MATE Center’s Technical Internship Program

Today’s Presentation includes: What is the MATE Internship Program? Why apply for a marine technical internship? What are the MATE At-Sea Internships? How do you apply? Where are MATE Internship Alumni now?

Background on the M arine A dvanced T echnology E ducation (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 Textbooks MATE Center Programs Career Awareness Teaching Training Industry Connections 4 Underwater Robotics Competitions Workforce Studies

Who runs the MATE Internship Program? The MATE Internship Coordinator, Tami Lunsford, has been working with the MATE Center since She has also taught high school, college, and teacher professional development.

What is the MATE Internship program? The MATE Internship Program is funded by the National Science Foundation. Each year MATE places 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.

Why choose a career in Marine Science and Technology? Ocean economy is 20% of the national economy AND 1 in every 6 jobs! Field is growing and there is a lack of qualified workers Acquire a fun, exciting, and well-paid job - Marine technicians - Marine engineers - ROV pilots - Ship engineers - Hydrographic survey technicians And many more!!! View this video View this video with interviews of marine techs and a MATE intern to find out why they chose this field and what their life is like at work!

Why do an internship? 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

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, 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. To see a video tour of a ship and where interns eat, sleep, and work, click hereclick here

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.”

How to apply? To apply ( Complete an online application including attachments for your: Cover letter Resume Transcript (with proof of current enrollment) Letter(s) of recommendation APPLICATIONS ARE DUE March 25, 2013, for the summer 2013 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 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, visit Or ask for an internship flyer Or contact the Internship Coordinator at: Tami Lunsford