Overview
Take part in the UNC Charlotte Climate Crisis and Clean Energy Virtual Career Accelerator to gain a contextual understanding of the main drivers of climate change. Get exposure to how the global struggle to address climate change takes shape on a local level, in communities and the environment. Be a part of actioning bold and innovative clean power solutions by working in partnership with non-profits, government entities and other organisations in the energy and climate change sector as they address this crisis.
COMPLETE REAL PROJECTS
Throughout your experience you’ll be completing one project each week that helps a local organization solve an actual problem. Since we work with real partners, real, valuable projects will be assigned to you. This means that the types of projects you could work on will vary. We aim to match you as closely as possible with an organization and a task that aligns with your personal career goals. See below for some of the projects you could work on during your experience.
WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY
Burning waste is a common habit in many communities where recycling infrastructure isn’t available. This habit contributes to greenhouse gases. Work with a local NGO to develop a project proposal for setting up recycling stations for the collection of commonly found household waste.
ALTERNATE ENERGY GRANT PROPOSAL
Wave energy can generate power and reduce the dependence of coastal communities on environmentally harmful fossil fuel based energy, such as the burning of coal. Work with a local organisation to set up proposals for clean energy grants to harness wave energy.
ALTERNATIVE LIVELIHOODS
Warming oceans impact local fishing industries. Work with local partners to find ways that coastal communities can become less dependent on fishing as their main source of income. Set up proposals for ecotourism initiatives to replace fishing for those whose livelihoods rely on it.
Example of a Typical Week
Career path Insight
Gain insight into your chosen career path and engage in discussions with leading academics, professionals, local experts and your fellow participants, when you take part in live chats and lectures on a range of topics.
Local
immersion
Explore the customs, languages and cuisine of another culture in order to reach a deeper understanding of the country by attending lectures about a local cultural context or environment, led by community members or an area expert.
Project
Work
Find solutions to some of the challenges faced by real organisations such as local NGOs and social enterprises. You’ll do this by conducting research, engaging in discussions and proposing a potential solution.
Career development
Learn about your potential career journey ahead from a professional in your field of interest. Take part in workshops that will assist in career development, and receive coaching from your dedicated internship supervisor.
Dates & Costs
Full Time
Cost
Part-Time
Cost
*The cost of each UNC Charlotte Virtual Career Accelerator includes two weeks of introductory online learning material which students complete before the experience. Additionally, it includes the cost of an optional, post-experience peer-reviewed final project. *There is an opportunity for students to join UNC Charlotte and complete a one-week virtual career accelerator without any pre- or post-learning. The cost of this is $1695.
3 Online Courses Included
UNC Charlotte participants will also complete our successful flagship online program; the Foundations in Sustainable Development program, which includes three online courses.
– Careers in Sustainable Development
– Leading Teams for Emerging Leaders
– Introduction to Community Development
– Introduction to Scientific Conservation Research