Sean O’Connor, Class of 2005, pulled off a hat trick by graduating with honors that included Outstanding Achievement as a Geography Major, Distinction in the Major, and being awarded the Jack and Laura Dangermond Undergraduate Fellowship. Now he’s added another feather to his cap by being granted an internship with National Geographic Magazine. According to Sean, “My internship with National Geographic is for 16 weeks and starts after Labor Day. I first heard about it almost a year ago from Robin Johnson (our Undergraduate Advisor at the time) on the Geography listserve and applied last October. Then, in December, I found out I got it! Specifically, it is with National Geographic Magazine, working in the research department. That’s all I really know, except they also mentioned I’d be working on at least one full-feature article and many smaller ones as well.”
The Society’s Geography Intern Program for university and college juniors, seniors, and master’s students majoring in geography or cartography began in 1981. Robert Dulli, the Program Director, points out that the program is designed to furnish a limited number of qualified students with an opportunity to apply knowledge and techniques they have learned in the classroom to publication procedures at the National Geographic Society. Each intern is assigned to a division of the Society, and his or her tasks range from editorial research and writing to cartography. “We are looking for well-rounded students who have a breadth of interest and work experiences, and who are committed to the field of geography or cartography.”Only the most promising students are encouraged to apply to the program, and Sean certainly qualifies. He also modestly qualifies his acceptance by stating, “I really owe a lot to Robin Johnson for helping me get my application out, as well as to Dr. Clarke, Chris Funk, and Doug Fischer for writing letters of recommendation for me. I’m very excited about it. I’m also looking for opportunities after December (geography related, of course) in D.C. so I can stay there for the year.”Hats off to Sean!
