Internship FAQ

An internship gives you hands-on experience, allowing you to develop research and problem-solving skills while expanding your professional competence and professional network.

An off-campus internship emphasizes professional application of the concepts and principles learned as part of a biology program. A student has responsibilities in a laboratory, private firm, not-for-profit organization, or government agency. The student works on a specific project under the direct supervision of an employer-supervisor and/or faculty internship coordinator. Read more about internships for Calvin students >>

Do all biology students need to do internships?

No. However, some internships may be able to be performed in conjunction with BIOL 385 to count as an upper-level elective in your biology major.

Do all internships qualify for BIOL 385 credit towards a biology major?

No. First, internships only qualify for BIOL 385 credit if arrangements are made before the start of your internship. Secondly, the nature of the internship itself will dictate whether or not it is appropriate to qualify for advanced biology credit. Contact the Biology Department internship coordinator if you are interested in seeing if your internship may qualify.

How many credits can I earn for BIOL 385?

You can enroll in BIOL 385 for 0, 1, or 2 credits. The number of credits earned for an internship should correlate with the number of hours spent at the internship. Students should expect to work a minimum of 50 total hours per credit hour earned.

When can I do an internship?

Most internships will likely be completed as full-time jobs during the summer. In these cases, students would typically enroll in BIOL 385 during the fall semester immediately following the internship, when the student would work to complete all required assignments. Some students may do internships on a part-time basis during the academic year, when students would register for the desired number of credit hours during the semester(s) of the internship. Registering for BIOL 385 during the summer is also possible, but this requires an additional tuition payment on a per credit basis.

Should I try for an off-campus internship or an on-campus research fellowship?

You should apply to multiple programs. These positions are highly competitive, as there will be many good applicants for each position. Both on-campus and off-campus options can provide a valuable research experience for you. If you live outside of West Michigan, an internship near your home may be a great option for you. If your scientific interests align well with one of the Calvin professors, be sure to have conversations with him/her throughout the year. Ask about next summer's project, and suggest how you could see yourself contributing to that research. Your professors and advisor may also have connections with alumni or scientists working in a field that you are interested in. Take advantage of any networking opportunities that you have.

What does an internship application involve?

Before you begin, carefully read through all of the information provided by the institution to which you are applying. If you want to increase your chances of success, submit your application early--do not wait until the last minute! Before you submit the application, be sure that it is grammatically perfect, clearly expressed, and well-organized. Be sure that the contact information you provide is accurate and professional. For example, do not use crazy email addresses or leave unprofessional voicemail greetings on your cell phone. The cover letter is the most important part of your application. Scientists will be reading your cover letter to get a sense of your goals and preparation to be successful contributors to their research. Your goal is to introduce yourself, describe your scientific and research interests, and talk about your long-term goals. Explain why you are applying for a summer internship and how you have prepared for the experience. Provide some detail about the type of research you would like to do, what areas of science you wish to explore, and be clear about your previous relevant experiences. Proofread your cover letter, and have a supportive professor read it for you to provide feedback. Be complete but concise. Your cover letter should not be longer than one page. Three clear paragraphs are all that will be needed at this stage in your career. Your resume should be a concise record of your educational history. It should contain the following: (1) contact information, (2) school attended with dates and degrees received, (3) honors and awards, (4) work experience, (5) research experience, (6) volunteer experience, and (7) leadership experience. You may not have a long list of experiences at this point, but the quality of the experiences that you have had will be important. You will be asked to submit the names of professors and mentors as references who will be contacted and asked to submit a recommendation. Never put someone's name down without talking to them first and asking them to write a supportive letter. Be sure they know the deadline for your application. The recommendation letter should address your scientific knowledge base and relevant personal traits, such as your rhetorical and problem-solving skills. Think about who could write you strong letters of support as you progress through your courses at Calvin. This will help you develop a network of mentors who can discuss your experiences and traits, so that whenever you need a letter, you will not have trouble finding someone to support you. Follow up with your recommenders to be sure they have completed and submitted your recommendations on time. You will also need to submit a record of your courses and grades. List all of your courses, including those you are currently in. Make your list well-organized and easy to read.

Is it a good idea to send an email to the scientist with whom I hope to intern?

Personal communication with the scientists or primary investigators whose research interests you can be valuable. Send them short emails introducing yourself, state that you applied to their internship programs, and explain why you are interested in working in their research groups for the summer. Ask them to take a look at your application and contact you for an interview.

How do I prepare for an interview?

Read more about the research project that you are applying to work on, and practice talking about yourself. Be prepared to ask the researchers what they expect from summer interns and how you can best prepare for the experience.

Are housing and transportation provided if I get an off-campus internship?

For many off-campus internships, housing is either provided or subsidized. Dorm rooms or apartments are often available on the host campus for summer interns. Each situation will be unique, but the housing issue is usually addressed on the website for the internship application. Some internships also include a travel allowance to help with your transportation to the research site.

Where have Calvin biology students done internships in the past?

We typically have 6–12 biology students doing off-campus internships each summer. They have worked at many different institutions and had a wide variety of experiences. In recent years, students have worked at Michigan State University, the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan, the University of Notre Dame, the Van Andel Institute, Wayne State University, and many others.

Once I get accepted, what do I need to do?

First, contact the Biology Department internship coordinator to discuss the details of your position and formalize the requirements for earning credit for it. Then, you will need to complete the BIOL 385 enrollment form and submit it to the Biology Department internship coordinator, who will submit it to the registrar to formally enroll you in BIOL 385 during the appropriate term.