What does an Environmental Internship look like?
The Lake Forest College Environmental Studies Department partners with many different local organizations for internship opportunities and student enrichment. Some of these organizations include:
- The Elawa Farm Foundation
- The Chicago Botanic Gardens
- The John G. Shedd Aquarium
- Lake Forest Open Lands
- The Sweetwater Foundation
Join our Environmental Studies graduates in success!
100% of the class of 2023 reported landing a job within six months of graduation or planned to continue their education.
Red - 93% Employed within 6 months of graduation----------------------------Orange - 7% Continuing their Education
Contact Information
Science and Health Care Pathway Staff
Hilary De Vries (she/her/hers)
Associate Director
Science and Health Care
Career Pathway Leader
hdevries@lakeforest.edu
Khadija Manzoor '19, LPC, CRC (she/her/hers)
Science and Health Care
Internship and Health Care Specialist
kmanzoor@lakeforest.edu
Melissa Ramirez '20 (she/her/hers)
Science and STEM Career Specialist
mramirez@lakeforest.edu
Pauline Binder-Finnema PhD, MPP (she/her/hers)
Science and Health Care Research Liaison
pbinderfinnema@lakeforest.edu
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
256 Brown Hall, Middle Campus
847-735-5235
careers@lakeforest.edu
Hours
Academic Year:
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
One Major, Multiple Paths
A degree in Environmental Studies can open up a variety of opportunities. Here's a sample of job titles our newest graduates have held in the last five years:
- Behavioral Health Administrative Specialist
- Conservation and Experiential Programming Aide
- Communications Assistant
- Environmental Restoration Specialist
- Field Ecologist
- Foster Care Permanency Achievement Specialist
- Land and Water Steward
- National Resource Technician
- Plant Healthcare Technician/Climber
- Production Specialist
- Veterinary Technician
Where our graduates land
Our students have completed an internship or landed a job with high-profile organizations in and beyond Chicago.
Our most recent graduates have interned at or joined the ranks of these companies in the last five years:
- Abbott Laboratories
- American Conservation Experience
- Bartlett Tree Experts
- Burnham Park Animal Hospital
- Champaign County Forest Preserve District
- Davey Tree Expert Company
- Engineering Consulting Services (ECS)
- Lake Forest Open Lands
- Olson Ecological Solutions
- Park Animal Hospital
- Sustainable Living Guide
- Tallgrass Restoration LLC
- Zena Forest Products LLC
Advancing their studies
Enviormental Studies graduates have also furthered their studies through graduate programs across the country. We set our students up for success so they can enroll in diverse programs such as this sample of degrees pursued by recent graduates:
- Juris Doctor (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
- Master of Environmental Studies (University of Illinois Springfield)
- Master of Arts in Leadership (University of Jamestown)
- Master of Public Health (University of Minnesota)
A Lake Forest College education is built for the future. All students are equipped with the most sought-after professional skills: writing, speaking, critical thinking, and an understanding of human society and cultures. Our interdisciplinary curriculum sets our graduates apart as competitive and uniquely qualified candidates who are eager to take on the challenges presented in today's professional world. Learn more about how our students turn their passions into a career on our Success Stories and Outcomes page.
“
The Environmental Studies department has so many fantastic classes to take, and each of them has the potential to bring out life-changing experiences that can give you clarity on what your true passions are. My experience from my Senior Seminar course on preserving/restoring endangered species gave me an absolute passion to pursue a career related to environmental stewardship and research.
Christian Meyers ’23, Land & Water Steward at Green Iowa Americorps
Christian's journey isn't the only way to make it at Lake Forest College. Our career pathways offer a multitude of different ways to take advantage of the education here as well as the opportunities after graduation.
Our Enviormental Science graduates...
Critically Examine
all sides of environmental issues and apply understanding from other disciplines
Understand the Earth’s Systems
on physical, chemical, and biological levels
Apply Lessons
from various courses through field experiences
Actively Challenge
existing systems and structures
Networking and Career Preparation
Our students have opportunities to engage with professionals working in various fields of interest and build meaningful connections before graduation.
Lake Forest College students don't only get a fantastic education, but also hone applicable skills that employers are seeking in candidates.
Our career counselors ensure that our students are well prepared for whatever path they choose.
At Lake Forest College, you will have the opportunity to connect with professionals from a multitude of fields.
Like what you see?
Arrange a campus visit to see what Lake Forest College has to offer in person. You'll be able to talk with professors, students, and get a taste for what Lake Forest College can mean for you and your career.
Contact the Gorter Family Career Center
Pathway Leader
Hilary De Vries
Science and Health Care Career Pathway Leader
hdevries@lakeforest.edu
847-735-6126
General Contact
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
256 Brown Hall, Middle Campus
847-735-5235
careers@lakeforest.edu
