Summer 2026 internships available

By Tulwen Adams ’22 & Rebecca Jones ’13

The Center for Environmental Studies at Austin College will offer three opportunities for internships during the summer of 2026. The internships are hosted by the Land Institute, located in Salina, Kansas; Little Traverse Conservancy in Northern Michigan; and the Heard Museum in McKinney, Texas. [Internships at the East Foundation in South Texas are currently on pause — check back next year!]

A degree in environmental studies offers diverse career opportunities, which can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Spending a summer exploring a career helps students narrow their choices and discover new paths. ENVS summer internships offer experience in the developing field of sustainable perennial agriculture with the Land Institute, land conservation and easements with Little Traverse Conservancy, the practice of land and wildlife stewardship alongside ranching with the East Foundation, and land management and ecological research at the Heard Museum.

Past participants describe these programs as an excellent way to gain hands-on experience in environmental studies, explore potential career paths, and learn directly from professionals across diverse fields. 

“Applying for and completing an internship can be one of the most valuable steps you take as a student,” says Rebecca Jones, coordinator for the Center for Environmental Studies. “It’s not just about building your resumé—it’s about discovering what excites you, gaining real-world experience, and making connections that can shape your future.”

Thinking about applying? Here are some tips from past interns about the application process and beyond:

1. Apply Early. Don’t let the application process interfere with your spring coursework — spend some time over JanTerm or the winter break reading through the AC internship and host organization websites to figure out the best fit for you and get your thoughts on paper. The Center for Environmental Studies will help you handle everything else.
2. Ask Lots of Questions. Not sure which internship opportunity best suits your career path or goals? Contact an ENVS faculty or staff member to express your interest and concerns. You can also ask other students who have previously held internships — they usually love talking about their experience!
3. Come Prepared. You’ve officially secured your internship, but what should you pack for the journey? Staples like hats, sunscreen and bug spray are a must for most sites, but many former interns also recommend bringing items that remind you of home. Don’t forget your lucky socks, favorite stuffed animal, comfort food, etc.
4. Explore and Interact. Many former interns report that one of the highlights of their experience is the people they work with on a day to day basis. Get to know your bunkmates and co-workers, and take the time to visit other locales of interest to make your internship richer, more fulfilling and memorable.
5. Be Ready to Work Hard. Manual labor is a part of all the internship experiences provided by the Center for Environmental Studies, but that shouldn’t deter you from applying if you have a real interest in the overall mission and/or goals of the host organizations. It’s also important to remember that you are a representative of the college when you are at these sites, so act accordingly!

For more information on the host organizations and application process, please visit the internship section on the Center for Environmental Studies webpage.