You’re looking for an internship to develop your sustainability skills. How can you find the right one?
Sustainability is a broad and interdisciplinary field that covers environmental, social, and economic aspects of human activities. It can be applied to various sectors, such as energy, agriculture, urban planning, or manufacturing. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in sustainability, an internship can be a great way to gain hands-on experience, network with professionals, and learn from mentors. But how can you find an internship that matches your goals, interests, and skills? Here are some tips to help you with your search.
Before you start looking for an internship, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from it. What kind of skills do you want to develop? What kind of projects do you want to work on? What kind of organization do you want to join? How long and how flexible do you want your internship to be? Having specific and realistic objectives will help you narrow down your options and focus your efforts.
-
The only thing more difficult to land than a sustainability job is a sustainability internship. Because sustainability jobs typically require a lot of integration into current teams/ initiatives/ systems/ etc. the talent pipelines are heavily skewed towards senior/ director positions right now with even entry-level jobs rare and very competitive. Apply for sustainability internships if you find them, but also apply to adjacent roles. Apply for the supply chain role where you can take on the EcoVadis project, the finance role where you can network with the ESG reporting team, or the marketing position analyzing WTP for social responsibility. Most people in sustainability started in other business functions and pivoted, it's a proven strategy
-
Utilize Online Platforms: Use online internship platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Internships.com, and Idealist to search for sustainability-related internship opportunities. Check Company Websites: Visit the websites of companies or organizations you're interested in to see if they offer internship programs. Networking: Network with professionals in the sustainability field through LinkedIn, industry events, or informational interviews. Utilize University Resources: If you're a student, check with your university's career services or internship office. Attend Career Fairs and Events: Attend career fairs, conferences, and events focused on sustainability or environmental issues. These events organizations looking for interns.
-
Start by identifying your interests within sustainability—whether it's renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, or corporate social responsibility. Use this focus to guide your search. When evaluating options, look for internships that offer hands-on experience and align with your career goals. Pay attention to the organization's sustainability commitments; you want to learn from those who practice what they preach. Finally, be open to diverse experiences—sometimes the most valuable skills come from unexpected places. Remember, the right internship is one that challenges you, grows your network, and aligns with your passion for making a sustainable impact.
-
To define your perspective in finding the right sustainability internship, consider first clarifying your specific interests within the field. Are you drawn to renewable energy, corporate sustainability practices, environmental policy, or another aspect? Once you've identified your focus, research organizations and companies aligned with your interests. Look for internship opportunities on their websites, job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, and through university career services. Networking with professionals in the sustainability sector can also provide valuable insights and potential leads. Tailor your application materials to showcase your passion for sustainability emphasizing any coursework, projects, or volunteer .
-
A ideal sustainability intern should be a person that is agile, technology driven and determined to move mountains with the foolproof strategy. Its not all about ideas, its about the right execution strategy when it comes to letting your sustainability efforts reach fruition. Reach out to Universities and Colleges that have specific education programs related to sustainability, you can definitely find an interested person, who is fresh out of university and also flexible enough to take in newer ideas.
Once you have defined your objectives, you can start researching the available opportunities in your field of interest. You can use online platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, or Idealist, to find internships posted by employers. You can also check the websites of organizations that you admire or follow, such as NGOs, think tanks, or companies, to see if they offer internships. Another way to find opportunities is to network with people who work in sustainability, such as professors, alumni, or peers, and ask them for referrals or recommendations.
-
Networking is crucial in your internship search, especially in the dynamic field of sustainability. In Canada, many companies are still formulating their hiring strategies for sustainability roles, therefore by actively networking with & following leaders in your areas or company of interest, you can start uncovering areas of focus. Usually, companies vocal about specific sustainability trends are likely to be planning to invest in related capabilities. Lastly, as internships often target recent graduates, I suggest exploring opportunities posted on your university's job portals, or attend dedicated job fairs often targeted for bachelor's/master's programs in sustainability (you might want to connect with peers from those programs too).
-
Figure out places you are interested in working for, and then reach out to your network to see if they have experience with the company/group/NGO of interest. It's helpful to hear first hand accounts from people. Also if you're still a student, look for career fairs where you can talk to spokespeople from the company/group/NGO of interest directly.
-
Not all opportunities are going to come from companies that you know, and the internships that are will be oversaturated with applicants. If you have time, you can absolutely throw your hat in the ring, but don't let yourself stress about not hearing back. Honestly, with so many companies ghosting applicants these days - you shouldn't worry when you don't hear back.
When you have found some internships that interest you, you need to prepare your application materials. These may include a resume, a cover letter, a portfolio, or a writing sample, depending on the requirements of the internship. You should tailor your application to each internship, highlighting your relevant skills, achievements, and motivations. You should also proofread your application for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors, and ask someone to review it for feedback.
-
Start by identifying organizations and companies that prioritize sustainability initiatives. Look for internship programs specifically designed to develop sustainability skills, which may be advertised on job boards, company websites, or through university career centers. Explore professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals working in sustainability and inquire about potential internship openings. Consider reaching out to industry associations or attending relevant events and conferences to expand your network and discover hidden internship opportunities. By thoroughly researching the available options and leveraging various resources, you can increase your chances of finding the ideal internship.
-
Before diving into applications, research the company's sustainability practices. Look for reports, news articles, or even social media posts. Do they align with your interests? For example, if you're passionate about renewable energy, target companies actively investing in solar or wind power. This targeted approach shows genuine interest and helps tailor your application to their specific sustainability goals.
If you get invited for an interview, you need to prepare yourself to make a good impression. You should research the organization and the internship, and anticipate some common questions, such as why you want to work there, what are your strengths and weaknesses, or how do you handle challenges. You should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer, such as what are the expectations, the responsibilities, or the benefits of the internship. You should dress professionally, arrive on time, and communicate confidently and respectfully.
-
Make it a formula " If we go for 20 interviews, we will ace one" To ace the interview for a sustainability internship, prepare by researching the organization's sustainability initiatives and recent accomplishments. Familiarize yourself with key sustainability concepts, trends, and challenges facing the industry. Be ready to discuss your passion for sustainability and how your skills and experiences align with the internship role. Practice articulating specific examples of how you've contributed to sustainability efforts in past projects or activities. Also, be prepared to demonstrate your critical thinking skills by discussing potential solutions to sustainability-related problems the organization may be facing.
After the interview, you should send a thank-you note to the interviewer, expressing your appreciation and interest in the internship. You should also follow up with them if you don’t hear back within a reasonable time frame. If you get offered the internship, you should evaluate whether it meets your objectives and fits your schedule and budget. You should also negotiate the terms and conditions of the internship, such as the duration, the compensation, or the learning opportunities. If you accept the internship, you should prepare yourself to make the most of it and learn as much as you can.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
SustainabilityHere's how you can build a professional network in the sustainability industry through internships.
-
SustainabilityHere's how you can highlight your internship experience in sustainability on your resume.
-
SustainabilityHere's how you can explore the various options for sustainability internships.
-
Environmental ServicesHere's how you can effectively highlight your internship experience on your resume.