C. Sebastian Alvarado: The Thomas M. Cooley Law School

  "As a legal intern with the Executive Division, I worked on various projects ranging from research of environmental policies of neighboring states to reviewing internal use of guidance documents.  Working at the DEQ was an excellent experience that exposed me to an area of law that I had no experience with.  The people share a common vision and work hard towards that goal."

Jen Charest: Michigan State University College of Law   

  "My externship at the Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has proven an invaluable experience.  I chose the MDEQ for my summer position because I wanted to gain authentic insight into the workings of environmental law.  Not only have I developed a better understanding of environmental acts, policy, and programs, but also a familiarity with administrative law, business and corporation law, and real estate law.  Providing research and memos for an ALJ has refined my analysis and writing skills so that my finished work product meets the standards of a professional environment.  The program at the MDEQ provides just the right combination of responsibility and encouragement, and has positively enhanced my legal skills in a short period of time."

Mooneue Choi: Graduate Program in Regional Development, University of Cincinnati

"First of all, I really appreciate the opportunity working as an executive office intern at MDEQ. I have had many chances working in several different divisions and that experience was invaluable. I could apply my class knowledge into the real world projects and met lots of good people. This was an unforgettable experience and I am sure that it will be very helpful in achieving my future career goals."

Douglas P. Clements: Advertising and Public Relations, Grand Valley State University

  "The best part of this internship was my fellow interns and other co-workers.  The learning experience was great, but the people made it fun to come in every day. Beyond that, I was responsible for part of the daily Eclips, drafting articles and press releases, doing a great deal of Web writing and working on other projects in the Education and Communication office.  Two of my favorite projects were working on the Combined Brownfield Application for JoAnn Merrick, DEQ Chief of Staff, and launching the Environmental Education online survey."

Olivia Cohn: Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, Michigan State University

  "As a Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy major, I am very interested in politics and policy-making.  Working among the Executive Division team at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has further encouraged me to pursue a career related to state government.  The MDEQ Executive staffs' attitudes have impressed upon me that they truly care for the issues at hand, and that they work hard to move Michigan in a positive direction.  This attitude is something that I hope to model as I pursue my own goals and interests in the political arena."

Jason C. Dinsmore: Wayne State University Law School

Brad Dragicevich: Marketing Major / Environmental Science Minor, Olivet College

  "Among other tasks, the focus of my internship with the MDEQ was a local ordinance project working with the Environmental Science and Services Division. During my time here I have gained the experience necessary to secure job opportunities in the future. I met and held conferences with many interesting people along the way that were not only full of inspiring information but can be added to my collaborative list of networks. All in all, I found the internship to be very rewarding."

Leah Hall: The Thomas M. Cooley Law School

  "During my externship with the DEQ, I had many valuable experiences working in all aspects of environmental law.  I did some work with two of the Administrative Law Judges, drafting and reviewing orders.  I also got the chance to make a presentation to the Environmental Advisory Council.  I did a large amount of work in the field of alternative and renewable energy, and worked for a large part of the semester with the Governor's Office, which was amazing.  Everyone at the DEQ was so helpful and nice, and made being here a complete pleasure." 

Michael Hausinger: College of Engineering, University of Michigan   

  "Interning with the DEQ has helped me to understand a part of the way governments function. I learned a great deal about the permits required for many construction projects, and indirectly learned about government regulations in general. The work experience and knowledge I gained will certainly be useful in the future."

  "My internship experience at the DEQ has been very rewarding and insightful. While interning, I had the opportunity to work on exciting projects, including research and preparation for procuring alternative energy systems for a new DEQ office building. Everyone I've worked with inside and outside of the office was very supportive and motivated people, and I could not ask for a better team. Better yet, I secured an internship that offered me a valuable, positive work experience with insight into the workings of State government. After my short time being here, I'm thinking about sticking around!"

  "I enjoyed working on real, hands-on issues such as Environmental Education and Climate Change, which are affecting our world today."

  "MDEQ has been a great and interesting experience for me."

  "During my internship at the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), I have really enjoyed observing and learning about the different divisions.  My experiences with the divisions will definitely help me to incorporate real-life situations and issues in my chemistry classes.  My work with the MEECS education units has also been very rewarding, as I have been given opportunities to work with some very dedicated educators across the state on increasing and improving environmental education in Michigan."

  "Working as an intern has been an exciting and interesting learning experience. Although I have previously worked environmental positions in the field, as a technician and researcher for my senior seminar, working in a governmental office lends an entirely different perspective. Working in an atmosphere of important policy decisions being carried out or helping to manage the environmental education curricula is something that anyone thinking of working in a related field should experience."

  "There's opportunity here for each intern to gain the experience he or she wants.  For me, this has been a summer of learning science and administrative law, and of discussing law with fellow interns.  It's been wonderful to get perspective from students of other law schools, and to work in an environment that's both engaging and supportive."