DLC Internship Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to multiple DLC internships?
You are welcome to apply to a maximum of two DLC internships. If doing so, you must submit a separate application for each internship department. If you are a finalist for both internships, the intern managers will review your skills and decide which department will extend an offer.
If I am applying to multiple internships at the DLC, do I need to different references/letters of recommendation for each application?
For candidates applying to more than one internship, references may submit the same letters of recommendation for each internship application or can submit different letters of recommendation for an internship if the letter of recommendation highlights strengths and experience for a specific internship.
To whom should my references address my letters?
Applications are reviewed by the intern manager for each department. If you applied to the husbandry internship, the letter should be addressed to the “Husbandry Intern Manager.” If you applied to the field research internship, then “Field Research Intern Manager” would be appropriate, etc..
I see that I am required to obtain certain immunizations if selected for an internship opportunity. Will the DLC pay for this?
No, all immunization costs are up to the intern. Required immunizations are for your safety as well as the safety of the animals. Health insurance and immunization documentation is collected from selected interns after they have accepted an internship offer.
Is housing provided for DLC interns?
No, the DLC internship program does not provide housing or a housing stipend for interns. While you must find your own housing, selected interns will be given access to several housing search resources for the Durham area.
Is transportation provided?
No, selected interns must have their own transportation to get to and from the DLC.
Is this a paid internship program?
A small number of summer ’24 internships will be paid positions. Students in those paid positions will be compensated at a rate of $15.75/hour. It is possible to also receive academic credit for a DLC internship, although some schools may not give course credit for paid positions. Be sure to check with your institution, if you hope to receive academic credit.
Is there an age restriction for interns?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must either be currently attending college or graduated within the last three years.
Will there be any hands-on contact with the lemurs during the internship?
No. For your safety and the safety of the lemurs, interns are not allowed to have any physical contact with the animals. The lemurs are wild animals and we want them to maintain their natural behaviors.
I am interested in applying to the summer internship program, but can't start on May 27th and/or can't work through August 3rd. Are the internship term dates flexible? Will I be considered for the internship if I am unable to be present for the full extent of the internship?
All summer interns must be available to start on May 27th and work through August 3rd. Interns will present their project at our Summer Intern Project Symposium on August 3rd. Interns must be present every Tuesday from 12-1PM during the internship term for weekly seminars.
How will I know if my application is complete?
You can check the status of your application by logging in to the application management system. You will also receive automated emails throughout the process. If you have additional questions, contact erin.hecht@duke.edu.
How will I hear if I have been selected?
Complete applications will be reviewed starting on March 4th, 2024. Candidates who are selected to receive a phone interview will be notified by March 13th. All candidates who received a phone interview will be notified of the final decision by March 25th, 2024.
I applied for a position but was not accepted. Can I apply again?
Absolutely! If you were not selected for the upcoming internship term, we encourage you to resubmit an application for a future internship term.
Do you still have questions about applying for the summer internship program?
Join us for one of the following optional Zoom application workshops, which are an opportunity for prospective applicants to drop in and ask any questions about the application process or the intern program in general. Click to join anytime during these hour blocks!
Saturday, January 27th from 1-2PM Zoom application workshop
Wednesday, February 7th from 10-11AM Zoom application workshop
NOTE: If you have allergies, please be aware that the DLC keeps peanuts, peanut butter, and tree nuts onsite for lemur food and training rewards. Some internship types, such as Husbandry and Field Research, are more conducive to coming into contact with nuts than other internships types are.
