MATE Center’s Technical Internship Program

MATE Center’s Technical Internship Program

Why choose a Career in Marine Science and Technology?

• Ocean economy is 20% of the national economy AND 1 in every 6 jobs!

• Field is growing and there is a lack of qualified workers

• Acquire a fun, exciting, and well-paid job - Hydrographic survey technicians - Aquarists - Marine technicians - Ship engineers - ROV pilots - Marine engineers

And many more!!!

Why do an internship?

• Gain transferable skills

• Relevant experience is essential for finding a job after graduation

• More likely to get a satisfying job in your field of study

• Gain practical career experience (and have fun)

• Make an informed decision about your career

• Make connections to people in your field

At-sea Internships

• The MATE Center is currently recruiting students for positions on University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) or US Coast Guard research vessels

• Internships last for 1-10 weeks (usually in summer)

• $350/week stipend plus all travel costs are provided

Skills Interns Learn at Sea

• Learn how to maintain, operate, calibrate, and repair on-board equipment

• Collect atmospheric, geologic, physical and biological data used by research scientists

• Learn system administration and programming

Students getting hired!

• 2 interns in 2009 were hired by the ships on which they worked last summer!

• 3 others have reported possible job opportunities that have become available because of their internships

• NOTE: That is 5 out of 11 at-sea interns– almost half!

2009 intern survey results

• 100% feel the internship prepared them for future jobs in marine technology

• 100% said internship was a valuable learning experience

• 90% have increased confidence in working on technical problems

• 100% enjoyed working at sea

UNOLS interns have said:

• “This is definitely the greatest learning experience I have ever had!”

• “It made me realize I like the sea life and could be a technician.”

• “My internship was an exceptional experience…I learned a great deal about marine technology…definitely increased my interest in pursuing a career in marine technology…and the knowledge needed to pursue that career.”

UNOLS interns have said:

• I absolutely loved what we were doing everyday! I have always loved the research/sampling part of everything and this is exactly what it was! I now know that this is exactly what I want to do for a career.

How do you apply?• Interns are selected from across the country

• Preference is given to students in MATE partner colleges & technical community college programs– LIKE YOURS!!

• To apply (http://www.marinetech.org/careers/internships.php)– Complete an online application form– Submit:

• Cover letter • Resume • Transcripts (with proof of current enrollment)• Letter of recommendation

APPLICATIONS DUE March 22, 2010!!

HOW TO APPLY!

What happens next?

• Interns’ interests, knowledge, and skills are matched to employer requirements –MATE submits the most qualified

student applications to the technicians on the ships

–Technicians make the final decision

What if you are selected?• Enroll for cooperative work experience or

independent study credit at your school or Monterey Peninsula College

• Interns and mentors sign an agreement and develop a work plan

• Most internships are technical and work with:– Electronics – Data analysis– Chemistry – ROVs– Water quality– Geographical Information Systems (GIS)

– And more!

Where are MATE alumni now?

• Since 1999, 224 community college and university students have been placed in research vessels, labs and industry settings (133 were placed on UNOLS vessels)

• Approximately half of past interns work in the marine science and technology field today

• You can find more information on MATE Alumni on the MATE Internship website

Here are some examples of MATE Internship Program Alumni…

Stanford Leon & Angelo Luis Tavera

THEN: students at Monterey Peninsula College and Alvin Community College, MATE interns

NOW: ROV electronics repair and maintenance technicians at Oceaneering, International

Deborah Smith

THEN: Maine Maritime Academy student & MATE Intern in 2001

NOW: Marine Scientist / Hydrographer at Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)

Drew Cole

THEN: Honolulu Community College student, MATE/UNOLS intern in 2006

NOW: Marine Technician at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Questions???

• For more information, visit

http://www.marinetech.org/careers/internships.php

• Or contact the Internship Coordinator at: Tami Lunsford

302-731-3035

[email protected]

Internship Survey

• Please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/mate_internships to complete a short confidential survey on the MATE Internship Program.

• The MATE Center will ship a MATE laser pen to your presenter for each completed survey to thank you for your time.