March 1, 2025. The internship offers flexible durations, starting between late May and mid-June 2025 and concluding in August. It’s important to remember that this is an unpaid internship, and participants will need to arrange their own housing. However, it provides invaluable experience and the opportunity to earn academic credit, subject to your institution’s requirements.
Position Overview: Your Stepping Stone to an Aquarium Career
This internship serves as an immersive introduction to diverse educational programs within an aquarium setting. Interns will develop crucial skills essential for an aquarium career program, including enhancing their marine science knowledge, refining public speaking and presentation abilities, and gaining confidence in educating diverse age groups in informal learning environments. This hands-on experience is a significant step for anyone looking to build a career in aquarium education or related fields.
Responsibilities: Engaging and Educating Future Aquarium Enthusiasts
As a School Programs Intern, you will play a vital role in delivering engaging educational experiences. Your responsibilities include:
- Interactive Presentations: Captivate school-aged children with dynamic live animal presentations and hands-on activities both at the Aquarium and at various offsite locations such as schools, daycares, recreational centers, and libraries.
- Virtual Education Delivery: Extend your reach through virtual platforms, engaging students with live animal presentations, interactive discussions, stimulating Q&A sessions, and virtual tours of aquarium habitats.
- Program Development and Support: Collaborate closely with experienced education specialists on essential administrative tasks and special projects that underpin the school programming. This may involve contributing to the creation of innovative lesson plans and activities, managing inventory, organizing educational resources, and updating vital training materials.
Qualifications: Are You Ready for an Aquarium Career Program Internship?
The Virginia Aquarium is looking for enthusiastic individuals who possess:
- Passion for Science and Education: A genuine interest in science or education is fundamental.
- Physical Capability: The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is required for program activities.
- Interpersonal Skills: Comfort and confidence in interacting positively with both children and adults are essential.
- Communication Skills (Preferred): Prior experience in public speaking and customer service is advantageous.
Position Requirements: Developing Your Aquarium Career Skills
Interns will actively collaborate with the education team to hone their presentation skills, focusing on effectively delivering program components to school-aged audiences. Depending on individual intern objectives and interests, there may be opportunities to develop a specialized presentation or project, further enriching their aquarium career program experience.
Intern Learning Objectives: Building Blocks for Your Aquarium Career
The internship is structured to facilitate significant learning and professional development:
- Knowledge Acquisition: Deepen your understanding by reviewing comprehensive program outlines and detailed animal information.
- Skill Development: Enhance your practical skills by shadowing experienced education staff during actual programs.
- Practical Application: Gain hands-on experience and refine your teaching abilities by co-instructing programs alongside education professionals, improving your communication skills across all age groups.
Intern Schedule and Commitment: Plan Your Aquarium Career Internship
The majority of education programs are scheduled between Monday and Saturday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Flexibility is key, as some programs may require earlier starts for travel or are scheduled for late afternoons. Interns need to have a flexible schedule to accommodate the varied program timings throughout the summer. A minimum commitment of 100 hours is required for this internship. The total hours can be tailored to align with the intern’s specific objectives and any academic credit requirements from their educational institution, making it a valuable component of any aquarium career program.
Internship Supervision and Location: Your Aquarium Career Program Mentorship
You will be directly supervised and mentored by the Virginia Aquarium’s School and Youth Programs Specialist, providing expert guidance and support throughout your internship. The work location will encompass the Virginia Aquarium’s Main Building, South Building, and potentially various off-site locations, offering a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Application Requirements: Take the First Step Towards Your Aquarium Career
To apply for this exciting School Programs Internship and take a significant step in your aquarium career program, a complete application packet is required. Only complete applications will be considered. Please ensure your packet includes:
- Cover Letter: Detailing how this internship experience will contribute to your career aspirations and academic goals.
- Letters of Recommendation: Submit two letters of recommendation, with one being from an academic reference.
- Resume: A current resume outlining your relevant experience and skills.
- College Transcript(s): Your official or unofficial college transcript(s).
Completed Application Submission: Apply Now for Your Aquarium Career Program Internship
Submit your completed application packet via email to [email protected], and copy [email protected] and [email protected]. Please use the subject line: “School Programs Intern Application Packet”.
Alternatively, you can mail your application packet to:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Attn: Volunteer Engagement – Intern Applicant
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience and propel your aquarium career program forward at the Virginia Aquarium!
