Sector Research Summer Intern

General Deadline: Wednesday, November 1 at 12:00 AM MT.

Applications will not be reviewed until January 2024. Due to the substantial number of applications received, it may take up to 5 weeks from the time we start reviewing to receive a response.

Transform your career with RMI.

Interns arrive as students and leave as early career professionals ready to impact the world! Whether it’s through improving food security in vulnerable regions, brainstorming new ways to increase energy equity for low-income households, or using your creative talent to design inclusive social media templates – mold and shape your career with us.

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply!

Internship Program Overview (Resume and Cover Letter Required – Read Requirements Below)

Interns will get a chance to test drive a career within the Global Energy and Sustainability space. You’ll have your own scope of work with a dedicated team and mentor buddy who will guide you as you get to apply your knowledge and skills to RMI.

If interested in multiple roles, we recommend applicants to apply for a maximum of only two Workday intern jobs.

Timeline

• January – Application Review
• February/March – Interviews
• March – Offers Extended
• Two Summer 2024 Start and End Date Options: Tuesday, May 21 – Friday, August 16, or Tuesday, June 4 – Friday, August 30.

No exceptions can be made.

Available Teams And Positions (learn More About Them Here)

Global South

• Catalytic Climate Capital (C3)

Our Global South Program works across three core geographies – Africa, Southeast Asia, and Island Nations – to address barriers to the energy transition and prioritize inclusive economic development. The C3 Intern would have the opportunity to support the team on various research projects such as creating a database for debt and equity investors in the Global North to learn about bankable opportunities in the Global South, and researching innovative finance products to unlock funding for climate from across the world, primarily in the Global South.

India Program

• Our India Program is focused on putting India on track to avoid 9 gigatons of CO2 emissions cumulatively by 2030. Their analysis, research, and convening work helps provide global best practices and insights to policy design, policy implementation, and support collaboration between the public and private sectors to pilot innovative technologies, business models, and financing solutions. The intern(s) would have the chance to gain exposure to stakeholder consulting, policy, and finance and infrastructure planning for Zero Emission Trucking.

Climate Aligned Industries

• Hydrogen
• Carbon Dioxide Removal
• Chemicals & Refining

Our Climate Aligned Industries program partners with key sectors on facilitating climate aligned finance agreements, create net-zero roadmaps, and enable governmental support decarbonization. The intern(s) part of these teams will have the opportunity to explore various areas such as the challenges of energy systems, market and policy research, innovation briefs, decarbonization, and much more!

Third Derivative

• Our Third Derivative Program has a focus on guiding and supporting climate tech start-ups who are bringing new ideas and innovation to market, we accelerate the clean future worldwide. Through a vast global network of deep experts, corporate partners, and investors, we help startups go to market faster with their breakthrough ideas, create real impact, and transform markets. This intern will be supporting the team’s thesis development / research.

Carbon Free Electricity

• Global Coal Phaseouts
• Markets and Grids

Our Carbon Free Electricity Program supports comprehensive regulatory and business model reform and innovation to help allies work together in developing critical electricity solutions. The intern(s) part of these teams will have the opportunity to conduct research on coal pipelining, industrial decarbonization, electric vehicles and heat pumps, and transition planning.

Carbon Free Transportation

• Our Carbon Free Transportation Program focuses on strategizing to end tailpipe emissions and align the transportation sector with a 1.5 carbon target through partnering with government and policymakers in target geographies. The intern will have the chance to explore landscape assessment for Global South regions (Caribbean, Africa, and SE Asia), as well as designing a data tool focusing on state and federal outputs.

General Qualifications

• You are passionate about global sustainable and renewable energy.
• You have completed classes, projects, labs, or experiences that consisted of general or quantitative and/or qualitative research.
• Some experience with writing or presenting on topics related to energy systems or decarbonization in one of the various sectors at RMI.
• Commitment to environmental justice and racial justice.
• Currently enrolled in college, preferably as a junior or senior. We also consider master level graduate students and recent graduates as well.
• You have the permanent, legal right to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor visas for interns.

Preferred Qualifications For These Teams

• You have good research and writing skills.
• You have experience and/or interest in some of the work the above teams have projects in like transportation, decarbonization, electricity, international relations, economic developments, or energy systems.
• You’re comfortable working with data systems and databases.
• You’re comfortable with communication and excited to collaborate with peers.
• You enjoy responsibility and take pride in your work.
• You have a track record of participating in student organizations, balancing school and work, or other activities.

Application Requirements

Resume (Required)

We suggest a 1–2-page resume that includes information about your academic background and work experience. Feel free to add additional sections that highlight any leadership roles you’ve held, relevant coursework, academic projects that you’ve completed, conference presentations, or any articles that have been published.

Cover Letter (Required)

Answer the following questions below.

• What does Environmental Equity & Justice mean to you?
• Tell us about a research project or paper you worked on about a passionate topic related to sustainability, global energy, or related areas.

Compensation

Interns are paid $20.00/hr. and expected to work between 35-40 hours per week.

Benefits

• 403b retirement options (up to 5% match immediately)      
• Accrued paid time off  
• Mental Health Days
• Fully remote and hybrid work options
• Free coffee, snacks, and laughs in the office
• Free lunch provided to staff in offices (including interns)
• You will experience a fun internship by participating in summer activities including our annual intern retreat that is held in-person!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion   

Increasing the diversity of thought, perspectives, ideas and opinions within RMI is a critical change element supporting our long-term sustainability and mission to build a clean, prosperous, and secure energy future.    

We strive for a level of diversity that reflects the communities we serve. Achieving this—regardless of ability, race, ethnicity, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic class, educational attainment or other social identities—is critical to the success of each RMIer and collectively as an organization. This ensures that we:   

• Have the different array of thinking that comes from diverse backgrounds and cultures, enabling us to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges.   
• Strive for a culture of inclusion and belonging by treating others with dignity, respect and appreciation enabling them to feel welcomed, supported and valued.   
• Effectively connect, communicate and build long-lasting relationships with decision makers, stakeholders and constituents within diverse communities.   

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.    

Location

We are a remote-ready organization with team members around the globe. Our beautiful and welcoming offices are available for meetings or focused work, whether you are traveling through or living nearby. Our U.S. offices are in New York City; Washington DC; Oakland, California; Boulder, Colorado; and Basalt, Colorado.

About RMI 

RMI is an independent nonprofit founded in 1982 that transforms global energy systems through market-driven solutions to align with a 1.5°C future and secure a clean, prosperous, zero-carbon future for all. We work in the world’s most critical geographies and engage businesses, policymakers, communities, and NGOs to identify and scale energy system interventions that will cut greenhouse gas emissions at least 50 percent by 2030. RMI has offices in Basalt and Boulder, Colorado; New York City; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Beijing.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

RMI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.