When we were asked about time management tips for juniors, the writer of the email was also hoping to find opportunities for this upcoming summer that align with their interest in climate change. You’ll find our ideas below:
Take Online Courses:
We know, we know. If you’re interested in climate change, you probably want to get your hands dirty. But we’re still living through a pandemic and options are still limited. If you can’t swing an in-person position, you should cruise websites like Coursera and EdX and look for courses that align with what you want to study. It might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s worth considering if you can’t find other options.
Pitch yourself as a research assistant:
Without research, we have little grasp on the effects of climate change and best practices for righting the ship. Prepare yourself to work for free, but if you can get hired, it’s one of the best ways to spend your summer. It also looks great on college applications. We recommend casting an incredibly wide net. Draft out an email that explains why you’d be a strong addition to a research team and spruce up your resume. Then, pitch yourself to professors and scientists in your area.
Work on a political initiative:
This is an especially good fit for those students who are interested in politics, too. Research political organizations that are doing good work in the field, and politicians (at every level) who are committed to bettering the environment. Before you reach out, familiarize yourself with the international implications of sustainability so that you can wow them should you get an interview.
Work for an environmentally conscious business:
Shout out to corporations who are joining the fight! Research companies with environmentally sustainable models and pitch yourself as an intern. While any position at say, Patagonia, sounds cool, do your best to ensure that you would be working directly for the team in charge of environmentally sound efforts. We’re all for shooting for the moon, but if you’re going to getting their coffee, it’s not going to go far in the college application process if you want to focus on environmental science in your supplements.
Work locally:
We love community engagement. It shows commitment to bettering your neighborhood and it’s even better when it’s directly related to an academic passion. Start attending town meetings, research what’s happening in your zip code, protest (if necessary,) make signs, support other community members who need help, you name it. Identify a problem (or something good!) and focus on it until you’ve made a tangible improvement.
Teach:
Our blog readers have been writing to us about working at their childhood summer camps. If this is something you’re considering, and there are younger students present, ask your boss if you can host a (fun) lecture about climate change and the environment. If they say yes, go for it. Put together a lesson plan, do your research, and make it fun for the audience. One of the most important aspects of raising awareness is getting the younger generation involved, what better place to start than at your favorite summer hideaway?
We have said it before and we’ll say it again: summer 2021 is difficult to plan for because of the pandemic. It’s already MAY, so start now and prepare yourself for a fair amount of leg work. Don’t give up until you’ve checked every box!
Contact us here if you need help making plans, we’d love to help.