Green Gown Awards 2019 - University of St Andrews - Finalist

Since 2010 the University of St Andrews has been offering a yearlong internship to prospective graduates of the University. During a student’s final year of study, they can apply to become the upcoming sustainability intern, an opportunity to stay in St Andrews and formally work on a range of sustainability projects. The experiences the interns gain by working with numerous varied stakeholders on projects from sustainable food to renewable energy are invaluable and prepare them for working in the sustainability sector.  

The Intern is an important resource for the University as they were often integral parts of the student environmental movement and by adding them to the Environment Team’s staff, they are able to utilise their pre-existing relationships within the student body to enhance initiatives such as waste reduction. Additionally, the Intern’s ability to contribute new vigour and ideas to projects allow for a more dynamic approach to sustainability in St Andrews.

Top 3 learnings: 

• Interns are extremely enthusiastic and use the skills gained in their degree. 
• Interns are able to see problems from the perspective of a student and a staff member.  
• The handover period from Intern to Intern is disruptive but ultimately beneficial.  

Videos

• Green starts: A long term Sustainability Intern initiative (click to hide)