Internship Story: Kara Jeffrey

November 11, 2021
Kara Jeffrey
Mote’s sea turtle activities are conducted under Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Marine Turtle permits 155, 216, 027, 054, 070, and 028. *FWC Marine Turtle Permit MTP-20-126*

Name: Kara Jeffrey
Major: Animal Ecology with focus in Pre-veterinary & Animal Care/Fisheries & Aquatic Science
Year: Junior
Hometown/State: Fairfield, Iowa
Company/Organization: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Title: Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Intern (Summer 2021)
Location: Sarasota, Florida

Describe your internship responsibilities:
I helped with the daily preparation of meals for all hospital patients and fed them throughout the day.  I completed daily water quality for all tanks, cleaned tanks, and regulated water levels, pH, and salinity.  Whenever veterinary procedures took place on any hospital patients, I helped restrain animals for blood draws, injections, etc.  Non-releasable sea turtles -- I had the chance to assist with training through positive reinforcement and feeding tactics.  I helped with the care, rehabilitation, and release of baby green and loggerhead sea turtles during hatchling season.  Lastly, I completed data entry for water quality and feed logs in my free time during work hours. 

What did you enjoy most about this internship?
I enjoyed getting to take a step outside of my comfort zone, moving across the country to learn about marine life and rehabilitation.  In Iowa, I never have had a chance to do anything like this, and it has always been my dream to work in the marine animal rehab field.  I loved being able to work hands-on every day with sea turtles and their hatchlings.  Learning care and rehab methods was my favorite part of this internship and learning about the sea turtle’s lifestyle and body.

How has this experience impacted your future career plans?
This experience allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the sea turtle rehab field.  I made several connections with professionals in the area and fellow students with the same passion for ocean conservation and marine life.  I hope that this internship will allow me to advance further in the marine rehab field later on in my career.

What resources did you utilize to obtain this internship?
I job shadowed in Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s education department while vacationing in Sarasota, FL before my freshman year at Iowa State University (2019).  After spending a day at Mote, it was my dream to obtain an internship at the facility.  I applied online on their website and contacted the internship coordinators before I accepted this position.  There are various departments to intern with, and I selected my top three programs during my application process.  I applied in late December and found out about my acceptance in March.

What advice would you offer to other students seeking similar internships?
My best advice is to always go out of your comfort zone.  So many people have doubted my plan, career choice, and where I want to end up someday.  Taking the chance and applying for several internships in Florida on the coast at marine rehabilitation facilities provided me with the experience of a lifetime.  Take the time to detail your applications and make them personal regarding your goals, hopes, and dreams.  Work hard in classes and remember what you’re working to achieve.