Student Internships

What student opportunities exist at Community Geography?

There are a number of ways for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved. Prospective and current graduate students can find information on the Graduate Research Assistantship in Community Geography here. Undergraduates can apply for a variety of internships. Internships can be paid positions or used to earn course credit. SU undergrads can also fulfill service learning requirements with SCG internships.

How do I apply for a Community Geography internship or volunteer position?

First, complete an Inquiry Form to let us know you’re interested to intern or volunteer. We will review your inquiry and follow up with you if your skills and experience match with our current projects and vacancies. If we have an opportunity that we think will be right for you, we will send you an application package and ask you to come in for an interview.

I’ve completed the Inquiry Form. What happens next?

By submitting an Inquiry Form, you’ve let us know you’re interested to intern or volunteer. We will review your inquiry and follow up with you if your skills and experience match with our current projects and vacancies. If we have an opportunity that we think will be right for you, we will send you an application package and ask you to come in for an interview.

How do I apply for a Community Geography Graduate Research Assistant Position?

New graduate students should apply through the normal application process as indicated on the Geography Department’s web page at www.maxwell.syr.edu/geo_graduate.aspx. On page 4 of the application form, indicate that you would like to be considered for “Other” financial support and enter “Community Geography Assistantship” in the space provided. Note that you may check all those that apply in addition to the Community Geography Assistantship. Current graduate students should complete an inquiry form.

Are there summer or temporary internship/volunteer positions available at Community Geography?

Ideally, our interns will be able to commit at least one academic year to the program and will begin in their sophomore or junior year. At a minimum, we ask for a one-semester commitment. During the academic year, student interns work approximately 15 hours per week. Summer interns can work up to 35 hours per week.

What kind of work do interns do at Community Geography?

Interns at Community Geography support a wide variety of projects and activities. Responsibilities may involve meeting with community partners, creating maps using GIS software, conducting qualitative and archival research, web design and creating workshop materials. Tasks will vary according to project needs and individual students’ skillsets. See our Student pages for examples of work that student interns have been involved with in the past.

Are interns required to have a background in geography?

No, student interns are not required to be a geography major, nor are they expected to have a background in geography. Many of our interns come from policy studies, environmental sciences, public health, social work, journalism, and other diverse fields. Experience using GIS software is a beneficial skill for prospective applicants but not required.

How do I know if I qualify for an internship?

Qualified applicants will have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate good research and writing skills, be well-organized, attentive to detail, and simultaneously work well independently and as part of a team. Since many of our projects involve mapping and spatial analysis, experience using GIS software is helpful and students with GIS experience are given preference.

How do interns at Community Geography get paid?

Paid internships at SCG are compensated at an hourly rate; student interns do not receive a stipend. SCG is able to accept work-study students.

Can I earn course credit while interning with Community Geography?

Yes. Student interns are able to earn course credit while working with Community Geography by registering for “experience credit” (GEO 270 or 490). There is a minimum commitment of 10 hours weekly or 150 hours each semester.

Where is Community Geography Located?

We are located at 215 Crouse-Hinds Hall on the Syracuse University Campus.