Aquarium Internship Provides Fascinating Learning Experience
If you visit the South Carolina Aquarium during the holiday season, make sure to keep an eye out for our PCA intern, Graham Eller. Graham, a junior with a keen interest in marine animals, is dedicated to enlightening the public about these fascinating creatures. His future plans involve pursuing a college degree in Marine Biology.
When asked about his responsibilities at the Aquarium, Graham says,”Some of my tasks at the aquarium are answering questions people might have about the animals or the exhibits and taking visitors on tour around the aquarium. The most interesting thing I have done is taking people on behind the scenes tours of the big tanks and teaching them about how the aquarium works."
Graham's internship covers all areas of the aquarium from teaching with the Animal Ambassadors, working the indoor and outdoor touch tanks, running the Trading Post, and sharing about the Great Ocean Tank. Graham feels he has learned the most about the impact of the environment on animals, while strengthening his communication and problem solving skills.
If you are a junior or senior interested in pursuing an internship, the process starts in the Spring of your Sophomore or Junior year in your Individual Graduation Plan meeting with your academic counselor. Some students know exactly where they want to work and others are open to a few different career fields. The Counseling office can help you focus your career interest and assist you in making contacts for your internship within our PCA network. Working as an intern shows you're interested in taking on responsibility and learning new things, and can help you stand out from other college applicants or lead to job offers after graduation.