NextGenEM Internship

Applications for Spring 2026 are active. Please apply through Handshake.

From its inception in 2019, the vision for the NextGen EM Internship Program was to create an educational space that allows current Florida Atlantic University students the opportunity to cultivate experiences rooted in developing skills and gaining a deeper understanding of learned concepts through hands-on application of knowledge learned in the classroom. Since its beginning, the program has followed its mission to promote and support the next generation of emergency managers.

The NextGen EM Internship Program is grounded in an educational and practitioner-based methodology designed to create an environment that enables participants to develop career skills, talents, and strengths to be competitive candidates with a firm grasp on the modern-day emergency manager.

To accomplish the vision, mission, and goal the NextGen EM Internship Program is structured around four core areas (training, projects & programs, career development, and networking) that promote the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness areas and the next-generation core competencies for emergency management professionals.

What to Expect

Interns will develop an understanding of Emergency Management goals and their correlation to institutional higher-education related goals. Additionally, interns will gain transferable skills that will have real-life application such as:

Communication Skills
Work Ethic & Professionalism
Teamwork/Collaboration Skills
Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Skills
Leadership Skills
Digital Technology Skills
Global/Intercultural Fluency
Career Management

Potential Projects include:

Development, implementation, and management of unit-level emergency planning.
Develop logistics for training and exercises, including but not limited to; coordination of facilities, staff assignments, participant registration and tracking, and resource procurement.
Assist in the management of FAU Emergency Management public education and awareness campaigns.
Support the maintenance of the Department of Emergency Management strategic planning elements.
Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Internship Periods

Internships are offered each semester and typically last approximately 12 weeks (3 months). Opportunities to entend the duration of the internship may be available.

Spring (January through April)
Summer (May through July)
Fall (August through December)

Who Qualifies

Applicants must be:

A current degree-seeking FAU student
In good academic standing with the University
Able to work between 15 to 20 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks (3 months). All internships are on a Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm schedule.

Ideal applicants have:

Completed FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses 100, 200, 700 & 800 (Emergency Management Institute | Independent Study Program (IS) (fema.gov)).
Strong interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills
Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I apply?

When should I apply?

Internship applications for the next semester's program become available near the end of the current semester.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

A listing may not always be open, but please check back for availability.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Applicants must be:

Current degree-seeking FAU student
In good academic standing
Able to work between 15-20 hours per week for at least 12 weeks (Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm)
Interested in emergency management or related areas

Ideal applicants have:

Completion of FEMA Independent Study (IS) Courses 100, 200, 700, & 800
Strong interpersonal, writing, and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Can all majors apply?

Yes. Internship opportunities are available for individuals from all academic backgrounds who are interested in emergency management and life safety.

Listed below are areas of study historically relevant to the program:
Emergency management, urban and regional planning, public relations, technological information, public administration, education, public health, business administration, meteorology, law, finance, social sciences, and any others.

Positions are available for undergrad, graduate, and PhD-level students.

Can I get academic credit for the internship?

How long is the internship period?

Internships last approximately 12 weeks (3 months). Opportunities to extend the duration of the internship may be available.

Spring (January through April)
Summer (May through July)
Fall (August through December)

Are internships compensated?

What type of work will I do?

Interns will develop an understanding of Emergency Management goals and their correlation to institutional higher-education-related goals. Additionally, interns will gain transferable skills that will have real-life application, such as:

Communication skills
Work Ethic & Professionalism
Teamwork/Collaboration Skills
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills
Leadership Skills
Digital Technology Skills
Global/Intercultural Fluency
Career Management

Potential projects include:

Development, implementation, and management of unit-level emergency planning and response.
Develop logistics for training and exercises, including but not limited to: coordination of facilities, staff assignments, participant registration and tracking, and resource procurement.
Assist in the management of FAU Emergency Management's public education and awareness campaigns.
Support the maintenance of the Department of Emergency Management's strategic planning elements.
Perform other related duties assigned by the supervisor.

What if my question isn't answered here?

Contact Us

Campus Operations Building
(69) Boca Raton Campus

Email: em@fau.edu

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For all EMERGENCY CALLS dial 9-1-1

Contact Us