Professional experience

Gain volunteer workplace experience alongside your studies

Put your academic foundations to use with the Faculty of Science and Engineering Internship Program.

This internship is available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Environmental Science, the Bachelor of Marine Science and Management, and the Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Marine Science and Management combined degree. This eight-week volunteer placement is held from November through to February, however, alternative times can be arranged if necessary.

Enrol in this program to gain industry experience in organisations across the environmental science spectrum including local, state and federal government agencies, non-government organisations, private consultancies, and business enterprises throughout Australia and overseas.

Student eligibility and selection

You will become eligible for this program towards the end of your second year of full-time study. It can be done throughout Australia due to the competitive nature of the program. Your successful entry into the program will rely on the quality of your application, your academic record and a short interview. You also have the opportunity to arrange your own internship with prior approval from the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

“The internship has allowed me to make the transition from uni to work and to settle in to my new job. It has given me a taste of what I am going to be doing.”

Daniel Reinhard Internship with a mining company in the Northern Territory
Bachelor of Science

“I think a massive thing that I found very useful was all the group work throughout my study at Southern Cross University. It helped me feel comfortable in a group situation.”

Mitchell McGrath Internship with Wyong Shire Council working with Environmental Health Officers

Benefits for our students

The Internship Program will provide you with eight weeks of volunteer work placement as well as course credit. Prepare yourself for the workforce and grow connections for full-time employment after graduation with real-world experience. This internship will not only help you put the skills you gained in the classroom to the test, you will also be in direct contact with natural resource management professionals and organisations, as well as potential future employers. As well, you’ll gain valuable experience for the future by preparing job applications and undertaking interview training.

Benefits for the host agency

Our Internship Program is full of highly motivated and semi-qualified prospective employees ready to make connections and gain experience in your industry. The program brings together employers and volunteer Southern Cross University students to develop trial studies, undertake research and conduct a feasibility study. Take advantage of access to university resources including library material/equipment, archives and staff expertise, as well as providing new opportunities for networking with academics, researchers and consultants. Partnering with the Faculty of Science and Engineering in the long-term can give your organisation the opportunity to work with possible future employees too.

“The internship has opened up a whole new chapter for me. Thank you for the amazing experience and this opportunity will open more doors in the future for my career." Shay-Maree Young, a Marine Science and Management student, who undertook her work experience at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort on the Great Barrier Reef.”

Shay-Maree Young Work experience at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort on the Great Barrier Reef