Overview
Join the UNC Charlotte Marine Conservation Virtual Career Accelerator to gain an understanding of the foundational knowledge used in the field of marine conservation. Take part in discussions with non-governmental organizations and other marine-focused enterprises who champion the protection of the earth’s oceans and marine species. You could learn skills such as how to analyse protected areas, or work with surveying data, such as fish species censuses and determining the health of local coral reefs. These experiences will put you on track to pursue a meaningful career in marine conservation.
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.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF WATER TEMPERATURE
Analyse statistical data to determine whether changes in water temperature may act as an environmental cue for certain behaviours such as reproduction in marine species. The findings can then be used to predict future behaviour as ocean temperatures rise.
SPECIES INTERACTION RESEARCH PROJECT
Plan a research proposal that examines the interactions between two species within a shared habitat. Analyse camera footage to determine whether their relationship is mutually beneficial or not, and whether the continued success of one species may hinder the survival of the other.
UNSUSTAINABLE FISHING REPORT
Write a report detailing the threat that unsustainable fishing poses to biodiversity. Use a wide variety of sources, ranging from one-to-one interviews to referencing global fishing trends. The report’s purpose is to draw attention to the issue and possibly bring in funds to combat the problem.
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