The internship is part of their SECOND sea year, is usually shore-based, and lasts 2-6 weeks The idea is to find something that matches up with their interests. They should be thinking about what they might like to do, then talk to others (fellow mids, instructors, coaches, alumni groups, deck or engineering officers they meet on their first sea year, etc.) and get some ideas. Once they have an idea what kind of internship they would like to do, they can start making contacts and getting approval of their ATR.