CAFLS students actively participate in a wide variety of internships, often in their discipline of choice. Internships are a key to gaining employment upon graduation -- participation in one or more internships introduces CAFLS students to potential workplaces and the real-world experiences that employers value. Most of the costs associated with internships are born by the internship provider.
CAFLS Career Services
Speak with Paula Beecher to learn about major-specific internship requirements and opportunities.
Paula Beecher
pbeeche@clemson.edu
Director of Alumni and Career Services
Schedule Appointments with CU Navigate
CAFLS Career Services has resources and connections to help you with resume critique, mock interviews and industry connections for internships.
CAFLS Career ServicesGetting Started
Internships are required for many of our CAFLS majors. In order to receive credit for an internship, you should speak with the internship coordinator in your department.
Agricultural Sciences
Hunter Massey, AgMech
Michael Vassalos, AGB
Dale Layfield, AGEDAnimal and Veterinary Sciences
Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences
Marie Hegler- FDSC - Culinary Internships
Marie Hegler- FDSC 3500- Food Tech
Paula Beecher/Jeff Neal- Packaging- Co-op RequirementForestry and Environmental Conservation
Kyle Barrett- Forestry, WILD, ENR
Plant and Environmental Sciences
Ellen Vincent- Hort
Haibo Liu- Turf
FAQ
-
Do I have to register for a class to do an internship?
If you are receiving class credit, yes, you need to check with your advisor and get signed up for the appropriate internship class. Many of our students will do internships outside of the ones required for class credit. This is highly encouraged! You can always reach out to Paula Beecher for resources on finding an internship in your area of interest!
-
Why should I do an internship?
Many employers are interested in newly graduated students who already have working experience, even if it is just for a few months! Internships are a way to gain experience in your major field, thus validating what you are studying. Not only this, but students can gain valuable connections with people in their field by doing an internship, as well as working references and recommendations. Many of our past students have found jobs at the very places they interned!
-
When can I do an internship?
This can vary by opportunity. Many students complete their internships during the summer between their sophomore and junior years however we are seeing more employers that will also give opportunities to freshmen.
-
Where can I do an internship?
In theory – anywhere! Our students have done their internships abroad, and of course, closer to home. But you can do an internship wherever you like. You will just need to get pre-approval of your internship plans from your respective internship coordinator IF you are seeking Clemson credit. We do recommend, however, that you do your internship at a place where you haven’t previously interned or worked to broaden your scope of work experiences.
University Professional Internship and Co-Op Program (UPIC)
Clemson University's Center for Career and Professional Development offers students the opportunity to work closely with a member or members of Clemson's faculty or administration in an on-campus or Clemson-affiliated position. Participating students will be given significant work that will help them prepare for their future careers. These are paid positions, and students can work part-time (12-15 hours/week) or full-time (28 hours/week).
At left: Students collect samples from a stream as part of their internship work with Dr. Peoples.
CAFLS Student Internship Spotlight
PATRICK BELK
Spanish government ecophysiology lab
In Spain I worked in a Spanish government ecophysiology lab who's main focus is studying water use efficiency in fruit tree crops. I helped the researchers with field measurements and sample processing in the lab. I learned about advanced techniques such as deficit irrigation and using sensor technology to measure water stress. Outside of work I explored the local region and immersed myself in the culture.
Plant and Environmental Sciences
DEAUNDRE COOLEY
Mondelez International in East Hanover, New Jersey
It was an immersive experience to be a part of the Gum and Candy team at Mondelez International asa Packaging R and D Co-op. I had the opportunity to work with iconic brands such as Trident, Sour Patch Kids, and Halls. Over my time with Mondelez, I was a part of multiple business continuation projects where I gained experience in packaging innovation and development. Looking forward to utilizing my experiences in my future endeavors!
Food, Nutrition, and Packaging SciencesALEX RATAY
National Clean Plant Network (NCPN)
This summer I've been working as an undergraduate research assistantin the Cieniewicz plant virology lab here on campus, and will be continuing in the fall. I've been assisting with work for the National Clean Plant Network (NCPN) in keeping South Carolina's peach trees clean,as well as a variety of othertasks!
PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
