Climate Action Virtual Internships

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Overview
The Climate Action Virtual Internship is an experiential learning program for students with a unique focus on climate action, supporting the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal 13.

Students are matched in pairs or a team to a host company in Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, China or India. You will act as a consultant team and support the business to take real action on the climate emergency.

The Program has been designed to challenge and empower you to take impactful climate action and equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to build your own climate literacy and prepare an effective Climate Action Plan for a host company.

What type of businesses are participating?
The host companies are small or medium-sized businesses located in the Indo-Pacific region.  These businesses are part of Virtual Internships’ active host company global network and have been fully vetted by Virtual Internships with proven ability to support interns remotely. They operate in a wide range of different sectors and are all at different stages of climate action – some are advanced and others are taking their first steps on their eco-journey. The aim with this program is for all of these companies to be helped to advance, no matter where they are starting from.

In the process, you get the chance to hone your skills in information collection and analysis, impact assessment, business planning, teamwork, intercultural communication and creative problem-solving as well as deepening your understanding of climate action.
What will you learn?
  • The causes and effects of climate change and the scale of the climate challenge
  • Key concepts in climate action, including mitigation vs adaptation, changemaking skills and climate justice
  • The role of individuals and businesses as agents for change
  • How climate change is affecting different countries and business sectors
  • What solutions have maximum impact for businesses
What skills will you develop?
  • Creative problem solving, business planning and teamwork.
  • How to research and prepare a Climate Action Plan for a host company in the Indo-Pacific region to improve its environmental performance and its ability to adapt to climate change.
  • How businesses are responding to climate change globally, including a case study on Intrepid travel, the world’s largest adventure travel company.
  • How to communicate and deliver a compelling pitch in a real work environment.
Benefits for students: action learning, employability and connections
Our ability to tackle complex social and environmental problems in future rests on developing the right skills and mindset in people today. This project guides you towards practical solutions and connections that empower you to make a difference and strengthen your capacity to advocate for climate action long-term. 

Climate change is a wicked problem that offers the perfect vehicle for experiential learning, and requires collaboration and multi-disciplinary skills to solve; it builds core skills that employers value, including complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity (the top three skills needed for a successful career by 2020 according to a recent World Economic Forum Future of Jobs survey).

You also get the chance to complete the Virtual Internships CareerBridge international internship curriculum.  A global virtual internship helps students develop an understanding of the nuances of business communication and learn about international trends in their industry. Employers are also looking for fresh ways to keep businesses thriving in the current economy. They will be looking to recruit those who have intercultural communication skills to build and navigate a complicated web of global networks and who have the adaptability to thrive in ever-changing business contexts.

All interns have access to an online collaboration platform where they can share experiences and tips and connect with their mentors. This platform will remain open after your placement, giving you an opportunity to build your professional and social networks.
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The Climate Action Virtual Internships are offered jointly by Pomegranate Global and Virtual Internships (VI).  Please visit the VI website to learn more about them and the program inclusions.
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Key Dates and Facts
  • This is a 4-week virtual internship program running from 17 January 2022 to 11 February 2022.
  • The placement is full-time (30 hours per week).
  • Host companies are located in Vietnam, China, India, Singapore or Hong Kong.
  • Program fee – AU/NZ $2,400.
  • Full funding for your placement may be available through the New Colombo Plan – check with your university to find out more!
  • To apply, click here! Applications close Friday, 12 November 2021.
Students see quality education and climate action as the highest priority Sustainable Development Goals.

- Times Higher Education survey, 2021
How does it work?
Placement Dates:  Monday 17 January to Friday 11 February 2022.

You will work in pairs or sometimes teams to prepare a Climate Action Plan (CAP) for your host company.  The internship runs full-time (30 hours per week) over four weeks.
Recognition
Participants receive a certificate and digital badge of completion.  Students and partners will also receive an end of program report which includes host supervisor evaluation, student assessment and CareerBridge completion report.

You may be able to receive academic credit for this program – check with your university to find out!