The Paul Edwin Potter Internship - FAQs

Work with GIS data.

  • How do I apply?
  • What is KGS looking for in a candidate?
    • KGS places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives. Therefore, we encourage applications from all interested and eligible students. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are fundamental principles that guide this program, KGS, and our mission to conduct research and provide unbiased information about geologic resources, environmental issues and natural hazards affecting Kentucky.
  • Do you have any tips about formatting our resume or cover letter?
    • We would like to review a one- or two-page resume and a one- or two-page letter of interest/cover letter. We will use this information to get to know you and match you to a potential position. Specific instructions are provided on the application form. Don't stress too much about being the best or perfect. We will have training exercises later in the program to help hone these skills.

      If you would like your resume and cover letter reviewed before submission please submit a finalized draft version as a Word document to Liz Adams at KGS (kgspotterinternship@uky.edu) by February 11. 2024. Please include in your email, your name, and specific questions or concerns you would like addressed.
  • Do I need to be a Geoscience major?
    • No, we welcome students with a wide range of related educational backgrounds. Our project topics vary from year to year and require skill sets from Environmental Sciences, Physics, Engineering, Public Health, Geography, Statistics, etc.
  • What will I be working on?
    • For the 2024 program, we are planning to hire six interns to join a karst related research team that will investigate a specific section of the Red River Gorge Geological Area (hyperlink please). Each intern will be assigned a mentor and tasks to work on based on their interests. Our program is designed to provide our interns with a broad set of academic, professional, and interpersonal skills relevant across fields and disciplines. Through regularly scheduled seminars and field experiences, interns will gain exposure to the variety of research methods and subspecialties represented at KGS.
  • What is the time commitment for an intern?
    • The 2024 internship will run from May 20 - July 26th. We expect interns to work 40 hours a week for the entire 10-week period.
  • Do I have to be a student at the University of Kentucky?
    • No. Any interested student enrolled at a higher education institution in Kentucky or surrounding area is encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to the University of Cincinnati, Marshall University, Hanover College, etc. Please reach out to kgspotterinternship@uky.edu if you have any questions about geographic eligibility.
  • Is this a paid or unpaid internship?
    • This is a paid internship. Interns will be paid $15/hour (40 hrs a week) as participants in the program.
  • Is housing provided?
    • Interns are responsible for paying for their local housing, transportation, parking, and food. The University of Kentucky provides the following campus options:
      More details and other options will be made available during the application process.

    Have other questions? Please reach out to Liz Adams at KGS via email (kgspotterinternship@uky.edu).

    Touring the EARL with the 2023 Potter Interns
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