Working as a Sustainability Intern at Sussex has been such an enriching experience which has inspired me to build a career in sustainability.

From the very start of the 8 weeks I felt involved in the team, not only by engaging in meetings, but also with a Brighton beach clean, a Green Impact awards ceremony and a team cycle to campus. Having just graduated from Sussex this summer, I have loved the opportunity to apply the knowledge learnt throughout my degree towards understanding how to implement real, material responses to climate change. I have learnt about the various challenges which any university faces- how to increase recycling rates on campus, how to engage students in sustainability, and how to reduce emissions from food and waste.

It has been so valuable to communicate with various departments across the university to collect data for the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, and hear about all of the brilliant initiatives which are helping the university towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to this, I have had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills through planning engagement activities, mapping waste activity on campus, and taking courses on carbon literacy.

Working with the dedicated team members has motivated me to develop a career which engages with local communities, particularly to reduce our carbon impact through food and travel. I am taking a break from studying for now, but plan to apply for roles where I can explore my further interests in building sustainable cities and communities.

Maighsi, Sustainability Intern 2024

If you'd like to join the Sustainability Team here at Sussex this summer, apply for the Career Lab UK Summer Internship here. 

Second and third year or final year undergraduates at the University of Sussex are eligible to apply.