Jamie H.,   Spring '10,   The MD Environmental Trust
Annapolis, MD

"I have discovered that I can be put in a completely different environment than what I’m used to and adapt to it. ... I was scared starting this internship by myself, not knowing anyone, and driving all that way by myself, but now I know I can do any job independently and be ok."

Kathryn W.,   Spring '11,   Personalized Therapy
California, MD

“As the patients get to know me, I am able to be more and more involved in their therapy and I am getting incredible experience.”

Alexandra P.,   Summer '10,   UMD Med School, Growth & Nutritional Division
Baltimore, MD

"This internship helped strengthen my drive to fulfill [my professional] dream by exposing me to the 'behind the scenes' side of patient care."

Brianne C,   Summer '09,   Orphaned Wildlife Rescue Center
Lusby, MD

“I've worked in animal shelters, veterinary hospitals, farms, and stables, but never with wildlife so as soon as I stumbled on the opportunity I jumped at the chance! I've learned everything from veterinary care, everyday upkeep, and diet, to legal issues and legislation.”

Mike C.,   Summer '09,   National Aquarium
Baltimore, MD

“The hands on experience and just sheer amounts of knowledge that I have gained from this internship, along with the insight into the aquarist's work has been such a positive and amazing experience I wouldn't swap it for anything.”

Jessica D.,   Summer '10,   Talmar Gardens and Horticulture Center
Baltimore, MD

"I have found that working for a nonprofit organization as opposed to a normal company has made me want to work harder and really fulfill my responsibilities as best as I possibly can. Feeling as though I am working to accomplish something for the good of others has motivated me more than I thought it could in such a long term way."

Emily Brinker,   Summer '10,   Back to the Wild Rescue & Rehab, Inc.
Castalia, Ohio

 "My internship a the wildlife refuge center really helped me build my communication skills. It's really important to be capable of listening and processing information immediately. Not only do things have to be done on schedule and a certain way, which doesn't leave much time for light conversation, it's vital to understand immediately in urgent settings."

Emily S.,   Summer '10,   National Wildlife Federation
Reston, VA

“Forming relationships with the people I work with is fairly natural since I interact with them every day.  I always say hello and goodbye to everyone.  At meetings ...it is interesting to see how the different departments interact with each other and how they solve problems together.”

Caroline P.,   Summer '10,   The National Zoo
Washington, DC

"Some of the things I have learned so far could be very useful to me if I decide to take classes in animal science (in fact, part of the reason I decided to do this kind of internship in the first place was to see if animal care was something I might be interested in studying and pursuing as a career)."