This internship gives undergraduates hands-on experience in science communication and digital media. Interns will help spotlight the research happening across ALE by interviewing faculty and students, producing short videos and blog-style writeups, and creating engaging social media content for public outreach.

Interns will:

  • Interview faculty, grad students, and undergrads
  • Summarize research in clear, accessible language
  • Create videos, blog posts, and social media content
  • Learn to communicate science for real audiences

Enrollment & Credit Guidelines

  • Students must register for ALE 2991 during the same semester they complete the internship, including summer.
  • Credit is based on workload:
  • 1 credit = ~40 hours
  • 2 credits = ~80 hours
  • 3 credits = ~120 hours
  • Students may earn up to 3 credits/semester, and a maximum of 15 internship credits total.
  • Summer internships require tuition payment, as with any UVM summer course.
  • Internship available Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters.

Learning Contract & Evaluation

Before starting (or no later than the add/drop deadline), students must submit a Learning Contract that outlines:

  • Learning goals
  • Work plan and schedule
  • Planned outputs (videos, posts, etc.)

Internship requirements include:

  • Weekly journal reflections
  • Mid-semester check-in
  • Final presentation or portfolio
  • Supervisor evaluation

Getting Started

  • Schedule a brief meeting
  • Define your:
    • Learning goals
    • Weekly time commitment
    • Expected deliverables
  • Request instructor permission to enroll in ALE 2991.

Internship Structure

  • Most projects are student-driven, with flexible hours and regular check-ins.
  • Activities may include:
  • Interviewing researchers
  • Writing research highlights
  • Producing short videos
  • Running department social media
  • Supporting classroom or outreach efforts
  • Internships are typically unpaid, but:
  • Federal Work-Study funding may apply if eligible
  • Paid roles may occasionally be available through grants

Roles & Responsibilities

  • Coordinate with supervisor to define goals and scope
  • Complete paperwork and enroll
  • Log hours and submit journal reflections
  • Deliver final materials and participate in evaluations

Additional Notes

  • Internships are tailored to each student’s interests and strengths.
  • Some roles may involve occasional travel or flexible scheduling (e.g., early mornings, weekends).
  • Students are expected to be motivated, communicative, and reliable, especially in self-guided roles.

Updated: