Internships

Internships are a great way for you to make contacts in the community, gain hands-on experience in a field of interest, and learn about anthropology in a "real-world" setting. There are numerous opportunities for anthropology-related internships that span various topics and fields (e.g. medical, environmental, primatology, design, etc.) We offer a guide to finding your internship under the Getting Started section. Review the Internship Listings to begin your search. 

Please contact us at anthdept@pdx.edu with any questions. 

Jump to:

• Getting Started
• Internship Credits
• Tips for During Your Internship
• Internship Listings

Getting Started

Starting your career in anthropology can be a daunting task!  We suggest the following steps to help guide your search.

1. Identify your interests. Keep in mind your overall program, courses taken, and career goals. Consider whether you are looking to explore a potential field or wanting to develop a specific skill set, along with the type of internship (e.g., paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time, long-term or short-term, etc.).  For guidance on how to best curate your academic journey at PSU based on your areas of interest and career plans, visit the Pathways page.
2. Identify possible organizations. Check out local companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Go through the ‘Careers’ pages on their websites. Your faculty advisor can help you make the first contact, but it will be largely up to you to research what possibilities are out there. You can visit our Internships Listings to start your search for the right internship. 
3. Research the organization. Gather as much information about the organization before applying by exploring the organization’s website and talking to individuals who have done internships or worked with the organization.
4. Professionalize. Applying for an internship can be competitive. Presenting a polished professional manner is key to distinguishing yourself among the applicants. These are important skills that one continues to hone throughout their career. We list several resources to help you professionalize under the Career Resources section. 
5. Apply to the organization. It is good practice to have someone review your application before you submit it.  Ideally, you should have someone familiar with the organization or the field give you feedback. You can request an appointment with PSU's University Career Center.

Internship Credits

You have the option of seeking credits as part of your degree program.

Undergraduate students can do an internship for credit by enrolling in ANTH 404 Cooperative Education/Internship. Graduate students can enroll in the Internship track of the graduate program. Graduate students who do not enroll in the Internship track can still receive credit for their internship by enrolling in ANTH 504 Cooperative Education/Internship.

In order to receive credits, you will have to apply to the Anthropology Department and complete a contract. For the contract, you and your advisor will need to determine the number of hours you will spend per week on the internship, the number of credits, and the specific objectives and responsibilities. Once the internship requirements are defined, you, your faculty advisor and your field supervisor must sign the contract. Consult your advisor about what assignments will be submitted for a grade.

Tips for During Your Internship

1. Many internships geared toward undergraduates will have predetermined projects. However, many graduate-level internships and some undergraduate internships may require you to define your project. You will need to research what your organization's needs are before defining your project.
2. Be prepared to be flexible. The internship project you planned may not turn out to be feasible once you are on the job. Be ready for a quick change of plans.
3. Keep a journal of your experiences. The Anthropology Department strongly recommends you do this even if you are not seeking PSU credits or are being evaluated via a different method.
4. Be proactive and professional in your work. As a student, things will take your longer than you think as you learn the ins and outs of the field. Start tasks and projects early and make sure to put extra attention into how you will approach your work. Additionally, you are establishing your reputation in the field and should work to present a professional and reliable presence. 
5. If you are seeking credit for your internship, have your internship supervisor submit an evaluation to the Anthropology Department once your internship is over.
6. Remember that your supervisor's evaluation may be the basis for a reference in the future.

Internship Listings

In addition to the following list of internships, we urge students to seek out opportunities at organizations that fit their interests. You can also contact the organizations listed under Job Search Resources to see if they have internships. We strongly suggest making personal connections with individuals at the organization you are applying, as it will greatly increase your chance at employment.