WLW ECOS Internship Program

The WLW-ECOS Internship program provides College of Science undergraduate students with real-world experience working at approved non-profit and governmental environmental organizations. This paid internship program enables students to apply their academic knowledge in professional settings while building valuable skills and connections in the environmental field. Internships may be in-person, remote, or hybrid, and students may work successively at different organizations.

• Eligibility for students:
  • Full-time degree-seeking College of Science student; Non-COS students are ineligible
  • Junior or senior status
  • Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Eligibility for employers:
  • Limited to approved non-profit and governmental environmental organizations
  • FAU-related organizations (e.g. The Invading Sea) are ineligible
• Application Requirements
  • Personal statement or cover letter (500-word limit each) describing:
    • Your completed environmental science coursework and relevant volunteer, research, and work experience,
    • The impact you would like to make in your career, and
    • An obstacle and how you overcame it
  • Faculty letter of recommendation
  • Resume with relevant experience
  • FAU transcript
• Additional information:
  • Must complete internship course (IDS 3941 or IDS 3949) course during first semester of internship
  • Compensation: $22 per hour (maximum $7,500 per student)
  • Additional Support: Reimbursement for commuting costs may be available at the discretion of the program administrator

WLW Arts Internship Program

• Eligibility for students:
  • Open to undergraduate students and graduate students
  • Students must have completed at least 50% of coursework and declared a major in the Dorothy F. Schimdt College of Arts and Letters to be eligible.
• Eligibility for employers
  • Employers must be non-profit organizations with a focus in the arts
  • Employers will need to be reviewed and approved by the academic department before being considered for participation.
• How to apply for internships
  • Internships will be posted through Handshake.
  • Students who meet the eligibility requirements will have their resume forwarded to the hiring organization for review.
• Additional information:
  • Compensation: $18/hour for undergraduates, $20/hour for graduate students. $7,500 lifetime maximum per student, whether in one semester or spread over several. Travel expenses do not count towards total.
  • Travel expenses may be covered by the program according to the gift agreement (Director’s discretion)

Government and Non-profit Internship Program (Civic Owls)

• Eligibility for Students: Open to all juniors or seniors with 60+ completed credits. Current FAU student employees may not be eligible due to maximum hour limitations. Students must be actively enrolled during the semester they are interning.
• Graduating Seniors (e.g., graduating in December cannot participate in the following spring), master's, Ph.D. And alumni are not currently eligible for this program.
• Eligibility for employers: Local government and non-profit internship employers that have the capacity to recruit 1-2 interns (or more) and don’t currently have a budget for interns.
• How to apply for internships: For information on how to apply to this program, please email the Career Center at intern@fau.eduor schedule an appointment through Handshake.
• Additional information:
  • Compensation: $20/hour, up to 20 hours per week for a duration of 16 weeks.
  • Work Environment: On-site only — remote or hybrid arrangements are not permitted.
  • Role Alignment: Positions must be directly tied to local government functions or agencies and non-profit organizations.
  • Academic Expectations: Students will be required to register for an internship course (Ex: the Professional Internship course (IDS 3949) or a departmental internship course) while completing the internship. Through IDS 3949, students are eligible to earn anywhere from 0 to 4 credits for their experience, depending on their interest and credit hour capacity.
  • Program Logistics
    • The semester prior to the internship, the Career Center will host a one-day recruitment event designed to connect Florida Atlantic University students with local government and non-profit agencies across South Florida. Hosted on campus, the event will bring together students interested in public service careers and representatives from non-profit, city, county, and regional agencies for a day of on-site interviews, networking, and career exploration. Through this immersive experience, students gain direct access to internship opportunities, while agencies engage with a pool of emerging talent committed to civic leadership and community impact.
    • 1-2 months prior to the start of the internship, organizations will conduct student interviews to match talent with available opportunities and work with the Career Center to onboard students.
    • Before the internship begins, the Career Center will host an on-campus training and orientation for students to learn how to maximize the internship experience. The training will cover what to do before, during, and after the internship.
    • Students will work 16 weeks during the semester in which they are hired. Positions should not extend into future semesters without prior consultation with the Career Center.
    • Academic Expectations: Students will be required to register for an internship course (Ex, the Professional Internship course (IDS 3949) or a departmental internship course) while completing the internship. Through IDS 3949, students are eligible to earn anywhere between 0 and 4 credits for their experience, depending on the student’s interest and credit hour capacity.

FFLIP (Florida Legislative Internship Program (FFLIP)

FFLIP provides an opportunity for students to experience first-hand how public policy is developed and participate in the legislative process, while gaining full-time internship experience and course credit hours. Interns who are admitted to the program will work for an assigned Senator or Representative in the Florida State Legislature and learn about the role and responsibilities of elected officials and the broader environment in which they work. Students selected for the internship will move to Tallahassee for the 60-day Legislative Session and are expected to report to their assigned legislator’s office in the State Capitol. The Legislative Session takes place during Spring semester each year.

During their time at the State Capitol, interns will gain knowledge of how state government and the legislative process works while making lifelong career contacts and friendships.

• Official name of the program: FAU Florida Legislative Internship Program (FFLIP)
• Eligibility for Students (Florida Legislative Internship Program):
  • Enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at Florida Atlantic University.
  • Minimum required cumulative GPA is 3.25.
  • Completion of 30 credit hours required at the time of application (60 credit hours preferred).
  • One previous internship experience, or the equivalent such as employment or volunteering.
  • Interest in, or knowledge of, the legislative process.
  • Ability to operate a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to be detail oriented without losing sight of the big picture.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective communicator orally and in writing.
  • Professional and collegial manner with a wide range of individuals.
  • Ability to accomplish goals independently in fast paced and highly visible environments.
  • Ability to travel to and from Tallahassee, Florida.
• Eligibility for employers:
  • Be a Senator or Representative in the Florida State Legislature.
• How to apply for internships (Florida Legislative Internship Program)
  • All majors are welcome to apply.
  • Application completed and submitted in Handshake with all supporting documents by the deadline of mid-October.
  • Two reference rating forms must be completed and one must be from a faculty member.
  • Resume uploaded in Handshake in PDF format.
  • Current unofficial transcript uploaded in Handshake.
  • Academic Completion Form signed by Academic Advisor and uploaded to Handshake.
  • Personal Statement in PDF form that addresses the following questions in 500 words or less:
    • Why would you like to serve as a Legislative Intern?
    • What related internship or professional experience do yo have?
    • How will interning in the Florida State Legislature help to advance your career goals?
    • What qualities do you possess that make you capable of working in a high stress and ever-changing environment?
  • Copy of Photo ID must be submitted with application.
• Additional information (Florida Legislative Internship Program)
  • FFLIP Team
  • Learning Outcomes:
    • Students who successfully complete the Internship program will:
    • Develop a deeper understanding of the state legislative process
    • Read, understand and interpret policy and constituent related research
    • Understand the daily activities and functions of a state legislative office
    • Develop professional competencies in life skills, such as time-management, prioritizing tasks, and organizational networking
    • Work during the entire legislative session both in the office and committees and witness first-hand how legislation is passed in Tallahassee
    • Develop written and oral communication skills while interacting with legislators, professional staff, constituents and lobbyists
    • Develop abilities to time-manage projects, network and provide leadership on issues important to Florida communities

Owls on the Hill

Owls on the Hill is Florida Atlantic University's national internship initiative that places students in high-impact public service roles across Washington, D.C. The program provides an opportunity for students to experience first-hand how public policy is developed and to participate in the legislative process in Washington, D.C., while gaining full-time internship experience and course credit hours. This year-round program—available during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters—connects Owls with congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national policy think tanks.

Admitted interns are assigned to a member of Congress for one semester (Fall, Spring or Summer). During their semester-long experience, students will learn about the role and responsibilities of elected officials and the broader environment in which they work, while supporting the office with administrative and customer service-related tasks and projects.

Students selected for the internship will reside in Washington, D.C., for the semester in which they are admitted and are expected to report to their assigned legislator’s office in the Capitol.

• Official name of the program: Owls on the Hill
• Eligibility for Students:
  • Handshake posting: (129) Owls on the Hill Legislative Internship
  • Enrollment as a full-time undergraduate student at Florida Atlantic University
  • Students must be enrolled at Florida Atlantic as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student after the internship experience
  • Minimum required cumulative GPA is 3.25
  • 60+ completed credits
  • One previous internship experience, or the equivalent such as employment or volunteering
  • Interest in, or knowledge of, the legislative process
  • Ability to operate a personal computer with proficiency in Microsoft Office
  • Ability to be detail oriented without losing sight of the big picture
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective communicator orally and in writing
  • Professional and collegial manner with a wide range of individuals
  • Ability to accomplish goals independently in fast paced and highly visible environment
  • Ability to travel to and from Washington, D.C.
• Eligibility for employers:
  • Be a member of Congress.
• How to apply for internships:
  • Students will apply on Handshake with a resume, a copy of their transcripts, and a cover letter.
  • Two reference rating forms must be completed and one must be from a faculty member. Rating Forms
• Additional information:
  • COMPENSATION
    • Accommodations: Furnished housing in Washington, D.C.
    • Stipend: Interns are eligible to receive a $4,500 living stipend for the Spring and Fall semesters and $3,500 for the Summer semester.
    • Transportation: Roundtrip travel coverage (for move in and move out)
  • COURSE CREDITS
    • Students admitted to the program will work with their academic advisor and internship team to create a flexible schedule that allows students to maximize the internship experience and live in Washington, D.C., without delaying their graduation plans.
  • LEARNING OUTCOMES:
    • Students who successfully complete the internship will:
    • Develop a deeper understanding of the federal legislative process
    • Read, understand and interpret policy and constituent related research
    • Understand the daily activities and functions of a congressional office
    • Develop professional competencies in life skills, such as time management, task prioritization and organizational networking
    • Understand federal institutions and policymaking
    • Build professional and civic leadership skills
    • Gain experience in real-world public service environments
    • Create lasting networks in national policy fields
    • Develop written and oral communication skills while interacting with legislators, professional staff, constituents and lobbyists
    • Gain knowledge of how federal government and the legislative process works, while making lifelong career contacts and friendships
  • WHAT TO EXPECT:
    • Legislative interns function as support staff to legislators and their staff and perform a wide range of tasks, such as researching policy issues, analyzing bills, tracking legislation, attending meetings, responding to constituent letters, answering phones and more. During the semester, legislative interns are also encouraged to participate in supplemental learning and networking experiences outside of their legislator’s office.
    • Owls on the Hill represent Florida Atlantic University and the highest conduct, professionalism and maturity is always expected.
    • Interns must adapt to a rigorous work schedule and develop effective working relationships with legislators and their staff.
    • Interns will have the opportunity to share the legislative experience with interns from other Florida universities in the State University System and across the country.
    • Interns are required to attend an orientation prior to the start of the internship as a mandatory component of the program.
    • Interns will have on-site contact and mentorship in Washington, D.C., as well as support from on-campus services such as the Career Center and Student Affairs. Interns will also work with a faculty administrator to ensure successful course completion and continued academic success throughout the semester.
  • SELECTION PROCESS:
    • A panel consisting of members representing various units at Florida Atlantic University review and score submitted applications. Semi-finalists are invited to an interview. Finalists are notified after the interview process has concluded and are paired with a congressperson of the panel’s choosing shortly after acceptance into the program. Interns will not have the option of selecting their office placement but can share their preferences after admission to the program.
  • WORKING HOURS
    • Interns are expected to follow the schedule of their assigned congressperson’s office, therefore selected interns will not follow the University’s academic schedule.
    • A minimum of 270 working hours, including transit to and from the work site location, within the relevant academic semester is required to receive full academic credit for the internship. All hours must be logged and submitted to the Office of Government Relations. Working hours are in addition to the hours spent on academic assignments required for successful completion of course credits.