Apply what you’ve learned. Work on a real problem. Build your experience.
At the Great Collaboration we are working to help communities, town and parish councils and local businesses take practical action on climate change and biodiversity.
We are looking for students who would like to put their academic knowledge into practice by working on genuine projects.
What could I work on?
Research
Investigate climate and environmental issues and identify good practice that can help people take action.
Editorial
Turn research and technical information into clear, practical guidance for councils, communities and businesses.
Communications
Explore how different audiences can be reached and develop effective messages that encourage climate and environmental action.
Digital / Technical
Contribute to the development of the Great Collaboration website, knowledgebase, digital mapping and other online facilities.
Education
Help develop relationships and projects that support climate and environmental learning in schools and communities.
Fundraising
Research funding opportunities and contribute to funding, sponsorship and partnership activity.
What would I actually do?
Your internship would be based around a real requirement.
You would work with the relevant working group to agree a specific project, research and analyse the issue, and then produce an agreed output.
Previous interns have worked on subjects including carbon calculators, flooding, heatwaves, emergency planning, food security, schools, gardens, digital mapping, communications and fundraising.
There is also a substantial range of topics in the Great Collaboration knowledgebase that still need further research and development.
What’s in it for me?
- apply what you have learned at university to a real-world problem
- develop practical research and analytical skills
- work with people outside your university
- develop communication and teamwork skills
- take responsibility for a defined piece of work
- produce something tangible that you can discuss with future employers
- gain experience of working in a real organisation
A successful internship will; also provide an opportunity to obtain a professional reference from PBI based on your work and contribution.
How does it work?
Internships are normally remote and home-based.
The work is flexible and project-based rather than being primarily about attendance.
Previous internships have been based around approximately 100–120 hours of work, normally spread over around six months, although arrangements can be longer where appropriate.
You will work with members of the relevant Great Collaboration working group through regular online interaction.
There may also be opportunities to participate in local community events where these are relevant to your project and location.
What are we looking for?
- willingness to learn
- good communication
- ability to work effectively as part of a team
- initiative
- reliability and commitment
- a desire to apply knowledge to practical problems
Interested?
If you would like to explore an internship, please get in touch and tell us:
- What are you studying?
- What interests you about the Great Collaboration?
- Which area of work interests you most?
- What would you like to learn or achieve?
We can then discuss whether there is a suitable project for you.
Find out more / Apply
Please complete this form produced by our parent body the Place-Based Initiative Ltd.
Why work with the Great Collaboration?
This isn’t simply an opportunity to observe someone else’s work.
You’ll be working on something that is actually needed, that contributes towards greater community action around the country.
Your research, analysis, ideas and outputs can contribute to work intended to help real communities and local organisations take practical climate and environmental action.
That’s an opportunity to take what you’ve learned at university and demonstrate what you can do with it.