Program

The UNOLS Office coordinates internships with the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and its supporting organizations. This is an incredible opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of marine technologies, equipment, and marine technical professionals. Interns receive hands-on training and assist with projects ranging from chemical oceanography to marine biology, seafloor mapping surveys, geological studies, ROV missions, and much more!

A UNOLS-MATE Internship is an excellent opportunity to help you:

1. DEFINE YOUR CAREER GOALS: There is no better way to determine if a marine technical career is right for you than to experience it first-hand!
2. PLAN AND PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER: Work alongside and learn from a network of marine technical professionals conducting and supporting oceanographic research on board research vessels at-sea, in the shipyard, and shore-based workshops.
3. APPLY YOUR SKILLS TO MARINE TECHNICAL APPLICATIONS: Develop the technical, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills required to succeed in the marine workforce while working with cutting-edge technologies, oceanographic instruments, and shipboard equipment.

Many past interns have been hired as:
• Marine Technicians
• ROV Technicians
• Electronics Technicians
• Ocean Engineers
• And many more!

LOGISTICS INFORMATION: Internships last from 2 weeks to 6 months each and are scheduled throughout the entire calendar year. The program pays a weekly stipend plus airfare, lodging and other approved travel expenses. Most interns work, eat, and sleep aboard research vessels. For land-based internships, lodging off ship and an additional meal stipend are provided. Internship projects vary and correspond to the objectives set by each specific host organization or research cruise.

PROGRAM MISSION
• Provide opportunities for students to receive training by marine technical professionals;
• Improve marine technical education and prepare the future ocean workforce; and
• Help meet the demand for multi-skilled marine technicians.

The UNOLS-MATE Marine Technical Internship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation. The program was started in 1999 by the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center and transferred to the UNOLS Office in 2023.