Friends of the Earth (FoE) is able to host a number of interns each semester. If you are a university student wishing to do an internship at FoE you can get more information here. Before contacting us with your project proposal please read over this information and check out the work that FoE does to see if it fits your course requirements
What type of project can I do? You tell us!
Like any organisation, FoE has many different campaigns and projects going on simultaneously. If you are interested in one of our campaigns, check out the campaigns pages (for Melbourne and for Australia) to see if your project idea fits into one of the campaigns. Also, we have an administrative side, so if your study is around things accountancy, fundraising, marketing, IT or design then there is also opportunities at FoE for you.
Unfortunately, due to the high number of students wishing to do internships at FoE, it is not possible for us to specifically generate a project for every application. It is much easier if you have an idea of what you would like to work on before you contact us. If you are stuck for ideas though do get in touch with one of the campaigners to discuss if any there are any projects that may be suitable for your course requirements, and meet your interests.
What time commitment is involved?
Again, this is entirely up to you, and will depend on your course requirements. We have hosted internship projects that have only been ten days in total, right up to three days a week for six months. If you are contacting FoE with a project idea of your own, make sure it can be completed within the time frame set by your course, including time to complete edits and organise publication.
What will working at FoE be like?
It will definitely be interesting. We are a very small, and under-funded, organisation that relies on the commitment and dedication of a handful of part-time staff and countless volunteers. The office can be noisy and everyone a little hectic. Because everyone is stretched thin you will need to able to work confidently and autonomously, but you will have a FoE supervisor who will help as much as they can. Also, we have a limited number of hot desks and computers, and we have wireless/LAN access if you have a laptop you can bring in.
Conditions of Internship
Interns will be selected on criteria of enthusiasm, the benefit of the project to FoE, how you will benefit from the project, and your ability to work autonomously and in a team.
Intern placements are unpaid and financial support is not available. Accommodation assistance cannot be provided.
Interns work as registered volunteers under our volunteer personal injury and liability insurance.
How to Apply
Your application should include:
- a cover letter which includes responses to the questions below,
- a CV or resume which includes your particular interests or aptitudes that you consider relevant,and the name and contact details of at least one relevant referee.
Questions to be addressed in the cover letter:
- Why you want to do your internship at Friends of the Earth?
- What are your ideas for your project?
- What the final product will be? (a report, a briefing document and accompanying slide show, an event etc)
- How you think it will contribute to a particular FoE campaign?
- What are the requirements of your course?
- How many hours a week are you required to be at FoE, and how many days in total, by when do you need to complete the internship?
Please note: It is your responsibility to ensure that the final product meets the assessment requirements of your course. If you have already been matched to a project in consultation with the volunteer coordinator, please indicate which one you will be undertaking.
Applications can be sent to [email protected]
Please email applications.
OR
Friends of the Earth Melbourne
Internship Application
PO Box 222
FITZROY VIC 3065