Employers in both corporate and non-corporate sectors are playing a more active role in maintaining their professional and social interests. Below are some reasons why you should help with championing sustainability initiatives and green practices for the greater good.
1. Apply your skills to a real-world cause
Green is the new gold. Thankfully, you don’t need a science background to contribute to this growing area of concern in the environment. You only need awareness of environmental issues, and the typical technical skills and expertise to help roll out new initiatives. For instance, when it comes to making websites, graphics and written materials for online publicity, the expertise of IT, digital design and social science majors are valued.
If you are equipped with research skills, you might be asked to source for data on environmental projects overseas and assess how these can be adapted to local initiatives. More specifically, if you are a chemistry major, you can go for a laboratory-based internship to carry out tests on cosmetics to uncover more ethical production methods.
2. Gain hands-on experience
An environmental related internship will bridge the gap between your theoretical knowledge and practical experiences. Here lies the connection between what you’ve studied and real-world situations.
When assigned to work directly on environmental projects, you get to identify localised issues and ways to solve them. You can also get the opportunity to work with scientists and researchers from different areas of specialties to create solutions.
3. Sharpen your focus
With the opportunities to apply your skills to a real-world setting, you get to discover your niche, abilities and strengths, which will help you find an ideal career ahead. Even if you’re not involved directly with these projects, you can still get to work behind the scenes, handling paperwork, budgeting, communications and other non-research roles.
4. See the big picture
Having a stake in environmental projects enables you to be aware of what is happening around you and gives you a sense of fulfilment knowing that you are contributing towards a good cause. You can then share this awareness with your friends and family, and also come across as a more well-informed prospective employee at future job interviews and applications.
So, if you’re looking for some exposure to real-life problem-solving, don’t hesitate to look up internships in the green space!
