New season, new beginnings for your career
As we move deeper into the academic year, now is the time to start thinking about how you can align your passions with real-world experience. Whether you’re exploring opportunities to boost your CV or wanting to dive into a new field, getting involved in internships and volunteer work can be the key to unlocking new paths in your career. Below, I’ve curated a few standout opportunities that can help you not only gain practical skills but also make a lasting impact on the environment and social justice.
When applying for these positions, remember to focus on showing your enthusiasm and how your skills align with their mission. Tailoring your application to highlight your genuine interest in their projects and your ability to contribute will make a world of difference.
Paid Internship 2025: Environmental Design Architect
Where: Paris, France
Requirements: Proficiency in Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, BIM360, AutoCAD, and 3D collaboration tools, knowledge of LCA
Deadline: September 30, 2024
This is not your typical architecture internship. EGA Erik Giudice Architecture is at the forefront of sustainable design, making this a fantastic opportunity for students passionate about environmental architecture. If you’re looking to work in a team that prioritizes bioclimatic and low-energy design techniques, this internship will push your skills to the next level.
What you’ll do:
- Collaborate with global teams on sustainable design solutions
- Work alongside professionals in urban planning, architecture, and interior design
- Create architectural drawings, renderings, and reports for presentations
Why this matters for you:
This internship offers hands-on experience in cutting-edge sustainability projects, but what really stands out is the mentorship aspect. Working with experienced architects and planners will allow you to build professional relationships that can help you long after the internship is over. Make sure to highlight any previous work that shows your ability to contribute to complex projects, and don’t shy away from discussing your passion for creating environmentally responsible designs.
Environmental Sustainability Volunteering
Where: Mustatesti, Romania
Requirements: Good English, ages 18-29
Costs: Visa, travel, and accommodations covered by Erasmus+; daily allowance of 4 EUR
For students looking to dive into grassroots sustainability work, this program in Romania is a fantastic chance to gain hands-on experience in conservation. Located in the scenic region of Northern Arges, the project emphasizes environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. Volunteers will help clean nature areas, assess eco-trails, and engage with local communities to drive environmental awareness.
What you’ll do:
- Receive training in conservation and sustainable tourism
- Help organize community activities and youth-led initiatives
- Gain skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation
Why this matters for you:
Volunteering is not just about giving back—it’s about building skills that set you apart from others. By focusing on how you can manage projects and lead initiatives, you demonstrate your leadership potential. When applying, focus on your desire to learn new approaches to sustainability while being open to diverse cultures and environments. The ability to work cross-culturally will be a major asset in your career.
Intercultural Exchange for A Greener Earth
Where: Dehradun, India
Dates: November 11-23, 2024
Price: 150 EUR
If adventure and environmental action go hand-in-hand for you, this program in the Himalayas is an unmissable experience. Based in the ancient city of Dehradun, this exchange combines hands-on environmental projects with rich cultural exploration. You’ll participate in local initiatives like river cleanups and sustainable agriculture while also visiting the spiritual city of Rishikesh.
What you’ll do:
- Work alongside locals in a river-cleaning festival
- Learn sustainable planting techniques with practical experience
- Collaborate on solutions for plastic pollution
Why this matters for you:
This program is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of environmental challenges on a global scale. It’s about connecting sustainability with local communities and learning how to implement real-world solutions. When applying, show your interest in cultural exchange and your ability to adapt to diverse environments. Highlight any prior work or coursework in sustainability and explain why you’re eager to apply that knowledge in India.
Ornithology Volunteering
Where: Fogars de Montclús, Spain
Requirements: Motivated EU nationals
For students interested in wildlife conservation and scientific research, this ornithology volunteer program offers a chance to contribute to ecological studies in the Montseny Natural Park. Volunteers monitor bird populations and contribute to important studies on the impact of climate change on local fauna.
What you’ll do:
- Conduct nest monitoring and bird population studies
- Input data for scientific research
- Assist with park management and ecological activities
Why this matters for you:
This is a great opportunity to gain experience in wildlife monitoring, an essential skill for anyone interested in conservation science. When applying, focus on your motivation and ability to handle the responsibilities of data collection and analysis. Even if you have limited field experience, express your willingness to learn and take part in scientific research.
Volunteering at Shrimp Welfare Project
Where: Worldwide
Requirements: Excellent English, understanding of Effective Altruism (EA) concepts
Shrimp farming is a critical sector in global food production, but there are significant challenges in ensuring that it’s sustainable and humane. This project focuses on improving shrimp welfare standards across the industry. Volunteers work remotely, advocating for sustainable practices and conducting research.
What you’ll do:
- Promote the adoption of electrical stunning in shrimp farming
- Conduct research on shrimp welfare and sustainability
- Raise awareness and support shrimp farmers
Why this matters for you:
If you’re passionate about animal welfare and sustainability, this is a chance to make a tangible impact on the industry. Focus on showing your understanding of effective altruism concepts and your ability to drive change through research and advocacy. Highlight any prior experience with sustainability initiatives or animal welfare projects.
ESC Volunteering on Circular Economy in Portugal
Where: Aveiro, Portugal
Duration: 35 weeks, from September 23, 2024, to May 30, 2025
Requirements: Basic English, interest in sustainable development
Restrictions: Ages 18-30
This long-term volunteer program in Portugal is an excellent opportunity for students eager to explore the principles of the circular economy. You’ll work on projects addressing climate change, textile waste, and food sustainability, while also collaborating on community outreach and event planning.
What you’ll do:
- Participate in workshops on sustainability and circular economy
- Help with community outreach and event planning
- Contribute to the development of a sustainability app
Why this matters for you:
This experience allows you to immerse yourself in circular economy principles and gain practical knowledge about their implementation. When applying, highlight your interest in long-term sustainability projects and your motivation to work with diverse teams. Be clear about what you hope to learn and how you plan to use this experience in your future career.
Final thoughts: what you should focus on when applying
As you prepare your applications, keep these tips in mind:
- Avoid sending generic applications. Make sure you address the specific goals of each opportunity and explain how your skills and interests align with their mission.
- Passion for the field can set you apart from other candidates. Make it clear why you are drawn to sustainability and how you plan to use the experience to advance your career.
- Whether it’s technical skills like AutoCAD or soft skills like communication, highlight your strengths and back them up with examples.
- Many of these projects involve working in new environments. Show that you’re flexible and eager to learn from different cultures and perspectives.
By focusing on these aspects, you’ll stand out in the competitive field of sustainability and make the most of these incredible opportunities. I hope you found this useful.
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
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