Many kids dream about having a job one day that is centered around animals. A beloved family pet or an unforgettable field trip experience could inspire a whole career path for some! The great thing about a career revolving around animals is the variety of things you can become! Seek within this article for tips on how to secure your animal-centered dream internship!
What does an animal care intern do?
Depending on the site you choose to intern at, your internship could look like many different things. If you’re more interested in the science and procedural side of things, a research or veterinary internship might have you in the lab more. However, if you want a more hands on experience with a wider variety of animals, a zoology internship might be more appealing! And in that case your internship will consist of familiarizing yourself with the zoo’s animals and their daily routines.
How do I find an animal internship?
If you’re wondering how to get an internship working with animals for summer 2021, try looking on Handshake under filtered searches like “animal internships near me.” Handshake allows you to focus on employers you want to work for and even network with past interns who may also be alumni from your school. And if you’re looking for an animal internship in a particular location for summer 2021, try searching for openings by using filters like “animal care internships” or “zoology internships.”
How do I get an internship with no experience?
If you’re interested in getting an animal internship, but have no prior experience, it’s key to play to your strengths and show employers that you’re eager to learn. You can search for animal related internships on Handshake to first get a feel of the requirements they usually list for internships. After that, list your resume and cover letter experiences and previous roles you’ve had where the skills translate over. For example, if you’ve taken a biology or zoology course or have had experience in an applicable school project, mention it and how it relates to your desired role!
When should I start applying for animal care internships?
For most positions, start searching for your internship sooner rather than later. If you are planning to have a summer animal-related internship, we recommend starting to look for internship positions no later than the season prior. Many industries prefer to recruit as early as the fall, so staying up to date on fall virtual career fairs will be helpful in securing a role. Each company has different deadlines for applications, so sooner is usually better! If you’re searching for a role during the school year, it’s best to get on applying 3-6 months prior so you can inform your internship of your other obligations and classes.
It’s also really important to keep in mind that your university’s career services center will have great insight about specific recruitment periods at your school. Make sure to sign up for a meeting with your career advisor at the start of the school year for additional help in planning ahead.
How much do interns make?
Because the internship roles that require animal care interns vary, there’s no standard answer for an animal internship payscale. If you’re wondering how much your animal internship will pay, it might be best to inquire directly with the company you’re considering taking an internship with.. Some internship programs will offer only class credits, while many others are more keen to compensate their interns with an hourly rate or a set stipend.
What skills are relevant for interns?
- Ability to stay calm under pressure
- Background in biology and zoology
- Strong teamwork skills
- Organized and calm under pressure
Where do animal-related interns work?
Animal-related interns can take their learnings and work into a few different roles like Animal Scientists, Veterinary Assistants, Veterinarians, and Zoologists. They also can work for many different types of companies, like our constantly growing list of employers hiring now.
How do I write a cover letter for an internship?
Take a look at some great cover letter writing tips to boost your confidence and ace your internship application! And if you need a place to start, try our free cover letter template download here, or reach out to your school’s career center for personalized cover letter guidance.