Internships give students the chance to turn what they learn in the classroom into real-world experience while earning academic credit. By working alongside professionals in their field, students build valuable skills, make industry connections, strengthen their résumés, and explore potential career paths before graduation.
At UW-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources, internships are an important part of career preparation, providing hands-on experience and helping students stand out to future employers. Students in the following programs are required to participate in an internship:
- Conservation and Community Planning major
- Soil Science and Land Management major
- Waste Management major
- Captive Wildlife minor
- Forest Recreation minor
In many other CNR programs, students can complete internships and earn elective credits toward their program of study.
Find an Internship
Ready to gain hands-on experience and earn credit? Follow these steps to get started:
- Find an internship
- Identify an internship that aligns with your interests, career goals and academic program.
- Identify an internship that aligns with your interests, career goals and academic program.
- Talk with your Internship Coordinator
- Meet with your Internship Coordinator to discuss the position and determine whether it qualifies for academic credit. Your coordinator will also help determine the number of credits you can earn.
- Meet with your Internship Coordinator to discuss the position and determine whether it qualifies for academic credit. Your coordinator will also help determine the number of credits you can earn.
- Complete the CNR Internship Application
- For final approval complete the online CNR Internship Application here.
- For final approval complete the online CNR Internship Application here.
- Get permission to register
- Your Internship Coordinator will provide permission for you to register for the appropriate internship course.
- Your Internship Coordinator will provide permission for you to register for the appropriate internship course.
- Complete required paperwork
- Complete any additional paperwork or requirements requested by your internship organization.
- Complete any additional paperwork or requirements requested by your internship organization.
- Make the most of your experience
- Show up ready to learn, meet the expectations of your internship, and represent UW-Stevens Point in a positive way. Build your skills, make connections and enjoy the opportunity to put your education into practice.
For Employers
Internships are a valuable partnership between employers, students, and the College of Natural Resources. By hosting an intern, your organization gains enthusiastic, knowledgeable students who are eager to apply their classroom learning to real-world challenges while contributing meaningful work to your team.
Internships provide students with professional experience in their field of study while offering employers access to emerging talent, fresh perspectives, project support, and potential future employees. Many internships also result in technical reports, special projects, or other deliverables that benefit the host organization.
Most internship candidates are juniors or seniors who have completed advanced coursework and are ready to take on professional responsibilities. Internships are designed as educational experiences that combine meaningful work, skill development, and mentorship.
What Does Hosting an Intern Involve?
Employers who host interns are asked to:
- Provide an orientation to the organization and workplace.
- Develop a job description outlining duties, responsibilities, and learning opportunities.
- Offer supervision, guidance, and professional mentorship throughout the internship.
- Support a safe and positive learning environment.
- Assist the student in completing projects or professional experiences related to their field of study.
- Communicate with the Internship Coordinator regarding any questions or concerns.
- Complete internship evaluations as requested.
Interested in Hosting an Intern?
To learn more about creating an internship opportunity for your organization, contact the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at CNR.Internships@uwsp.edu. We will connect you with the appropriate Internship Coordinator and help you develop an internship experience that meets both your organization’s needs and our students’ educational goals.
Invest in future professionals while advancing your organization’s mission, become a CNR internship partner today.
Internship Coordinators
Joshua Raabe
- Associate Professor
- Coordinator of the Fisheries and Water Resources Discipline
Michael Demchik
- Professor of Forestry
Michael Rader
- Associate Professor of Conservation and Parks Law Enforce…
Robert Michitsch
- Professor of Soil and Waste Resources
Shelli Dubay
- Professor of Wildlife
- Gerald and Helen Stephens Endowed Professor
- [ More… ]