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Internships

Build experience alongside committed professionals with a Shedd Aquarium internship. From animal care to planning and design, our internships offer specific, in-depth experiences to college students interested in aquarium-related and non-profit careers!

Non-Animal Care Internships

Animal Care Internships

Follow the application instructions outlined within the listings below. 

  • A Shedd Aquarium intern talks to guests at Caribbean Reef.
  • An intern lends a hand in Shedd's vegetable garden.
  • Staff lift the electric eel in a tube onto an exam table in the Shedd's onsite veterinary hospital.
  • A marine mammals intern observes and writes down penguin behaviors inside the penguin habitat in Polar Play Zone.
  • Volunteer talks to children at Stingray Touch.

Learn from the Pros

Our internships offer specific, in-depth experiences to college students interested in aquarium-related careers. Duration varies with the program, and preference is given to students currently enrolled in a degree program. We do require that applicants for Animal Care Internships be at least 18 years old.

All internships are unpaid. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and transport. Shedd Aquarium is accessible via public transit.

What Are the Benefits of Being a Shedd Intern?

  • Admission to the aquarium and other cultural institutions
  • The chance to see how Shedd works behind the scenes
  • Gift shop and café discounts and discounted parking while interning
  • Helping to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world
  • Meeting a diverse group of staff members, interns and guests who share a passion for aquatic life

Non-Animal Care Internships

Click the button below to learn about our non-animal care related internships in departments like marketing and membership!

See all of our current openings!

Animal Care Internships

Click on the descriptions below to learn more about our roles. Make sure you review these carefully, as each role has different schedules, commitments and requirements.

A Shedd volunteer assists a staff member in an enrichment sessions with a beluga whale.

Marine Mammals Internship

A career learning experience, a Shedd marine mammals internship offers exposure to animal husbandry, positive reinforcement training, animal behavior and the chance to complete an individual observational or research project. Applicants can contribute to care for Shedd’s marine mammals or animal ambassadors including birds, reptiles and terrestrial mammals.

Learn More , on the Marine Mammals Internship page
A Fishes Intern above the Caribbean Reef exhibit,

Fishes Internship

A career learning experience, a fishes internship offers the opportunity to assist staff members with daily husbandry duties for the exhibits, reserve and support areas, including data collection and food preparation. The intern may work toward accomplishing a special research, observational, or school project.

Learn More , on the Fishes Internship page
Shedd vet techs performing an exam on a turtle.

Veterinary Technician Internship

A career learning experience, a Shedd veterinary technician internship offers exposure to veterinary support of a large collection of fishes, marine mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, terrestrial mammals and invertebrates. Students will work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, staff microbiologist and water-quality personnel.

Learn More , on the Veterinary Technician Internship page
Shedd staff completes a routine physical exam on one of the cownose rays from Shedd's Stingray Touch exhibit.

Veterinary Preceptorship

A career learning experience, Shedd’s veterinary preceptorship offers exposure to the veterinary management of a large collection of fishes, marine mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, terrestrial mammals and invertebrates. Students will work closely with veterinarians, veterinary technicians, staff microbiologist and water-quality personnel. Students must complete a project, which will be determined in the first week of the preceptorship.

Learn More , on the Veterinary Preceptorship page