Interested In Sustainability?
Hi everyone!
As you may have heard from Forbes (or other news sites) Earth has 7 years before climate change becomes irreversible. Every minute that passes by is one minute less to make a change.
We still have a chance, but we need to work together! If we curb greenhouse gas emissions enough, we "give Earth a 67% chance of keeping the world under 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming." That means we avoid the worst effects climate change could cause. If the urgency of the climate crisis resonates with you, and you want to be part of the solution, I'm really glad you stumbled upon this article.
Let me introduce myself: my name is Janet Akselrud, I like to sit in trees, and my favorite number is 13. Currently, I am a Sustainability and Emerging Technologies Intern at the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. I am writing this article to spread the word that you can be an intern here too!
The Emerging Technologies Team at NYC Parks is a think tank working to make NYC more sustainable. Applications to be part of this team are being accepted on a rolling basis and if you are interested in sustainability, I encourage you to apply. The internship is fully virtual with optional field days for those who feel safe participating in the field.
See below for more information and frequently asked questions. If you have any additional questions, or want some help in preparation for the interview, don't hesitate to reach out to me!
Responsibilities, Qualifications, and the Application Process:
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Are applications still being accepted?
Yes! On a rolling basis.
2. What is the time commitment for this internship? Are there specific hours/days of the week I need to be available?
There is no specified time commitment, you put in as much time as you have. Some interns work on multiple projects, others focus their effort on one project, and others participate by helping bounce ideas.
3. Can you tell me about your experience as an intern?
I really like being an intern here because the environment encourages learning. Every week we have a professional development webinar and the opportunity to watch a presentation given by someone in the field of sustainability. The presentations, whether about NYC's sewage system, composting, or tree tracking, have helped me figure out where my interests lie. Also, I appreciate the flexibility of the internship. I have the choice to work on any existing project or to start my own. The best part is, I get to see the tangible impact some projects make on communities around me and new york in general.
4. Will I (as a high school, or college, student) be equipped to perform the roles/responsibilities required?
The age range for interns is very wide. I am currently an undergraduate (sophomore), but there are also graduate students, and those who have finished graduate school. There are high school students as well. All skills and perspectives are useful in sustainability. There are people making presentations, people doing research, people physically building green roofs, the list goes on. As long as you have an interest or passion in sustainability, you are welcome!