Lehigh relies heavily on the insights, creativity, innovation, and skills of student interns as we work to further integrate sustainability throughout Lehigh. The undergraduate internship opportunities span different academic disciplines and backgrounds. By engaging with interdisciplinary student interns, Lehigh is better able to seek and embrace new solutions that support long term sustainable change.
Through the many internship opportunities on campus, students have meaningful, hands on experiences advancing Lehigh’s sustainability commitments while building leadership skills and engaging in professional development opportunities. They also have a significant level of responsibility and the opportunity to work on projects where they engage with high level staff throughout the university. They also attend and present at annual sustainability conferences both locally and regionally. When we asked a few students in the Office of Sustainability what new things they have learned they said, “From a personal perspective, i’ve learned a lot about collaborating with others to get projects done.” “Thanks to group meetings, I have also enhanced by communication skills by meeting new people and learning what they do.” “I’ve become more professional since starting [in the office], due to the accountability aspect of tasks within the office.”
Part of the success of the Office of Sustainability's internship program lies not only in the meaningful, hands on experiences that our students receive, but also in the structure of the program. Our office hosts weekly staff meetings for our students to share what they are currently working on, collaborate with other students, and to learn certain professional development skills. We have discussions on key topics such as time management, how to manage group meetings and small projects, how to give and receive constructive feedback, stress management, resume writing, and email etiquette. We also hold team building activities and a social gathering each month in order to create a sense of community among our staff, as well as foster continued collaboration and engagement.
Lehigh strives to develop future leaders who will graduate from Lehigh prepared to lead and be ready to solve pressing global climate challenges in their various disciplines. Student interns help leverage our collective knowledge and passion to further enhance sustainability on campus.
Are you passionate about sustainability? The Office of Sustainabilty can help you find opportunities to get involved in sustainability at Lehigh. For more information, contact sustainability@lehigh.edu.