Student Internships
Offering Professional Experiences and Networking
Sustainable Tar Heels Internship Program
We invite Carolina undergraduates interested in campus sustainability research and communication to apply for our Sustainable Tar Heels Internship Program.
Each semester, we offer a variety of positions, giving interns the chance to gain real-world experience in the sustainability field. Some internships may be extended an additional semester, depending on the intern’s interest.
Application Cycle
Applications for our fall 2024 internships are closed. Please check back in November 2024 for our spring 2025 opportunities.
All Carolina students are invited to apply, regardless of their major. Interns must commit to 8-10 hours of work per week and will be paid a $2500 stipend per semester. Accepted students must attend biweekly meetings with the project supervisor.
Available Internship Positions
In fall 2024, we welcomed four interns in the following areas:
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- Communications
- Heat Mapping
- Water Quality & Biodiversity
- Design Your Own Internship
Questions? Reach out to Langley Smith (langleys@unc.edu), our program specialist.
Past Intern Projects
- In alignment with our Water Plan, our spring 2024 water quality intern collected water quality measurements in creeks across campus. During the internship, she learned how to use special sensors to survey the creeks and shared that data with the Sustainable Carolina team.
- During the fall 2023 and spring 2024 semesters, two interns worked on updating the Green Office Program. This program helps University units adopt sustainability strategies in their spaces.
- In summer 2023, we hosted an internship in collaboration with Winston-Salem based Hanesbrands. Two interns created a communications campaign to encourage students to save energy and wash their clothes in cold water. One other student analyzed different parts of the Inflation Reduction Act to identify ways Hanesbrands could take advantage of tax credits offered through the program.
- In spring 2023, Amy Xu worked with our sustainability analyst to create a video game, complete with themed music. Players must help Rameses complete tasks to save energy and water and reduce the amount of trash being sent to the landfill. Play the game here.
EcoStudio Program
Students can also gain experience outside the classroom through the EcoStudio program. Offered through Environment, Ecology and Energy Program and the UNC Institute for the Environment, this program matches students with projects at the University and in the greater community. Visit the EcoStudio page to learn more about the application process.
