National Ecological Observatory Network

The NEON Internship Program is designed to provide qualified undergraduates with real-world summer work experience in their chosen field. Because NEON is an interdisciplinary organization, we accept students from a variety of disciplines (e.g., Science, Engineering, Computing). NEON interns are involved with a variety of projects, from helping to design sensor assemblies to testing sampling protocols and analyzing data.

Internship Program | NEON

During the 11-week summer program, NEON interns complete scientific research, engineering, and computing projects that help advance NEON's mission. Throughout the summer, interns work closely with NEON mentors on real world projects, and in the process begin the transition from student to professional colleague. Interns have opportunities to explore career options through a variety of avenues including weekly career seminars and informational interviews with NEON staff. Community mentors are also available to help interns adjust to living and working in Boulder. At the end of each summer, interns present their projects in a formal setting.

• The 11-week summer program starts May 16 and continues through July 29, 2016. NOTE: schedule can be flexible for students on the quarter system calendar.
• Interns work 40 hours a week and earn a competitive wage.
• Furnished apartments are provided at no cost to interns. Round-trip airfare is also provided to Boulder from anywhere within the United States and Puerto Rico. Interns also receive a regional bus pass that meets most local transportation needs. - See more at: http://www.neoninc.org/learn-experience/internships#sthash.40wex3an.dpuf

Internship Program | NEON

NEON is committed to broadening participation in science and engineering

We strongly encourage students from historically under-represented groups in science and engineering to apply. We recruit at minority-serving institutions and organizations. Our program is designed to promote future student success through mentoring, leadership training, career explorations, and various networking activities. Click here to learn more about NSF’s 2013 report on "Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering."

Benefits of a NEON internship: Real-world experience:

• Work on challenging projects in your chosen field
• Mentorship: Interact one-on-one with NEON staff members
• Networking: Join a supportive, diverse community of interns from around the country working in local scientific organizations
• Full-time summer salary: Earn a competitive student salary for 10-12 weeks
• Travel and lodging: Live and work in Boulder, CO (travel to Boulder and summer housing provided)
• Making a difference: Contribute to building NEON from the ground up.

Apply

This year's application deadline has passed.

Applications are due by Monday February 15, 2016.

How to Apply | NEON
Follow the six steps below to prepare and submit your NEON internship application.
Click here to download all instructions and forms in one zip file.

Step 1. Choose an Internship
NEON has internships in a variety of science, technology and engineering fields, each with specific requirements. See the Internship Opportunities page for positions available in 2016. Choose an internship that best fits your interests/background and prepare a paragraph describing how your background (i.e., coursework and experience) addresses the specific requirements listed in the position description.

Add this paragraph to your NEON Intern Application form.

Step 2. Tell us About Yourself
Write essay responses for the following two prompts.

Academic Statement of Purpose: Prepare a statement about your career goals (in a science, engineering, computing and/or technology) and how participating in the NEON Internship program will help you meet these goals. Limit 500 words. ??
Broadening participation in science and engineering: NEON's internship program is committed to enhancing the diversity of future science, technology and engineering communities. Please describe how you will contribute to this mission during and after participation in the NEON Internship Program. Limit 500 words.
Add these essays to your NEON Intern Application form.

Step 3. Request Recommendations
Contact two individuals who can speak to your ability to do the work described. Recommendations may be from faculty members, academic counselors, previous employers, or community contacts. At least one should be from an academic member. Give your recommenders the NEON Letter of Recommendation Instructions (click to download) and ask them to send their letter of recommendation directly to NEON either electronically or by mail (address is in the instructions). Be sure to give your recommenders plenty of time to complete the recommendation and send it to the NEON Internship office. The deadline for receiving recommendations is February 15, 2016.

See Related Content below for tips on getting a great recommendation.

Step 4. Request Transcripts
Obtain a copy of your transcripts to upload/submit with your application (preferred). Alternatively, you may mail your transcripts to the NEON Internship office or contact your institution to have your transcripts sent directly to the NEON Internship office. We do not need an official copy of transcripts nor high school transcripts. The deadline for receiving transcripts is February 15, 2016.

If you are mailing transcripts, send them to:

NEON Undergraduate Internship Program Office

1685 38th Street, Suite 100

Boulder, CO 80301

Step 5. Complete the NEON Intern Application form
Download the NEON Intern Application form here and complete the form using Adobe Reader (click here to download the free Adobe Reader. Note: Mac Users - edit in Adobe Reader only. Do NOT use Mac Preview). You will need your contact information, academic information, coursework, leadership and work experiences along with the essays prepared in Steps 1 and 2. You can cut and paste text or type your responses directly in to the form. When you have completed the application form, save it with the following name format: LastName_FirstInitial_2016NEONInternship.pdf (e.g., Smith_J_2016NEONInternship.pdf)

Upload this document in the NEON Application System in the step below.

Step 6. Submit Your Application and Transcripts Online
To submit your application and transcripts, click on the link below to access the online NEON Application System. You will need to register to access the system. Select the internship position you are interested in, and click on the Apply button to begin the application process. You will be prompted to enter your contact information, answer a few registration questions, and upload your completed NEON Intern Application where the system prompts for your resume and your transcripts in the section labeled "Additional Information." NOTE: For internships, we require a completed internship application instead of a resume. Please do not submit a resume. Also, the "Desired Salary" field is not applicable.

http://www.neoninc.org/about/careers

When you have completed this step, you will receive a "Thank You for Applying" email from Careers@neoninc.org. A second email will be sent from internships@neoninc.org verifying that your application was submitted correctly.

Questions about the application process? Contact internships@neoninc.org

Internship applications are due February 15, 2016.