I'm about to start my second semester of a 2-year master's program in Earth System Science. My research focuses include sed/strat, paleoclimatology, and geochemistry. With the Spring semester fast approaching (and Summer soon to follow), I'm seeking some guidance on how should spend my summer as an early career geologist.

I definitely feel a bit behind in terms researching internships and other similar opportunities compared to others in my cohort, so any and all advice is welcome! For more context, I go to an R1 school in Northern Virginia (very close to DC). I'm looking for something that not only looks good on a CV, but would hopefully align with my research focuses to some degree. I hate to say it, but more importantly than that, I need something that will pay me over the 2-3 months between Spring 2024 and Fall 2024.

I've heard from more than one good source that Oil & Gas internships can pay pretty handsomely. Is this right, and if so how would a person be able to find these opportunities?

Like I said, any comments or leads are welcome!

Thanks!