Intern FAQ
1. I am a college student looking for experience; do you have internships to offer?
2. Do I need to be in college or receiving college credit to complete an internship?
3. What documents do I need to apply for an internship?
4. Are unofficial transcripts okay to send?
5. To whom should I address my cover letter?
6. How do I submit my application?
7. Are there deadlines?
8. What if I do not have my letter of recommendation?
9. Do I need to pass any background checks?
10. How much do these cost?
11. Are these internships paid?
12. Is housing available?
13. Is transportation available?
14. I submitted my complete internship application and have not heard anything yet. How do I check the status of my application?
Yes, we have a multitude of internships to offer. Not all internships are animal related. Descriptions of each internship and their requirements are listed on the Philadelphia Zoo’s website under “Volunteer” then “Interns.”
No, we accept recent high school and college graduates as well as career changers for most of our programs. Master’s level candidates are also encouraged to apply, particularly to business administration internships. Be sure to review the internship postings for specific criteria.
You will need a cover letter, resume, letter of recommendation, a copy of your transcript, and a complete Intern Application found under the “Interns” section on the Philadelphia Zoo’s website.
Graduate students should submit transcripts from both their undergraduate and graduate schools.
Career changers may omit their transcripts but should be clear about their intentions in their cover letter.
Yes, we will accept copies of your unofficial transcript.
You may address your cover letter to “To Whom It May Concern.” The Volunteer Programs Manager will be sure to forward applications from qualified candidates to the appropriate supervisor.
You should mail your complete application packet to:
Philadelphia Zoo
Attention: Human Resources - Internships
3400 West Girard Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19104-1196
Please do not email or fax your application.
Please be sure to check each internship description for an application deadline. If no deadline is listed, then applications for that internship are accepted on a rolling basis and positions are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Applications received after the deadline will be put on a wait list in case a position becomes available.
Applications postmarked but not received by the deadline will be considered late.
Please wait for your letter of recommendations before submitting your application.
If your recommender insists on submitting the letter of recommendation separately, please include a note with your application packet and ask your recommender to state that your application is being sent separately per his/her request.
Yes, you must provide a current (within one year), cleared Pennsylvania State Criminal Background check at orientation and a current, cleared PA Child Abuse History Clearance within 30 days of attending orientation.
Volunteers 18 years and older whose permanent residence is outside of Pennsylvania must also present a cleared FBI Criminal Background check, including fingerprinting.
Volunteers are responsible for the cost of these background checks.
Prices may vary depending on state and background check. As of 2012, a PA State Criminal Background check costs $10.00; a PA Child Abuse Clearance costs $10.00 and only money orders are accepted.
FBI Clearances are $18.00 plus the cost of fingerprinting. Contact your local police department to find out if they provide fingerprinting services. You may also contact Rosa Fingerprinting Center City at
www.fingerprint-phila.com.
No, ALL internships are
unpaid. There will be no salary, stipend or monetary reimbursement for time volunteered for an internship.
No, you are responsible for finding housing and all related expenses for the duration of your internship.
You are responsible for transportation to and from the Zoo. Public transportation is available throughout the city of Philadelphia. However, some interns prefer to use their own vehicle. You will not be reimbursed for any portion of travel that is in direct relation to your internship.
All interns may park for free and bicycle racks are available for use.
All applicants will receive an email confirmation stating their application has been received. If it’s been at least one week since you mailed the application and you have not received an email confirmation, you should contact
zoointerns@phillyzoo.org. Please be sure to check the email listed on your application, including spam folders!
Applications from qualified candidates will be forwarded to the appropriate supervisor. If interested, supervisors will contact applicants to schedule an interview within 2 – 4 weeks of receipt of the application. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applicants we cannot contact everyone directly to let them know if they have not been selected for an interview.
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