Throughout the year, as part of our commitment to offering development opportunities, UNEP-WCMC offers internships to students and recent graduates wishing to pursue a career in conservation. Interns are immersed into our areas of work that reflect their own interests, developing their skills and knowledge as they gain professional experience of working for an internationally-focused conservation organization.

This year, our interns have experienced the science-policy interface, explored the role of business in conservation, and predicted future changes in biodiversity. Working on projects specially designed to provide a challenging but rewarding experience, interns develop practical skills and gain new knowledge with support from our team of experts.

“My time interning with the Conventions and Policy Support programme was an incredible and unique opportunity that I am enormously grateful to have had,” said Tom Evans, who completed a short internship with us before he embarks on an MSc at Imperial College London. “I've developed and gained new skills, and I now feel more confident pursuing my career in the conservation sector.”

Internships typically run for five weeks to three months and attract students and recent graduates from across Europe. In addition to the internships that are advertised on our website, we also have a summer internship scheme with Cambridge University.

Post-internship, the destinations of our interns are diverse. While some return to university to complete their degree, others embark on Masters programmes or travel abroad to volunteer on scientific projects. Interns are also encouraged to apply for any suitable vacancies that become available during their internship and some have successfully secured full-time employment at the Centre. Of this year’s interns, three will return to their final year of undergraduate study, three will begin a Masters course in October, three are now employed at the Centre, and one plans to travel and work in New Zealand for a year.

When internships are available, they will be advertised on our Vacancies page, and more information about working with us can be found here.