Information for Employers

Our internship program helps prepare the next generation of global thinkers and leaders.

For employers, an intern is often an invaluable opportunity for developing new talent and harnessing the enthusiasm and creative thinking of the upcoming generation.

The Bates Center Sustainability Internship Course matches the needs of your organization with the interests and skills of our students. Our faculty and staff are here to ensure a productive experience for students and employers alike, with the goal of establishing lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships.


Information For Employers

Our partner expectations are straightforward and flexible.

  • Commit to hosting a Lewis & Clark student for a period of 8-12 weeks for either part-time or full-time employment.
    • We ask for a minimum of 10 hours per week, and 20 hours maximum for unpaid positions.
  • Identify an internship supervisor and interview student applicant(s).
  • Identify a focus area or a specific project the student will work on. Lewis & Clark can assist with this, as needed.
  • Complete a brief evaluation of the program and the student intern.

Our students are well-prepared and supported.

  • The sustainability course team will match selected students with participating employers. Students will be highly-qualified rising juniors or seniors, will have presented references and a personal statement of purpose.
  • Prior to beginning the internship, students will receive 30 hours of instruction in both key sustainability issue areas and professional workplace etiquette.
  • Throughout the internship term, students and employers will have a support network ensuring that internships run smoothly and are mutually beneficial.
  • Students will participate in weekly meetings with other students in the course facilitated by the faculty instructor.
  • Students will present a summary of their internship at the completion of the course.

Interested? Please fill out this form and contact Amy Dvorak, 503.768.7794


 

2025 Internship Timeline

November - December: Employer recruitment March 10-31: Interviews
January: Finalize employer positions, promotion to students
  • 

March 10- April 4: Employers receive applications, schedule interviews
February 1 - March 1: Student application period
  • by April 4: Employers inform students and Lewis & Clark regarding their selection, students register
February: Position descriptions posted, student information sessions

May 19 - 23: Intern training intensive week (Location: Sustainability Office)

  • Feb. 7

May 16: Kick-off event with employers and students (Location: Sustainability Office)

  • Feb. 14
Week of May 20: Internships and class begin (Location for class: remote)
March 3: Students notified of application status, prepare internship application materials
Week of May 27: Students internship presentation
  August 8: Internships and course end