5 great opportunities to apply now and enjoy in 2025

Hey, you made it to the end of the first semester! It’s no small feat, and you should be proud of everything you’ve accomplished so far. Now’s the time to pause, reflect, and recharge. As you take a well-deserved break, why not also take a moment to think about your next steps for 2025? If you’re looking for ways to boost your career, I’ve rounded up some opportunities for you. Check them out below and see which ones align with your goals and ambitions.

1. The Lucerne Summer University Program on Sustainable Responsibility

• Where: University of Lucerne, Switzerland
• Costs: No tuition fees; the LSUE offers a full scholarship
• Who can apply: MA students from all disciplines
• Dates: May 23-28, 2025
• Deadline: December 30, 2024

Who is responsible for climate protection? How can we address global inequality and poverty? How can human rights be justified as universal norms? These are some of the big questions you’ll explore at “The Lucerne Summer University: Ethics in a Global Context” under UNESCO’s patronage. This is a chance to build essential ethical skills, strengthen your career in corporate social responsibility, and create a global network for sustainable responsibility by working on your own ethical project.

Apply now

2. Icelandic Conservation Volunteering – 10 Weeks in Wilderness

• Where: Iceland
• Costs: Food, transport, and accommodation are provided throughout the program
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Dates: First group: June 9 – August 17, 2025 / Second group: June 16 – August 24, 2025
• Deadline: February 15, 2025
• Age restriction: 20+

Spend your summer in Iceland’s breathtaking wilderness as part of a Trail Team. You’ll help protect nature reserves and national parks while working on trail maintenance, restoration, and ranger support. It’s hands-on, meaningful work and a chance to live close to nature. Think bridge building, stone steps, and protecting fragile ecosystems—all while living in camps with a small team of other passionate volunteers.

Apply now

3. Tell Your Impactful Environmental Story: Storyfest 2025

• Where: Online
• Who can apply: People 18+ enrolled in an accredited university or college (undergrad or grad)
• Reward: Winners travel with Lindblad Expeditions to the Galápagos Islands (July 18-27, 2025)
• Deadline: February 1, 2025

Got a story to tell? Share your perspective on how to care for the earth and you could win a trip to the Galápagos Islands! Planet Forward’s Storyfest is looking for fresh, inspiring stories across several categories: best short video, best social media video, best written story, best multimedia story, and best podcast. If you’ve ever wanted to use creativity for climate action, this is your chance.

Enter now

4. Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Youth Fellowship 2025

• Where: Brazil, Ghana, India, Papua New Guinea, or Türkiye
• Eligibility: Residents of the countries above, aged 18-28
• Remuneration: Stipend tailored to the cost of living in Fellowship countries
• Duration: March 1, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (1 year)
• Deadline: December 18, 2024

Want to kick-start your career in climate finance? The CIF Youth Fellowship places you at the heart of impactful climate finance projects, partnering with major multilateral development banks (MDBs) like the World Bank and African Development Bank. Gain practical experience, tailored training, mentorship, and a cohort of peers working on the frontlines of climate action.

Apply now

5. Conservation Careers Platform: Write Career Advice as a Volunteer

• Where: Online
• Start date: ASAP
• Commitment: 2 articles in your first 3 months (more if you want!)
• Deadline: December 30, 2024

If you’re passionate about wildlife conservation and have a knack for storytelling, why not volunteer as a blogger for Conservation Careers? Share career advice with aspiring conservationists and receive full credit as the author, access to an exclusive conservation communications course, personal recommendations, and the chance to network in the CC Pro online community. It’s not paid, but the perks are significant for building your career.

Apply now

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Take a breather after the semester, but don’t miss out on these opportunities if you feel like they resonated with you. Merry Christmas and may 2025 bring growth, adventure, and new milestones for your career!