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How it works

Are you interested in a paid internship? Looking for part-time work that connects you with applied sustainability research opportunities?

Become a UVic Sustainability Scholar and complete 250 hours of impactful project work between May 1 and August 15. Earn a UVic Research Assistant wage while working with professional mentors on sustainability-focused research.

As a Sustainability Scholar, you will:

• collaborate with community, government, Indigenous, or industry partners to address real-world sustainability challenges
• work on unique, applied research projects designed around the partner’s sustainability goals
• gain valuable professional experience while applying and developing your research skills
• learn how organizations are tackling the complex sustainability challenges of today

The program is open to UVic graduate students from any program or academic discipline. Projects vary in topic and scope, offering diverse opportunities to contribute and grow professionally.

If you're ready to take the next step or have questions, connect with our Program Manager to learn more!

Program info and hiring process

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

The UVic Sustainability Scholars Program offers UVic graduate students the opportunity to work on applied research projects that address sustainability challenges. Here's how it works:

1. Apply for up to 3 projects through the online application portal (available early January 2025).
2. After the deadline, the Sustainability Scholars team will shortlist candidates and forward their applications to partner organizations.
3. Partner organizations will conduct interviews and make the final selection.

Compensation: Scholars will receive a UVic Research Assistant wage for a total of 250 hours of work.

Why Join the Program?

By becoming a UVic Sustainability Scholar, you will:

• build professional skills and expand your career network
• enhance your research and critical thinking abilities while tackling real-world sustainability challenges in BC
• learn from experienced sustainability mentors
• gain hands-on experience contributing to positive change
• work on part-time, engaging research projects that allow you to balance coursework and thesis work

Eligibility Requirements

The program is open to current UVic graduate students from all academic disciplines. To participate, you must:

• have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• confirm your ability to work the required project hours, based on funding or other student guidelines
• be enrolled as a UVic graduate student from during the project term: May 1 to August 15
• reside in BC during the project term

How to Prepare

If you have questions, connect with our Program Manager for support. To strengthen your application:

1. Update your resumé to highlight your skills and experience.
2. Reflect on how your background aligns with the program and consider the following qualities:
   • strong interest in sustainability
   • professional, ethical, and collaborative work approach
   • openness to new ideas and creative problem-solving
   • clear and effective written and verbal communication
   • strong critical thinking, judgment, and time management skills
   • ability to work independently with minimal supervision
   • enthusiasm and curiosity about sustainability research

Info session

Sustainability Scholars Info Session: January 15, 2025 recording below:

Application process

1. Application

• the application portal will open in early January 2025. A link will be posted here and shared via email
• you can apply for up to 3 internship positions

• review available internship positions thoroughly before applying
• submit a tailored cover letter, resumé, and references for each project you apply to
• clearly demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the project requirements

2. Interview

• the UVic team will shortlist the top candidates for each project and forward their information to partner organizations
• shortlisted applicants will be notified
• the project mentor will arrange interviews and check references

3. Offer and Acceptance

• the preferred candidate will receive an informal offer from the partner organization, followed by a formal offer letter from UVic
• candidates are asked to respond promptly, as multiple positions are being filled within a short timeframe

For more details on how to apply, see our application guidelines.

Internship opportunities

How to apply

1. Update your resume, your references, and prepare your cover letter (you will need to combine these into a PDF and submit with each project you apply for).
2. Review our application guidelines.
3. Click on the Apply now button below to begin your application (applications open in January).
4. Questions? Contact our Program Manager.

Resumes & Cover Letters for SSP Applications - see slides from the January 28 workshop offered by Graduate Career Educator, Samantha Ogrodnik.