External Learning Experience

All ES students complete a total of 3 credit hours of external learning experiences. All experiences must comprise at least 150 work hours at a single organization.  The experience must be entry-level, professional work in the field of environmental sciences.  Students must have their experiences approved prior to starting work by the ELE course instructor.  Students cannot earn credit for multiple classes with the same professional experience.  Professional experiences can be paid or unpaid, part-time or full-time. 

Students must secure their own experience. This is accomplished by applying for opportunities, networking, connecting with professors and teaching assistants, talking to their peers, and/or attending career fairs. ES advisors offer career coaching and guidance throughout the External Learning Experience search. Below are additional resources that students can utilize during their search.

Internship/Research Resources:

• FER Newsletter is emailed to students on Wednesdays and has a list of internship/research opportunities

• FER has a career services webpage with many environmental external job boards listed

• The College of Natural Resources host a Career Fair every fall semester

• Ms. Deanna Knighton, Director of Career Advising and Professional Engagement, provides career advising

  • CNR Students Career Development Searching + Networking

• The Career Development Center hosts many professional development workshops and has a professional clothing closet (everything is free!)

• ePack is NC State’s job board for students to learn about opportunities on and off campus.