Find Energy Internships and Jobs
Energy internships are a great way to augment your education with real-world experience and contacts in your chosen field. Duke University offers a number of tools for finding, securing and funding internships, and identifying job opportunities as well.
The Duke Career Centers offer a wealth of information, support, and advice. Your primary career contact is the person or center affiliated with the school in which you're enrolled, so contact that person or center to make an appointment. If you have further questions, Stacy Peterson at the Duke University Energy Initiative can be contacted here or via email.
Nicholas School of the Environment
There are many opportunities for energy internships. The list below will get you started. Please check each program's website for deadlines, eligibility requirements and other information.
Energy Internship Program
The Duke University Energy Initiative launched a new Energy Internship Program in spring 2019. We maintained a list of energy companies interested in internship applications from Duke undergraduate and graduate students, and invited current sophomores and juniors ONLY to apply for supplementary financial assistance for unpaid or low-paid energy internship opportunities that they found on this list or elsewhere. We will re-open the program in early spring 2020, so watch this space for more information.
Department of Energy (DOE) Scholars Program
The DOE Scholars program provides students with the opportunity to explore a federal career in energy, including energy security, scientific innovation, environmental responsibility and management excellence.
International Renewable Energy Agency Internship Program
The internship program works to enhance participants' educational experience through practical work assignments with the agency, providing assistance and training in professional fields. Interns must demonstrate an ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds.
National Renewable Energy Lab
Interns can participate in the laboratory's research and development programs or initiate new areas of research. Possible internships cross a variety of interests including microgrids, biofuels and policy analysis.
Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International
RTI is currently conducting research into many aspects of energy including petroleum refining and transportation, biomass and biofuels, water and energy, and energy economics and policy, offering students many opportunities to explore research interests.
Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship
Open to sophomores and grades above. The Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship is sponsored by the Department of Energy, allowing students to work on research projects with the Office of Fossil Energy. It is a 10-week summer internship for students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The program focuses on minority or female students but all candidates are welcome to apply.
KTH Internship and Student Exchange
The Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, Sweden, is an international leader in energy technology and a top-ranked engineering school. Ten-week research internships are available during June and July. Selected students will receive funding to pay for most of their travel and living expenses.
Environmental Protection Agency Student Internships
The EPA provides a wide variety of positions, although not all are energy related. To apply, you must have an account on USAJobs.gov.
Stanback Internship Program
Open to all Duke students, graduate and undergraduate, who will be continuing their studies at Duke the following year. These funded internships will allow you to work in an environmental organization during the summer. The application process opens each year in late January.
Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps
Graduate students only. EDF places students within organizations where students act as organizational change agents for energy management. Participants will deepen quantitative and technical skills in a management environment. Past organizations have included Apple, GM, REI and the city of Boston.
Association of Climate Change Officers (ACCO) Fellowships
Graduate students only. The ACCO pairs masters-level graduate students who have a focus on climate change and sustainability with companies, universities and other entities to work on climate change response efforts. Interdisciplinary knowledge about business, policy, law and engineering is preferred.
Resources for the Future (RFF) Summer Internship Program
RFF, an independent nonprofit organization specializing in research, policy analysis, and public education on environmental, energy, and natural resource issues, offers summer internships with stipends for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students. Priority consideration is given to graduate students.
Developing professional contacts has become an essential part of finding internships/jobs and exploring career options. Duke University and the Energy Initiative provide students with several opportunities to connect with professionals to explore their energy interests.
Duke University Energy Initiative Events
The Energy Initiative hosts a regular Energy Mix, a networking event that connects students with local business leaders, faculty, and energy entrepreneurs. This provides a casual setting that promotes interaction between students and energy professionals. You can sign up for the Energy Initiative's weekly events bulletin for updates.
Ask A Blue Devil
Duke University alumni in energy are ready to help undergraduate and graduate students figure out the next steps in your Duke journey, give you insights into a future career or help you get your foot in the door at your dream company. Just fill out a brief questionnaire, and Ask a Blue Devil will match you with alumni who can help. Get started with Ask a Blue Devil.
Duke Alumni Network
Duke Connect can help link you to the network of Duke alumni who have a variety of professional backgrounds and experience. Reaching out to someone can be a great way to find an internship or job that may not be publicly advertised.
LinkedIn
Join the Duke University Energy Network (for Duke students, alumni and faculty/staff only) to find connections with energy alumni, fellow energy students, and other professionals who may be able to provide inside information on internship opportunities. There are also groups for the individual schools at Duke that can help further your connections.