 The Consortium for Ocean Leadership’s policy internship program provides graduate students an opportunity to learn about science-based policy activities at the Federal level in Washington, D.C.
The program offers 3 different internships throughout the year: Fall, Summer, and Spring.
Read below to learn about previous intern participants’ experiences and how their time at Ocean Leadership has helped them learn about policy.
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 My internship at Ocean Leadership provided me with invaluable knowledge of the federal policy world. I started this internship after finishing my Ph.D. in Marine Science in hopes of learning more about the policy aspect of science and science funding. I also wanted to gain skills and knowledge to become a more informed and effective scientist and communicator. My experiences at Ocean Leadership definitely fulfilled these expectations. Also, I was fortunate to be in DC at a particularly exciting time. I was able to help with the Congressional Welcome Reception and the 2011 Public Policy Forum, as well as observe first-hand the new Congress in action and the beginning phases of the National Ocean Policy implementation. My next step will be taking my new expertise back to the academic realm, as I will be starting a faculty position soon after my internship ends.
- Christine Cass, Spring 2011
Assistant Professor
Oceanography Department, Humboldt State University
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 Being a policy intern at Ocean Leadership was one of the most significant experiences I have ever had. The internship allowed me to better understand how policy is made at the national level and become more engaged with the pressing issues of marine policy. Throughout my internship I received exceptional mentorship; I continuously felt challenged, and was provided with many opportunities to contribute my work and ideas in a meaningful way. I would have never been able to get this kind of experience in an academic setting. My experience at Ocean Leadership was so positive that since my internship, I have decided to pursue further professional opportunities in marine policy.
- Sarah Flores, Summer 2010
Graduate Student of Geology
University of California, Davis
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 I had a fantastic experience working for Ocean Leadership. The staff and office environment really make you feel part of a team that is a major player at the crossroads of science and policy. The tasks I worked on mattered, and I saw immediate results as an edited letter went out the door to an important official, or something I just wrote appeared in the weekly newsletter. I especially enjoyed helping to prepare for the Public Policy Forum and getting the chance to interact with some of the nation’s leading ocean experts and top decision makers. Ocean Leadership staff members were wonderful to work with and they gave me amazing feedback. As a result, I always could feel proud of my accomplishments at the end of the day and I made great strides in my own professional development.
- Alex Renaud
Union of Concerned Scientists
Program Assistant, Scientific Integrity Program
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 My experience with the Consortium for Ocean Leadership allowed me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge of ocean policy and the legislative process. I enjoyed attending legislative hearings and scientific briefings on the Hill. I also appreciated the connections that I made with the Ocean Leadership team. I highly recommend the internship for students who are interested in pursuing a career in ocean policy.
-Heather Havens
Knauss Sea Grant Legislative Fellow
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 I interned with Ocean Leadership’s policy department while pursuing a Master’s degree at Florida State University. I had a great experience, which ultimately led to me getting a job at Ocean Leadership. I had the opportunity to help host the Public Policy Forum, schedule and attend meetings on the Hill to advocate for ocean issues, and attend Climate Change hearings. Not only did I get to learn the basics of the federal system and actively participate in the government process, but I was part of a team that had the common goal of advancing science-based ocean policy.
- Allison Miller
Program Specialist, NOPP
Consortium for Ocean Leadership
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ATTENTION: The Consortium for Ocean Leadership offers Washington, DC-based internships for students at Ocean Leadership member institutions. Over the years, interns have come from a variety of backgrounds, disciplines and institutions in the academic and government sectors and have made many valuable contributions to the mission and work of Ocean Leadership.
Ocean Leadership policy internships are designed to further professional development for current or recently graduated students and provide assistance to the Ocean Leadership full-time Public Affairs staff. In addition to project work relevant to each intern’s research, area of concentration, or degree, each participant will learn about the entire spectrum of Ocean Leadership activities including involvement in the legislative process, projects with various federal oceanographic agencies and a variety of educational initiatives. Legislative activities include monitoring, analyzing and reporting on relevant bills and legislative hearings, developing information for congressional members and committees, attending hearings on behalf of Ocean Leadership and pursuing other items on Ocean Leadership’s legislative agenda. Applicants should have strong written and communications skills and demonstrate an ability to take personal initiative.
Click here for more information.
