Employer Resources

Experiential Learning in Environmental Sciences

Welcome, employers!

Employers are a vital part of the educational experience for environmental science students at Oregon State University.

We welcome your feedback to help create places where everyone can feel comfortable and included.

Thank you for your time, energy, and service as you change the lives of these students, and the individuals they will serve in years to come.

What is experiential learning?

Experiential learning is the backbone to transfer skills from the classroom to the workplace.

Giving students hands on experiences in internship or research allows them to learn more about their field of study. An internship can be 1-9 credits.

10 steps to hosting a student for experiential learning

1. Hosting a student

 

Site initiated

Create a job or intern position description and post the position on Handshake.

Student initiated

If a student contacts your organization about experiential learning, follow the steps below.

2. Double check your organization's requirements

 

Employers interested in hosting OSU-Cascades' interns should review the guidelines, responsibilities, and legal considerations outlined by the Career Development Center. Internships must comply with Oregon State University’s employer policies and meet academic standards. OSU-Cascades' Internship Guidelines details expectations for site supervisors and provides contact information for further support.

Learning Agreements

Completed before the internship, in the student approval process via Handshake. 

3. Identify an supervisor for the intern

 

The site should designate at least one supervisor for the student during the internship process that is available to sign paperwork, meet with the student, provide mentorship and feedback on work projects, orientations, and onboarding procedures.

4. Provide relevant projects

 

When hosting a student intern in environmental sciences, it’s important to ensure that the activities align with both the discipline and the student’s specific area of interest—such as sustainability, conservation, environmental policy, or field research. This alignment helps students apply their academic knowledge in meaningful, real-world contexts while contributing to your organization’s environmental goals. Providing relevant, hands-on experiences also supports the development of career competencies and prepares students to become effective professionals in the environmental sector.

5. Provide a workspace

 

It is the responsibility of the site to provide the student with workspace, expectations of work schedule, and office policies of the site.

6. Provide 30-90 hours within a ten week academic term

 

Experiential Learning can be 30-90 hours throughout the duration of a term or over multiple terms.

Environmental Science students are required to take 3 credits at 30 hours per credit. Credits can be split over multiple terms. 

These hours can include the student attending staff meetings, engaging in professional development opportunities, attending relevant committee meetings, conferences, workshops, instructing fitness, creating patient handouts, implementing adapted exercise plans, demonstrating movements to patients/clients, following you in your day, etc.

7. Meet regularly with the student

 

The supervisor should schedule regular meeting times to meet with the student to check in, provide feedback, discuss activities, and share evaluations. 

8. Provide feedback to the student

 

Most students will be seeking employment after their internship. It is vital that they receive ongoing feedback regarding their performance, skills, and projects.

It is the expectation that students come ready to learn, be flexible, honest, and show integrity.

It is important to show the student what it is like in the day of the job with appropriate supervision.

9. Documentation for the student

 

Students are enrolled in an internship course and must complete assignments, reflections, and a final project that connect their experience to academic goals. These components are required to pass the course and are completed alongside their on-site responsibilities. Supervisors are not responsible for grading but may support the student’s learning by providing context and feedback.

  • Review Student Goals
    Please take time to review the student’s internship learning goals and career aspirations. This helps ensure the experience is aligned with their academic and professional development.

  • Midterm Evaluation
    Complete a brief evaluation midway through the internship to assess the student’s progress, engagement, and areas for growth. This feedback is essential for helping students stay on track and make adjustments if needed.

  • Final Evaluation
    Provide a comprehensive evaluation at the end of the internship that reflects the student’s overall performance, contributions, and professionalism. This final assessment is a key component of the student’s course grade.

  • Approve Student Hours Log
    Please review and verify the student’s internship hours by signing off on their log regularly. This confirmation ensures accurate tracking of time and is required for the student to receive credit for their internship experience.

10. Contact us

 

Contact the Environmental Sciences Internship Faculty Advisor, Jen Hoffmann, during the internship. 

Contact the Cascades Career Development Center for support in posting a job position or more information about hosting a student intern.