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MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative

How to Navigate the Sustainability Internship Search as a First-Year MBA

Jennifer Graham

Nov 18, 2024

Why the Fall Semester Matters for Internship Planning

As a first-year MBA, you’re likely still adjusting to graduate student life: balancing core courses, joining clubs, connecting with classmates, and mapping out the next two years. One topic that’s likely on your mind is summer internship planning.

The fall semester is the perfect time to get a head start on your sustainability internship search, even though the process will vary for everyone. Fall is ideal for refining your search, particularly if you’re interested in climate or sustainability roles.

With “sustainability” spanning so many sectors, where do you begin?

Identify the skills and knowledge you need to develop– then choose the MIT courses that will support this journey

Imagine you’re hiring: would you select a candidate with climate expertise in your organization’s industry or one who simply “wants to do good”? Selecting targeted courses can help you develop that specific expertise, making all the difference in your search.

Now that your first semester and core courses are coming to an end, it’s time to customize your schedule as you head into spring registration. Each semester, we update our website with approved courses for the sustainability certificate, so use this as a resource to map out a targeted academic path.

And be sure to attend our Spring Course Showcase, where faculty pitch their sustainability courses for spring—a perfect opportunity to connect with affiliated faculty and hear directly about courses that align with your career goals.

Build your network early

Beyond expertise, your network will be invaluable in your search. MIT Sloan has a robust community of alumni in sustainability, and you can (and should!) start connecting with them now. Think of the fall as the time to lay the groundwork for relationships that will support your journey. Here are a few suggestions to get started:

CDO Summer Internship Directory (found on YourCDO): This is a great place to begin. Identify recent alumni who have worked in roles that align with your goals, and reach out to learn more about their paths.
LinkedIn: Look for alumni who’ve earned the sustainability certificate, participated in sustainability clubs, or helped plan related conferences. These connections can provide valuable insights into specific industries and roles.
MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative: Meet with us! We can connect you with our alumni network, offer guidance, and help expand your contacts in the field.

Note the trend toward earlier internship recruitment

You may have noticed large companies posting sustainability internships earlier this year, such as Nike’s sustainability internship going live in October. While it feels early, this shift is a positive sign that companies are eager to bring on sustainability talent. Many early postings are from companies with established MBA recruitment programs, so if you’re interested in these organizations, be prepared.

Why the shift to earlier recruitment? Could it reflect growing interest in sustainability or companies’ recognition of the competitive market for climate talent? Either way, it’s essential to be ready. Have your resume polished, your narrative prepared, and keep an eye on job boards.

Prepare for the spring recruitment cycle

Smaller and mid-sized companies often recruit later, with many sustainability roles posted in early spring. So, if you don’t have something lined up by then, don’t panic—there’s still time. In fact, the MIT Sloan’s Sustainability Initiative oversees two internship programs each spring, exclusively for MIT graduate students.

In my experience, I have worked with students who secured internships as late as after spring finals, so keep your options open and be ready to act when opportunities arise.

Learn more about our internship programs:

Develop a targeted sustainability story

Not sure where to start? Resources like ClimateCAP’s Climate Careers Map and Duke’s MBA EDGE career resources can help narrow your focus in this broad field.
Make your sustainability story clear

Ensure your story comes through in your resume, LinkedIn, and elevator pitch. Use keywords from job descriptions of roles you’re targeting, especially those that highlight climate-related skills.
Network actively

Leverage the Sustainability Initiative in your networking. Our weekly Sustainability Lunch Series features guest speakers, often alumni, who are eager to support students and share insights.
Stay connected with the Sustainability Initiative

We’re here to help with career advising, alumni introductions, event promotions, and general support throughout your search.
Balance Preparation with Flexibility

It’s essential to be proactive–but stay flexible and open to opportunities that may arise later in the year.