Are you thinking about a career in conservation?

It’s not just about internships on our reserves! 

Throughout the year you will find many different volunteer intern opportunities offered to enable you to gain experience, skills and behaviours that can assist you develop and create the potential for your dream job. Not only do you receive on the job training but mentoring and career coaching too - so why not make the most of it and get involved with us.

Two volunteer interns from our South Eastern Regional Office had this to say ....

Emily Clark, Community Fundraising Intern (Nov 2011 to April 2012) Emily has since gone on to secure a short term contract with our CF team, working on the Together for Trees collection campaign.

“Having graduated from university in June I found the same issue kept cropping up when applying for jobs - I needed some practical experience in a charity. When the opportunity arose to volunteer for the RSPB in November as a Community Fundraising Voluntary Intern I felt it was a great chance to be involved with a charity especially as it is the largest conservation charity in Europe. My main role within the community fundraising team is organising charity bucket collections.

I have learned so much in a short period of time from simply getting used to working in an office, organising collections, taking part in collections myself and managing other volunteers. I now have a clearer understanding of community fundraising and what it actually involves. As an intern I have been given help with career skills including CV training and career coaching.

I have really enjoyed my experience at the RSPB as everyone has been very supportive. I have tried many things out of my comfort zone which has shown me just how much I can do and increased my confidence! It has felt good to be doing something worthwhile whilst I’m looking for a paid job whilst knowing I’m gaining new skills at the same time which should help me gain future employment.” 

Kate Standing. Media Intern (Oct 2011 – April 2012)

“Last summer I graduated from a good university with a good degree, but as I threw my mortar board into the air, like in a film, the world went into slow motion, the hazy glow of the day turned grey, the smile on my face faltered and reality struck. “Oh my God,” I thought, “I’ve got to find a job!”

Finding a job was no easy feat, said the News. The economy’s bad! No where’s hiring! Youth unemployment is rising! And there I was, a fresh-faced graduate, right in the middle of all of this. Not that I expected to get offered a job as soon as a stepped from the graduation ceremony stage, degree certificate clutched in hand, but where do you start in the job market when your C.V. is comprised of weekend jobs and waitressing? (Though being able to pour a really, really good pint is a life skill we should all aspire to.)

It turns out a good place to start is interning. Yes, you work for free, but you also gain experience in a work field that otherwise, you probably wouldn’t be able to get, and experience is king in the job hunt. I have just completed a six month placement with the RSPB South East Regional office as their Media and Communications intern and the experience that I have gained as been invaluable. I have been able to do a variety of different things, from helping to set up the region’s social media networks and seen them go from strength to strength, to writing press releases and liaising with local press contacts, as well as helping to promote campaigns and events. 

I have learnt a lot of new skills in the last few months, and have made achievements that I think will really help me in the future. The prospect of job hunting doesn’t fill me with a cold dread anymore. I think I know what I’m doing, and I think I can do it. And, to top it all off, I can pour a pretty nice pint.”