Fostering Conservation Changemakers and Careers
Spring 2025: Open
- Topic: Community Conservation, Data Visualization and Mapping
- February 10, 2025 - April 7, 2025
- Apply here
- Applications close on February 1, 2025
Summer 2025: Closed
- Topic: TBD
Fall 2025: Closed
- Topic: TBD
Program Overview
Qualifications
No prior work experience or coursework in conservation or environmental topics is required.
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Application Process
After sending in your application, we'll reach out if we think you're a good fit. You'll send in a "Get to Know You" video and then participate in a live interview.
Week 1: Onboarding
During the first week of the program, you'll be setting goals for what you want to achieve in the upcoming weeks and familiarizing yourself with the industry, our platform, and your cohort.
Weeks 2-5: Research & Analysis
During the regular programming of the Externship, you will receive training and complete projects through our student platform. These exciting weeks are filled with weekly meetings, company meetings, student-led workshops, and virtual events like speaker series and networking sessions.
Present to Host Company
Top students will be selected to present their projects and findings to company leads and other senior leadership.
Here's how a Remote Externship works
We partner with leading brands to curate six to eight week programs designed for student success. By dedicating 10 hours a week, you’ll receive training, work on real problems, and network with professionals — all from the comfort of your own home.
View All ExternshipsMeet the Externs
"This group really showed how important it is for companies and teams in professional networks to have a diverse group of people work together, focused on the same goal and sharing similar passions."
"I appreciated having the resources that I would not have otherwise known of. It illuminated my career path."
"I got to hear stories and experiences outside my own and found a glimmer of hope in that there are enthusiasts to tirelessly give solutions to problems plaguing our communities."
“In just eight weeks, I feel like I have improved very much in many different areas and have learned a ton! The opportunity to speak with people in the marine conservation field was also something I appreciated very much.”
"The peer group is so incredible and inspiring. Every single person is so knowledgeable and brings something completely unique to the table and learning from them has been so great."
About
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. 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.
Got questions?
We've got answers.
Extern co-creates Externship experiences with each hosting company – the outcomes, the training, the meeting agendas – it’s carefully crafted by both companies. The Extern team will manage your Weekly Meetings, Company Meetings, and additional support and feedback.
All Externships take 10-15 hours each week to be successful in the program. This encompasses the time spent learning and completing training, researching, and attending meetings. All externships are 6-8 weeks long. Be sure to check each program for its duration.
Like in professional roles, all your interactions with a company are networking. Networking is about building relationships and trust. Each Company Meeting is an opportunity to impress them and increase their perception of you as an extern. After you complete the program, we compile all the information about you and your work and share it with Host Companies so they can review students and reach out, respectively. Top students get additional opportunities to present their work and have follow-up discussions with company leads.
Yes, you can. Remember that credit-bearing policies vary from institution to institution, so while we can support you to receive credit, you will want to check with your advisor or dean for approval first.
