MBARI Summer Internship Program- Supplemental Information

The 2023 program starts on June 5th and goes until August 11th, 2023. We are currently planning for an in-person program but are prepared to shift to a virtual program if COVID guidelines change. If you have conflicts with the program dates (i.e. you are on the quarter system), and are accepted, we are prepared to work around finals schedules. However, interns cannot miss more than two weeks of the ten-week program. MBARI provides a stipend (in 2022 it was $17/hour), but food, travel, etc. are not covered. MBARI arranges housing for non-local interns and we may be able to help cover some housing costs.

Applications are now being accepted for 2023. The application deadline is at 0800 hours (8 am) Pacific Standard Time on February 7th, 2023.  Electronic submissions are preferred, please email intern-application@mbari.org. Incomplete or late applications may not be considered. Please put your name in the subject heading of the email (and ask your recommendation letter writer to do the same).

• Applicants must submit (pdf format is preferred for all documents):
  • a cover letter
  • curriculum vitae
  • one letter of recommendation
  • a completed online supplemental information form

Cover Letter

• The cover letter should include a statement of your specific research interests, complete contact information, relevant coursework and grades received (transcripts are not required). We would also like you to think about and discuss how you hope to use your upbringing, background, and/or life experiences to enhance your internship experience. Potential project descriptions are posted and applicants MUST indicate their project preference(s) in the cover letter.
• PDF format is preferred for all submitted documents.
• Avoid cliché and simple biographies.
• Talk about your experiences and how they lead to your goals.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Include relevant academic and work experiences, honors, leadership activities, and skills and training.
• Sell yourself!
• Write active descriptions of experiences focusing on accomplishments and ‘end products’.
• Customize your resume or CV for your audience.
• Use consistent formatting so that your resume or CV looks professional and information is easy to find.
• PDF format is preferred.

Letter of Recommendation

• If an electronic letter of recommendation is being sent to us directly from the author, please ask the author to include your name in the subject line of the email (e.g., Smith, Jane: Letter of recommendation).
• PDF format is preferred.
• Real relationships are key! Develop personal connections with strong letter writers.
• Best recommendation letters come from:
  • Someone who knows you well and can comment on your work.
  • Someone who has supervised you in a job or internship aligned with the program you are pursuing.

The MBARI Summer Internship Program is generously supported through a gift from the Dean and Helen Witter Family Fund and the Rentschler Family Fund in memory of former MBARI board member Frank Roberts (1920-2019) and by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation.