Katherine Johnson
If you’re keen on playing an active role in the UK’s sustainability initiatives, look no further than the Sustainability Internship Program! This program provides students with invaluable tools, experiences, and connections, equipping them for successful careers in sustainability post-graduation.
What should I know before applying to the Sustainability Internship Program?
There are 10 internship opportunities available for the 2024-2025 semesters, covering a variety of expertise areas from dining to energy to communications. Intern position descriptions and expectations are on the UK Office of Sustainability website. It’s likely that you’ll discover an internship opportunity that complements your existing skills and knowledge. We welcome applications from students of all majors! If you’re interested in multiple roles, feel free to submit applications for each. However, please note that you can only accept one position if offered.
This is a paid internship, where students are paid $11 an hour for their position, 8-10 hours per week throughout the entire school year. Applications are open NOW and they are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 5th, 2024.
What makes a strong application for the Sustainability Internship Program?
Utilize specific examples from your prior work and show how those skills can be applied to a sustainability position. You can also share your objectives for the internship and any innovative ideas you aim to bring to the role. These internships are geared towards entry-level candidates seeking to build experience for their future careers. Therefore, lacking direct sustainability experience is acceptable. As employers, our primary focus is on individuals who possess a genuine passion for sustainability and relevant skills from any experience to succeed in the position!
Interested students will apply online through the UK Sustainability 2024-2025 Internship Application. Within your application, applicants must answer four main questions: Why are you interested in this position? How do you see this work connecting to your field of study? How does this internship relate to your goals after graduation? What strengths and experiences related to this internship/area would you bring to this internship?
What professional and academic resources are available to students who are a part of the internship?
The SIP cohort experience is a super great benefit of being a part of the internship program! At bi-weekly meetings, interns will have the opportunity to gain professional development, connect with like-minded students pursuing careers in sustainability, and gain helpful experience that applies to their day-to-day tasks as sustainability interns.
This year, the SIP program helped students create resumes and cover letters, as well as conducted mock-interviews for real positions. These resources are a way to familiarize students with common interview questions and formats, build confidence, and receive constructive feedback on their performance, including strengths and areas for improvement.
Interns also complete an independent project throughout the school year. Independent projects are a great opportunity to explore a specific topic you’re interested in and gain tangible experience to add to your resume.
Over the past several years, the Sustainability Internship Program has had a great success rate of students landing jobs in the field of sustainability after graduation. After the program, students often go on to become leaders in sustainability, through both their professional and personal endeavors. This internship program is a truly invaluable resource for UK students and continue look forward to seeing what the interns will accomplish in the next year!
Click HERE to apply for the Sustainability Internship Program!
