National Geographic Society & The Nature Conservancy Community Conservation, Data Visualization, and Mapping Externship

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Overview

In this externship program, students will learn strategic consulting skills to analyze and evaluate challenges from non-profit organizations using consulting frameworks, in an overall effort to help them solve their important problems. Selected individuals will be paired with a specific non-profit organization and dive into their strategic problems, such as development, impact assessment, process improvements, talent engagement, communication, and strategic positioning. Throughout this externship program, professionals from PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) will provide mentorship and coaching.

The Experience

Learn about the strategy consulting process and how to help create value for a non-profit client based on their vision and mission
Research and develop an understanding of a given field
Analyze complex problems ranging from fundraising and development, stakeholder management, impact measurement, as well as use consulting frameworks to help identify problem areas and propose solutions
Learn to gather, analyze, and visualize data to inform problem areas and possible solutions
Create and deliver a compelling presentation to a non-profit client that incorporates valuable insights, trends, and recommendations

Qualifications

Ambitious undergraduate students with an interest in consulting, strategy, and non-profits. This program is for students who would like to understand the consulting profession while generating ideas to help impact non-profit organizations.

Program Overview

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This externship is presented through a partnership between the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, two of the world’s most respected environmental organizations.

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Whether you live in a large coastal city or a small town in the foothills, conservation topics such as biodiversity underpin every aspect of life on our planet. As an extern, you'll tackle pressing conservation matters, such as biodiversity loss, marine issues and freshwater threats by utilizing mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) data to drive positive change in your community.

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The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy have long histories of applying mapping and GIS to advance conservation science and storytelling. At both organizations, geospatial data is a powerful tool for understanding key conservation topics such as biodiversity and identifying community-based solutions.

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Through live virtual sessions, you’ll explore careers and learn from conservation and GIS experts from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy. You’ll receive training on key Esri mapping and GIS tools and learn how to combine conservation science and GIS technology to make conservation issues relevant to any community. You’ll also conduct your own location-based data research and create maps that highlight and address these challenges.

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What You Will Learn

Biodiversity and Other Conservation Topics: Explore resources and case studies related to conservation topics such as biodiversity issues and solutions. Understand the relationship between geography, biodiversity and community conservation.
Geographic Information System (GIS): Gain foundational knowledge in GIS, learning about the power of geography, data visualization and analysis for sustainable conservation. GIS is a powerful tool used to create, manage, analyze and map all types of data.
Data Collection and Analysis: Learn how to collect and find good data to solve conservation issues using Esri’s ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and QuickCapture.
Map Creation and Storytelling: Build new maps and Esri StoryMaps highlighting local conservation issues to tell compelling stories. Understand the ethics and application of maps in conservation solution-finding.
Solution-Finding: Identify conservation solutions unique to your community.
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Present solutions, showcasing your ability to communicate complex information effectively and engagingly.

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What You Will Gain

Hands-On Experience and a Comprehensive Skill Set: From analyzing data to crafting effective communications, you'll acquire a skill set that is highly valued across various industries.
A Competitive Edge: The insights and experiences you gain from this externship will provide you with a competitive edge in your job search, helping you stand out to recruiters in conservation, data analysis, communications and more!
Professional Network: You will connect with industry experts and peers to broaden your professional circle.

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Why This Is Perfect for You

Candidates should be between the ages of 18-25 and have an interest in learning about conservation, introductory approaches to GIS and careers in conservation.
We strongly encourage individuals from locations that are directly impacted by environmental challenges to apply.
Ideal for those passionate about conservation, data analysis, mapping, communication and more.
No specific background required — bring your critical thinking, strategic analysis skills and eagerness to learn. This is an entry-level program and we are prioritizing those with limited work experience or coursework in GIS, conservation or environmental topics.

Overview

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Externship Currently Closed
New applications are not currently being accepted.

Apply by February 1, 2025

Part-time and fully remote

This Externship is a 10-hour-per-week fully remote experience where all meetings and events are recorded.

February 10, 2025

This remote Externship will last 8 weeks.

$500 Stipend

Students who successfully complete their externships will receive their educational stipends at the end of the program.

Geographical Eligibility

This Externship is open to applicants all around the world.

About

National Geographic + The Nature Conservancy

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic Society has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. The Nature Conservancy works to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends by boldly addressing the biodiversity and climate crises over the next decade. By maximizing the ability to affect change between now and 2030, The Nature Conservancy believes that we can shape a brighter future for people and our planet.