September edition of career opportunities: internships, volunteering and grants

Vol. 26, Issue 02, 29 September 2023

Welcome back to autumn! ⏰ Just as nature transitions during this season, so too should we take the opportunity to embrace change and seek out new learning experiences. Here’s a list of opportunities for you to apply this month – either for internships, practical training, or just gaining experience. These opportunities are a stepping stone to your professional development, providing you with valuable insights and skills that will serve you well in your future career.

Professional development is crucial in today’s ever-changing job market. It is important to continuously update your skills and knowledge to stay competitive and relevant in your field. Engaging in internships and practical training allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting, giving you a hands-on experience that is invaluable. It helps you build a network of professional contacts and exposes you to different aspects of your chosen industry, broadening your perspective and enhancing your employability.

Furthermore, the act of applying itself is a learning experience. Each application you submit is an opportunity to refine your resume and cover letter, honing your ability to present yourself in the best light possible. It helps you get better at filling out forms and lets you see what’s available in your field, keeping you informed of the latest trends and opportunities. So, I encourage you to take a look at the list, try applying, and see what happens! You might just get lucky and land an amazing opportunity that propels your career forward. And even if you don’t get it, remember that each application brings you one step closer to your goals, building your resilience and determination to succeed. So go on, embrace the spirit of autumn, and take the leap towards your professional development today!

---

We think it’s a great place to apply your circular and system thinking! At the “Circular Economy for a better planet” project you can learn more about climate change, the environmental impact of the textile industry and food waste. A key goal is to empower volunteers to take on leadership roles and initiate positive change.

Where: Aveiro, Portugal

Duration: 21 weeks, from January 2 to May 30, 2024

Expenses: transportation costs are covered (a fixed amount is given depending on the distance), housing, food and pocket money are given

Restrictions: from 18 to 30 years old

⏰ Deadline: October 31

Requirements:

• interest in sustainable development and possible solutions to climate change

• since the project plans to create a mobile app, knowledge of OutSystems or programming will be a plus

• excellent communication skills

• basic knowledge of English

---

Summer internship in Environmental Engineering in Norway

Searching for some meaningful engagement? Working in interdisciplinary COWI teams, you will explore new innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development and the creation of resilient societies.

• Where: Fredrikstad, Norway
• Employment: full-time
• Remuneration: paid internship
• Duration: about two months, from mid-June to mid-August
• ⏰ Deadline: October 18

Requirements:

• knowledge of English

• you are in a final year of your undergraduate or graduate studies in environmental or civil engineering, industrial ecology, climate change or circular economy

---

This is a great program to cross-learn from peers and contribute to the global agenda. The goal of the UPG (United People Global) Sustainability Leadership program is to increase the ability of sustainable development leaders to lead their own and joint projects in their community. The best participants in the online program will have the opportunity to attend a week-long training in the USA near Maine (Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership)

• Where: online, USA
• Expenses: participation is free, the organizers cover all expenses for the trip to the USA
• Restrictions: 18 – 35 years old
• ⏰ Deadline: December 31

In the program:

• the curriculum includes such modules  as project management, interaction with stakeholders, digital communications and others

• you will be able to find out how sustainable development is related to economics, politics, law, culture, technology and education

Requirements:

• you are a leader in your community

• at the end of the program you must conduct a mini-training in your community and start your own project dedicated to the implementation of one of the SDGs

• you can ask your organization to nominate you as a participant, this is not required but may improve your chances

---

Working under the direction of the Foundation Deputy and with the support of GFCR staff, the selected interns will support the unit’s ongoing work plan and objectives across four distinct areas.

• Where: remotely
• Remuneration: to be clarified
• Duration: from 3 to 6 months
• Restrictions: no age or country restrictions
• ⏰ Deadline: December 31

Requirements:

• you are a final year undergraduate, graduate, graduate student or recent graduate

• background in sustainable or economic development, ecotourism, communications, international relations or other related fields

• excellent command of English

• proficiency in MS Office

---

Super cool program! Unleash your sustainability ideas with the Sustainability Action Booster grant! Aimed at empowering students, this grant is your gateway to turning small project ideas or bold sustainability visions into reality, creating a vibrant sustainability culture on and beyond campus. Whether it’s a unique event, a collaborative project, or an innovative experiment, we want to support your journey to redefine sustainability and spark significant change.

• Where: Online
• Grant Amount: €500 – €5,000 (Opportunity for larger grants up to €10,000)
• Who: Students with sustainability ideas, the team should have at least 1 Aalto students
• ⏰ Deadline: ongoing

---

The Division, based in New York, serves as a vital link between WFP and international political, development, and humanitarian entities, striving to mobilize attention and efforts towards a world without hunger under the 2030 Agenda. The division is offering 3 intern positions to assist in enhancing relationships and engagements with government partners and UN agencies.

• Where: New York, United States of America
• Duration: 8 months, starting November 2023
• Restrictions: Currently enrolled or recently graduated from a recognized university; attended a university course in the past 12 months
• ⏰ Deadline: October 8, 2023, at 11:59 pm Rome (Italy) time

---

Remember, professional development is a journey, not a destination. It requires commitment, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.

No matter what the outcome of your applications, never give up. Each experience, whether it’s filling out a form, attending an interview, or receiving feedback, is a valuable lesson that brings you one step closer to achieving your goals. And don’t be afraid to try something new or different. You never know where it might lead and the new doors it might open. Just as the leaves fall to make way for new growth in spring, so too should you let go of fear and embrace the opportunities that come your way. After all, the only way to truly fail is to stop trying. So, go on, apply to those opportunities, and let this autumn be the season that propels your career forward!

Please, visit other articles I shared on the topic to learn more about opportunities for environmental engineering students and everyone who is interested in developing themselves in the field of sustainable development. 

1. Elevate Your Resume with these 8 Citizen-Science Driven Online Initiatives
2. One climate change network that you should join to build a career on the international level 
3. Your chance to get the practical training completed

Xamk is involved in Talent Boost work, aiming to advance employment and attachment of international talents to Finland. For more information, do not hesitate to contact talentboost(at)xamk.fi.

Daria Chekalskaia,
Production Assistant of Edufication.com and Environmental Engineer