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Moss Point, MS)
Aquaculture - Fin fish (USM GCRL Cedar Point, Ocean Springs, MS)
Aquaculture - Oysters (USM GCRL Cedar Point, Ocean Springs, MS)

Do I have to complete every section of the application? Yes,every section must be filled in to turn in the application. GenSea reviewers will assign a numerical score based on the quality of the responses. Finally, while we encourage you to let a teacher or parent proofread your work, you will sign a statement at the end of the application saying that each response was written solely by you and not another person or AI tool.

How are interns placed at sites?
Applications will be evaluated by a review panel 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.

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 is a resume and how do I put one together? This application requires a resume, which is a document describing your education, experience, and relevant skills used when job-seeking. If you do not have one already, we suggest using an online guide, video tutorial, or template to help put yours together. School teachers and counselors can offer suggestions as well.

What are next steps in the selection process?
We ask applicants to please respond to all communication from the GenSea program within 24-hours. After our review panel numerically scores all applications that come in, we may contact interns to schedule an up to 30-minute Zoom interview. We will notify applicants of selection status by email once we have completed the selection process.

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.

How far a drive is it to the internships?
The Mississippi Coast is 60 miles long, so some of these sites are quite a drive, depending on where you live. It takes about an hour and a half to get from state line to state line. We’ve created a chart to help you gauge distances to various internship sites.