January edition of career opportunities: internships, volunteering and grants

Welcome to winter! ❄️ I know, it might be hard to even wake up in the mornings, but hey, you don’t have to expect to be perfect from yourself. Let me share some opportunities for you , but you can only apply for one! Just one. You can do it! These opportunities are great for gaining new skills and experience.

Remember, lifelong learning is key in today’s job market. By taking on internships or volunteer roles, you apply your knowledge in real situations and grow your professional network. Plus, applying for these roles is a great way to learn and stay updated on industry trends.

So, take a chance, apply for something new, and see where it leads! Every application is a step towards your career goals. Embrace this not-so-productive winter season to keep moving. At least, one opportunities at a time.

---

We think it’s a good way to spend your free time this winter and get into the UN system. Youth4Climate is looking for up to 10 online volunteers to support us with mentoring and training sessions for youth. Selected volunteers will work closely with the UNDP Rome Centre for Climate Action and Energy Transition.

• Where: online
• Requirements: fluent English
• ⏰ Deadline: January 27

What are you going to do:

• select mentoring/training method(s) to be used
• develop an outline of content capturing information to be taught/trained
• develop coaching/training plan/programme including schedule of sessions, exercises, and timelines
• run coaching/training sessions with youth requesting support before the submission of their proposal for the Youth4Climate Call for Solution 2024

Desirable areas of expertise: project management, project design, communication

---

Searching for some meaningful engagement? LevelUP! is about taking your activism to the next level. The event aims to expand your knowledge and skills — so that your campaign or action can reach its potential, whether you’re just getting started or already have some experience. 

• Where: Brussels, Belgium
• Restrictions: there are age and country restrictions. Tickets are free, but limited.
• ⏰ When: April 12 and 13

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. 9-week Research Program at one of Europe’s leading Research Centers (CEMM, GMI, IMBA, IMP and the Max Perutz Labs. 20 undergraduate students will work alongside leading researchers in a dynamic scientific environment. 

• Where: Vienna, Austria
• Requirements: for Life Science undergraduates
• Reward: a stipend of 1400 euros after tax
• ⏰ Deadline: January 31

What are you going to do:

• perform experiments, analyse data, generate ideas, and discuss results

Each fellow will be allocated a faculty member, with whom they will work closely. The research project will focus on a current topic in the allocated lab.  

Requirements:

• You need to be studying a degree in a Life Science related subject at least for 2 years

---

Among others, the Allianz Foundation’s grants program focuses on projects in the areas of climate & environment. The foundation is looking for projects focused on one or more of the following areas: Food, Building and Housing, and Plastics. 

It welcomes climate-friendly and sustainable measures within the framework of the project budget and support, for example, additional costs for vegetarian, regional, and seasonal catering; sustainable event concepts (e.g. support for travel by public transport), Co2 compensation of air travel, etc.

• Reward: grants between 80,000 and 225,000 € per project
• Restrictions: for projects that take place in Europe and the Mediterranean
• ⏰ Deadline: February 7

---

You definitely heard about this program! VTT is one of the leading applied research organisations in Europe. They are focused on creating impact through science-based innovation.

Open positions for summer 2024 include:

• Research Trainee
• Business development Trainee
• Procurement Trainee
• Information Management Trainee
• Event and Marketing Coordinator Trainee and more

There are more than 25 positions in different areas, from Food to Quantum Machine Learning. 

• Where: Espoo, Finland
• Reward: monthly salary from 2100€
• ⏰ Deadline: February 4

---

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.

This winter, start by exploring our list of opportunities, and plant the seeds for a flourishing professional journey. Remember, every season has its unique beauty and purpose in your career’s landscape.

As I always try to mention myself and others, 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