Environmental Internships In South Africa

There are multiple companies that promote all aspects of environmental affairs. Some companies offer unpaid internships, which is basically for those who just want to learn more and see what this industry has to offer. Then there is also companies that offer paid internships, with maybe even hopes of a permanent placement within the company after completion of the internship duration. However, permanent placements are not guaranteed.
You will gain valuable knowledge, bridging the gap between studies and the workplace, with internships in this industry. Many companies are constantly seeking creative, and talented young individuals who aim to make a difference in life. You can also experience participation in many wondrous events, meet new people, see great places and learn what is truly going on in the environmental world.
Some of the environmental internships are only for a short duration of 6 months, where others may even be up to 3 years. Permanent placement is never guaranteed, unless stipulated by the employer. This field has so many potential career options, all of them delivering excitement and satisfaction in their own way.

Environmental Internships Available

This career path includes a wide variety of fields. Candidates interested in following a career within one of the following fields mentioned below, may apply if they meet all requirements as stipulated by each individual company.
Fields available are as follow:

Administration
Junior Environmental Scientist
Information Technology
Communications
Environmental Practice Assessor
Media Studies
Customer Relations Management
Development studies
Research
Monitoring & Evaluation
Analytical Chemistry
Environmental Science
Environmental Management
Logistics & Procurement
Oceanography
Marine Science
Zoology
Natural Science
Waste Management
Pollution Management
Junior Consultant

Companies that may offer these or more fields within environmental internships are:

Environmental Internships Requirements

Each company will have their own requirements stipulated on their application form. These companies all aim for a continuous development within all fields of environmental careers, both within the private sector and public or corporate sectors. Most of these sectors prefer candidates who are between the ages of 18 and 35.
Most companies have a basic requirement, these may include the following:

Applicants must be a South African citizen
Applicants must hold a valid ID documentation
Applicants must hold a Matric
Applicants must hold a degree or diploma within the field they are applying for

Diploma or degree may be required within one of the following:

Community Conservation
Rural Development
Anthropology
Development Studies
Geography
Environmental Studies
Environmental Law
Cultural Resource Specialist
Social History
Social Studies
Eco-tourism
Tourism
Environmental Studies

Applications must be accompanied by the following certified documents:

ID document
Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter
Matric Certificate
Full Academic Records
Qualification

Application

Environmental online applications are available on each company’s website. Candidates can look under their careers tab, or call the company you are considering applying to for more information regarding their application process.
Most of the internships provided within this field are for 12 – 24 months. These internships do not guarantee applicants a permanent position. Companies usually include a monthly stipend for successful candidates, yet, they do not always offer accommodation, meals or transport. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and may be invited to an interview. Candidates may also be asked to partake in a variety of tests prior to being offered an internship.

Closing Dates

Closing dates will depend on each company that offers internships within this field. Candidates can find out from their University Career centers about any open internships in this field, or seek current openings in newspapers and online.