Geology Summer Opportunities Guide for Undergraduates: The Basics
Applying for summer opportunities can be a tedious task so seek advice from professors and peers. It’s completely okay to go talk to a professor you’ve never had and definitely talk to the ones you have had. Even if they know nothing about your area of interest, they probably know someone who does. Also talk to graduate students—they just went through the whole process!
There are 5 general types of geology summer programs. Some basic information about each type is listed below. Start early and ask professors for letters of recommendation as soon as possible so they have time to write a quality letter. Forward your resume/CV and some brief information about the position when you ask a faculty member for a letter, and remind them (in a nice way) when the deadline is (it may take multiple reminders!).
National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF REU)
Great way to get research experience at well-known institutions and a great way to figure out what you might want to study in graduate school
Usually paid ($3000-$5000) and usually includes housing
From 8 to 11 weeks
usually for sophomores and juniors
deadlines generally range from Feb 1 to Mar 15
see NSF REU website and filter by interest
application will require 2 or 3 letters of recommendation and a statement of your research interests
contact the professor you’d like to work with—they pick who they accept!
some schools with REUs: University of Arizona, Columbia, Stanford, Brown, University of Colorado, University of Michigan and many more!
check out futureRXdoc Anthony Edgington’s post about his Stanford REU experience here!
Government
GeoCorps: paid short-term geoscience opportunities in some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world. Good for field motivated students. Applications due in early February.
NASA: Interested in space exploration? NASA might be for you! Due in early March.
USGS: The U.S. Geological Survey studies natural hazards and resources critical to us!
National Geospatial Agency: Interested in remote sensing, GIS, or aerial imagery? The NGA might be a good place to intern. Applications due early September.
NGOs/non-profits: Typically early February. See a list of opportunities here.
Industry
Oil companies- generally early deadlines (usually due by Sep 15). Well paid. AAPG Student Expos can be a great way to meet with recruiters if you’re not at a school with much interactions with industry. Also check out Rocky Mountain Rendezvous for recruiting opportunities!
environmental consulting- deadlines usually early Dec
Field Camp
geology camp with focus on mapping and field skills
Applications typically due in Feb-Mar
Great way to improve understanding of field geology
Student pays tuition though some funding sources are available. Some scholarships are available through specific camps but national organizations also offer awards to students:
Some well-known camps that accept students from other institutions: University of Indiana, YBRA, Idaho State University, Wasatch-Uinta Field Camp
If you do well at field camp, you could land an NAGT internship the next summer!
other field-based experiences
Research Based Internships
Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) has earth science related research internships and also run the The Undergraduate Studies in Earthquake Information Technology (USEit) program which incorporates geology, people, and computers. Pays $6500 for 8-10 weeks of research.
KECK Geology Consortium Field and lab work 4-5 week internship. Paid. Due early Feb.
DAAD (The German Exchange Service) provides stipends and internships to work with graduate students in Germany for the summer
Research Experiences in Solid Earth Sciences: based at UNAVCO in Boulder Colorado
Lunar and Planetary Institute summer programs
Some sites with job listings:
GSA lists opportunities
AAPG lists oil related jobs
SEG also lists jobs
This is by no means a comprehensive list. If you’re interested in doing something else, ask around and see if it’s possible. If you know of opportunities we missed, please contact us via the contact us page!
Written by futureRXdoc’s own Sarah George