MATE Center’s Technical Internship

Program

Background on the Marine Advanced Technology Education

(MATE) Center

The MATE Center was founded in 1997

Headquartered at Monterey Peninsula College in California, it is a national partnership of more than 800 colleges, universities, high school, marine industries and professional societies.

MATE is funded in part by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education Program

MATE’s mission is to improve marine technical education and prepare the ocean workforce.

At-Sea Internships

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MATE Center ProgramsMATE Center Programs

Career Awareness

Teaching Training

Industry Connections

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Underwater RoboticsCompetitions

Workforce Studies

What is the MATE Internship program?

The MATE Internship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation.

Each year MATE places 12-15 college students in internships on research vessels working alongside marine technicians.

The interns gain hands-on technical skills and experience life aboard a research vessel.

To learn skills you can’t learn in the classroom such as working with state of the art marine technology and working aboard a ship

Gain exposure to new career possibilities

To understand if you are on the right educational path to reach your goals

Make connections to people in the field – who can serve as mentors to help guide your career

To gain work experience

My internship experience

Internship overview

My internship experience

Internship overview

My internship photos

My internship photos

MATE At-Sea Internships

The MATE Center places students with the following organizations:University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) US Coast Guard Institute for Exploration

Internships last for 2 weeks to 6 months (usually in summer) and can take place all over the world

$500/week stipend plus all travel costs are provided

Who are the Interns?Since 1999, over 265 students from 55 community

colleges and universities across the country have been placed in research vessels, labs and industry settings

Past intern demographics:61% from community colleges; 39% from

universities 46% female; 54% male Approximately 18% underrepresented minorities

Where are the internships and what do the interns do?

Internships are all over the world: Hawaii, Alaska, Antarctica, Samoa, Greece, Turkey, Florida, Rhode Island…

And they involve maintaining and operating oceanographic equipment, such as CTDs and carousels, moorings, hydrographic survey equipment, shipboard communications, and ROVs.

MATE interns have said:MATE interns have said:

“This is definitely the greatest learning experience I have ever had!”

“It made me realize I like the sea life and could be a marine technician.”

“My internship was an exceptional experience…I learned a great deal about marine technology…definitely increased my interest in pursuing a career in marine technology…and the knowledge needed to pursue that career.”

For me…

How to apply?To apply (http://www.marinetech.org/internships )

Complete an online application including the following attachments:Cover letter Resume Transcripts (with proof of current enrollment)Letter(s) of recommendation

Applications are usually due in the late fall/early winter for the six-month internship and in Marchf

or the summer internships.

What happens next?Interns’ interests, knowledge, and skills are matched

to the employer requirements.

MATE submits the most qualified student applications to the technicians on the ships.

The marine technicians on the ship make the final decision.

What increases your chances of being selected for an internship?

A well organized and complete application and resume – make sure to seek help from Tami, the internship coordinator, if you need it.

A passion for working with technology – volunteer for technology projects, take technology classes, join technology clubs.

At sea experience – jump on a class cruise or a whale watching boat, you need to know if you get seasick.

Excellent references – cultivate good relationships with faculty and employers that you know.

What if you are selected?If a marine technician chooses you as their intern,

the MATE Internship Coordinator will contact you and offer you the position.

You will be given the exact dates and location of the internship and you decide whether or not to participate in that particular internship.

You tell MATE what airport works best for you and we buy your airfare!

What if you choose to accept the internship?Enroll for cooperative work experience or

independent study credit at your school or Monterey Peninsula College

Interns and mentors develop a work plan and sign an agreement

Most internships are technical and involve one or more of the following:

Electronics

Water quality Geographical Information Systems (GIS) ROVs Data analysis Chemistry

Where are MATE alumni now?

Approximately half of past interns work in the marine science and technology field today

You can find more information on MATE Alumni on the MATE Internship website

Where are they now?

BEFORE: students at Monterey Peninsula College and Alvin Community College, MATE interns

NOW: ROV electronics repair and maintenance technicians at Oceaneering International

NOW: Marine Technician at Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Where are they now?

BEFORE: Honolulu community College student, MATE/UNOLS in 2006

Questions???For more information, visithttp://www.marinetech.org/careers/internships.phpOr ask for an internship flyerOr contact the Internship Coordinator at:

Tami Lunsford302-731-3035tlunsford@marinetech.org