We seek industry partners who are willing to share time and expertise to complement our students’ classroom education. Together, we can provide a range of experiential learning opportunities where our students can aptly apply their knowledge and skills, through internship opportunities, client projects and client-centered master’s projects.
Internships
We are always looking for industry partners who are willing and able to create internships for our students, be they undergraduates, masters, or professional students. Internship opportunities in all environmental sectors help to train our students in real-world situations, providing invaluable on-the-job training.
Client-Centered Master's Projects
Client-centered Master's Projects (MPs) span approximately one year to eighteen months and may take the form of management plans, educational curricula, policy analyses, business plans or other deliverables. These projects are mutually beneficial, with our students achieving additional professional growth by collaborating with a real-world client, and the client receiving tangible research benefits at no cost.
If your organization has a project idea or challenge that could benefit from student involvement, we invite you to reach out. We will work with our Program Chairs and faculty to explore whether there is an academic pathway for students to engage with your project in a way that supports both your needs and their learning goals. While we cannot guarantee that every project will be matched with a student team, we will work diligently with our faculty to explore possible opportunities.
Propose a master's project for your organization
Project Scope & Requirements
A Master's Project should:
- Align with interests, expertise and capabilities of students and faculty.
- Ask a well-defined environmental science, policy or management question.
- Make data available for analysis, or include a plan for assisting students in obtaining data.
- Be completed within the master's project timeline.
Timeline
Project proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and are made visible to students in their first fall semester. For projects that are matched with a students, work would begin as early as the spring, and as late as the fall of their second year. Work would be completed in the spring of their second year (roughly 15 months after the matching process).
Depending on factors such as faculty availability and student interest, we may not be able to pursue your project this academic year. That said, we truly value your partnership and would love to stay connected. Please let us know if you would be open to working with future cohorts or exploring other avenues for collaboration such as internships.
Client Expectations
- The organization should provide a clear point of contact who will communicate with student(s) and respond regularly and in a timely manner.
- The client should meet with the student(s) and the MP advisor to define the project scope, formulate a researchable problem and develop a work plan that best fits the challenge posed.
- The client should engage and commit to work with the team for the duration of the MP.
- The client should regularly provide feedback to the group throughout the MP process.
Submit Project Proposal
If you are interested in submitting a proposal, or have any questions, please email nsoe-mastersproject@duke.edu with a half-page project description so we can connect you with the Program Chairs to further discuss.
Questions?
Want to participate but not sure which option is best? We are always looking for innovative ways to connect our students with clients. Please get in touch and let’s talk about where we might be able to make a connection.
Abbey Sheehy
Office of ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Services
nsoe-mastersproject@duke.edu