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The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages and supports internships where feasible. Students who are looking for internships at SCDES can use the information on this page as a guide to get started.

Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent. - National Association of Colleges and Employers

Getting Started

About SCDES

SCDES is charged with promoting and protecting the health of the public and the environment in South Carolina. With more than 3,400 employees working in approximately 100 locations across the state, SCDES places health at the heart of all that we do.

We encourage prospective interns to learn more about us — our commitment to serving South Carolinians for 50 years, who we are and what we do.

Search for Internships

SCDES advertises its internships on the South Carolina Careers website. You can search the site to find and apply for available internships. If you apply for an internship, you will be contacted by the program who is seeking interns.

If you are unable to find an internship or one that fits your needs, complete a request to express your interest in future internships. Please note that by submitting a request, you are consenting to allow SCDES's Human Resources to share your information with SCDES programs searching for interns.

We review requests received and we will contact you if an internship becomes available. We also encourage you to keep searching the South Carolina Careers website for new internships.

Internships for Class and/or Graduation Credit

To receive class and/or graduation credit for an agency internship, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) is required between SCDES and the student's academic institution. If SCDES does not have an MOA with a school, please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

SCDES does not guarantee an internship based on an academic institution's active MOA with SCDES. Non-paid, for-credit internships depend on many factors, such as location, student interests, and SCDES staffing/project availability.

Testimonials

New SCDES Employees

An African American young lady wearing a pink tee shirt and blue striped pants holds up her certificate of internship completion.

NeKyra Thomas, Office of Human Resources Intern
Office of Human Resources - Classification and Compensation

“I've felt my level of professionalism grow so much in just six weeks, and I have gotten so used to the office setting,” NeKyra said. “Upon graduation, DHEC will be the first place I look for a career! This internship was an invaluable experience, and I will take every lesson learned with me."

A caucasian male with short brown hair stands in front of a tree trunk and exotic greenery. He is wearing a white Polo button down with a red patterned tie.

Brian Norman, Jr., Environmental Health Manager II
Solid Waste Regulation Development, Planning, and Reporting
Division of Mining and Solid Waste Management

"As an intern with DHEC, I learned many valuable skills in both the office and out in the field that primed me for my current role here at DHEC. Every connection I made was more than thrilled to talk about what it is that they do. They truly cared about my benefit from the internship.”

young african american woman with bright blue blouse and makeup done has her headshot taken in front of a navy backdrop

Beata DeWitt
Interned with Environmental Affairs

“DHEC has done a phenomenal job in providing the best work experience for interns [ . . . ] My internship has allowed me to learn as I work. I have met many outstanding people from various departments of DHEC with a common goal of helping the community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally speaking, internships for class and/or graduation credit are not paid. Internships not for class and/or graduation credit are, in many cases, paid. However, a program searching for interns will share the specifics with you, including whether or not the internship is paid.

The duration of for-credit, unpaid internships depends on how many hours and/or projects the class/academic institution requires for completion. Students should have specific requirements in writing from their academic institution.

The duration of paid, non-credit internships varies depending on funding and work requiring completion. Some recent paid internships have been for six (6) weeks. However, many paid summer internships with Environmental Affairs have lasted for more than two (2) months. Grant-funded internships can sometimes be extended, provided additional funding is available. When a paid internship is advertised, the duration and hours will be listed.

For-credit, unpaid internships are evaluated based on specific requirements from the student's instructor and/or academic institution.

Although SCDES staff do not assign internship grades, instructors usually request regular updates and formal feedback from internship supervisors. Most instructors weigh evaluations from internship supervisors heavily in determining a grade and/or whether or not the student has fulfilled internship requirements.

Non-credit, paid internships are evaluated by the intern's supervisor. The supervisor considers these interns paid, hourly employees and will prepare formal position descriptions with specific job duties. In some cases, paid internship supervisors also consult with colleagues for whom the intern has provided project assistance to determine if expectations have been met.

Whether it is for-credit (unpaid) or paid, internships should be taken seriously. Interns are expected to act professionally at all times and use the experience to prepare for a career. Making a good impression through outstanding internship performance can also lead to a future full-time job: employers often use internships to evaluate potential future employees.

SCDES does not offer housing for internships. However, internships are often available or can be arranged in multiple locations throughout South Carolina, depending on agency and/or school requirements.

Virtual and hybrid options (combination of in-person and remote work) are at the discretion of each hiring manager. Some recent paid summer internships have been hybrid. Virtual options for unpaid, for-credit internships also depend upon specific requirements from a student's academic program.

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