Exploring the Depths: UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program
The UNOLS-MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) Marine Technical Internship Program, funded by the National Science Foundation, presents an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring marine technicians and engineers to gain hands-on experience in the field. This program offers a variety of internships, ranging from short-term (2-12 weeks) to long-term (approximately 6 months), catering to diverse schedules and interests. These internships provide invaluable exposure to cutting-edge marine technologies, equipment, and the expertise of seasoned marine technical professionals.
Program Overview
The UNOLS-MATE program aims to cultivate the next generation of marine technical experts by providing immersive, practical experiences. These internships are hosted by the Academic Research Fleet of UNOLS-designated research ships and their supporting organizations, ensuring a wide range of opportunities across various marine disciplines. Academic Research Fleet and its supporting organizations offer an incredible opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals. Interns have the chance to work at sea, in shipyards, and at shore-based facilities, gaining a holistic understanding of the marine technical field.
Internship Structure and Opportunities
The program coordinates both short-term and long-term internships. Academic Research Fleet of UNOLS-designated research ships will host 1 long-term (approximately 6 months) and 12-14 short-term (2-12 weeks each) marine technical internships.
- Short-Term Internships: These internships, lasting from 2 to 12 weeks, are scheduled throughout the calendar year. UNOLS will coordinate 12-14 short-term internships.
- Long-Term Internships: A limited number of long-term internships, lasting approximately 6 months, are also available.
Departure dates for internships depend on the schedule of each research cruise. The program prioritizes candidates for internships starting in Winter and Spring, followed by Summer and Fall. Applications remain active throughout the year until all positions are filled.
Internship projects vary depending on the hosting organization and the objectives of specific cruise missions. Previous interns have contributed to diverse science projects, including:
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- Chemical Oceanography
- Marine Biology
- Seafloor Mapping Surveys
- Geological Studies
- ROV Missions
Many successful internships have paved the way for job offers, highlighting the program's effectiveness in preparing individuals for careers in the marine technical field.
Logistics and Compensation
The UNOLS-MATE program provides comprehensive support to its interns, ensuring a smooth and enriching experience. The program pays a stipend of $600 per week plus airfare, lodging and other approved travel expenses.
- Stipend: Interns receive a weekly subsistence stipend of $600.
- Travel Expenses: The program covers airfare, lodging, and other pre-approved travel expenses.
- Accommodation and Meals: Most interns work, eat, and sleep aboard research vessels. Shipboard sleeping arrangements vary vessel to vessel. For land-based internships, lodging off ship and an additional meal stipend are provided.
Eligibility and Requirements
The UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program is open to undergraduates. While previous time at sea is not required, it is highly desirable.
To apply for the program, applicants must submit the following:
- A letter of recommendation from an instructor or a supervisor, preferably someone who has knowledge of your technical skills. A letter of recommendation from an instructor or a supervisor, preferably someone who has knowledge of your engineering/technical skills is required.
- An official state-issued REAL ID is required for domestic travel.
Featured Internship: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI)
One notable hosting institution is the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF). This provides a unique opportunity to intern with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s (WHOI) National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) providing land-based technical support during the HOV Alvin overhaul period. The selected intern will work full-time with engineers, technicians and other team members at the WHOI facility in Woods Hole, MA.
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HOV Alvin Internship Details
The WHOI internship focuses on providing land-based technical support during the overhaul period of the HOV Alvin. Alvin is the world’s most renowned human occupied submersible, continually operating since its commissioning in 1964. For over five decades and 5000+ dives, Alvin has advanced our understanding of the Earth’s ocean environments, uncovering many significant scientific discoveries along the way.
The Alvin Group seeks a technically-inclined and responsible intern who enjoys understanding about and working with marine instruments and technologies. The ideal candidate for this internship is mature, motivated, and has a positive attitude. A foundational understanding and skill in electrical and mechanical engineering are highly desirable.
The selected intern will work full-time with engineers, technicians, and other team members at the WHOI facility in Woods Hole, MA. Internship projects will correspond with the objectives set by the hosting institution.
As an intern, one can expect to:
- Work alongside engineers and technicians.
- Gain experience with marine instruments and technologies.
- Develop technical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills.
- Apply skills to marine technical applications.
UNOLS will pay a $600 per week subsistence stipend, a $200 per week meal plan, lodging, and pre-approved travel expenses. This is a long-term internship.
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Benefits of Participating
Participating in the UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program offers numerous benefits, including:
- Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience working with cutting-edge technologies, oceanographic instruments, and shipboard equipment.
- Skill Development: The program helps develop technical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills essential for success in the marine workforce. APPLY YOUR SKILLS TO MARINE TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS: Develop the technical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the marine workforce while working with cutting-edge technologies, oceanographic instruments, and shipboard equipment.
- Networking Opportunities: Interns are exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals, fostering valuable connections within the industry. This is an incredible opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals. This is an incredible opportunity to work onboard research vessels and be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment and marine technical professionals.
- Career Advancement: Many internships lead to job offers, providing a direct pathway to a career in the marine technical field. Many successful internships have resulted in job offers.
- Personal Growth: The program offers a life-changing experience that broadens perspectives and enhances personal and professional development. "It was a real life changing experience for me.
Application Information
Applications are due 1/6/25. Applications will stay on file the entire year until all positions have been filled.
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