Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence (BRIDGE)

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Mission

BRIDGE is WWF’s diversity-focused summer internship program, facilitated by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a diverse pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience.

BRIDGE's mission is to:

Increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to careers in conservation and sustainability.

Provide professional development that will enhance marketability for future conservation jobs.

Reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates.

Develop a pipeline for future hires from underrepresented populations.

BRIDGE program at-a-glance

Application Criteria

General Information

  • Undergraduate and graduate positions available
  • Paid: $17/hour for undergraduates, $21/hour for graduates
  • Virtual and hybrid options available
  • 10-week summer from program June through August
  • Full-time schedule (35/hours week) – including every other Friday off (see “Other Program Amenities”)

Applicant must be a current, active student enrolled in an associate's, bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral program. For doctoral students, applicant must not have completed any more than two years of coursework.

Students finishing a bachelor's degree program in one term who plan to immediately enroll in a graduate program subsequent to receiving their degree are only qualified for graduate level positions. Students finishing an associate's degree program who plan to immediately enroll in a bachelor's degree program in a subsequent school term are permitted to apply to BRIDGE.

We will evaluate applicants on the following key competencies:

  • Attention to Detail – Whether helping to create presentations, drafting reports, or analyzing data, strong attention to detail is needed.
  • Initiative – We seek interns who will ask questions and identify opportunities to make valuable, unexpected contributions.
  • Organization skills – This fast-paced program requires a high level of organization and follow-through to manage competing priorities.
  • Adaptability – The evolving nature of our work requires a tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to occasionally change direction on tasks with little notice.
  • Teamwork – Helping each other succeed, collaborating across teams, and volunteering to help wherever needed is how we achieve extraordinary results.
  • Core Values – Courage, Integrity, Respect, & Collaboration
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and video-conferencing platforms (i.e., Zoom, Teams, etc.)
  • Basic knowledge or interest in learning about the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, particularly in environmental conservation.
  • Interest in conservation and environmental sector, especially as a career development pathway.
  • Solid research skills (graduate internships only) are also needed.

Past BRIDGE intern projects that have contributed to WWF’s mission include:

People & Culture

A job description repository for all WWF employees

Private Sector Engagement

A study on the nexus between the oil and gas sector and virgin plastic production

Marketing and Communications

A communications strategy for environmentally themed recognition days

Development

A review of grant proposals and reports

Forests

A synthesis on Amazonian land infrastructure, watersheds, indigenous territories, and laws and their impact on deforestation

Impact Investing

Research on emerging markets and technological opportunities in the global aquaculture sector

Program Operations

Developing an institutional procurement plan for WWF focused on sustainability and efficiency

Professional Development and Networking Opportunities

BRIDGE interns have access to professional development opportunities, including Cornell University’s eCornell program and resume and interviewing training. They also have access to an array of networking opportunities, including meetings with WWF’s senior management team, employee resource groups, and representatives from other departments.

Other program amenities

Although interns aren't eligible for full benefits, BRIDGE interns can take advantage of several program amenities, including:

  • Compressed work week, with every other Friday off
  • 5 days of paid sick leave for DC-based interns
  • Ability to contribute to WWF retirement account, 403(b) (without employer match)
  • Access to Employee Assistance Program
  • Access to Calm app
  • Employee discounts to Patagonia, local restaurants, and more

Testimonials

  • Sophie Rust takes a selfie with Pandie, the WWF-US Headquarters mascot

    Sophie Rust, Virginia Tech

    Forest Communications Undergraduate Intern

    “My internship with WWF exceeded my expectations by a landslide. This was my first internship, and I was expecting to do work that wasn't particularly interesting and to have little to no creative freedom. However, at no point did I feel like I was any less valuable than any of the people I worked with, and always felt like I could be myself and voice my opinions. It was actually highly encouraged. My creativity and curiosity flourished here, and I am endlessly grateful to WWF, my supervisors, and coworkers for allowing me to take part in an internship that truly changed my life for the better. Now, at the conclusion of my internship, I feel better equipped to take on my future endeavors than I could have imagined when I started here.”

  • Jessica Leung of the DEI team presents to students at the HBCU career fair hosted at WWF-US headquarters in DC about the BRIDGE program.

    Linda Orajekwe, Bowie State University

    DEI University Relations Graduate Intern, People and Culture

    "This experience has exposed me to the various areas of Human Resources and the role of HR in not just facilitating the meaningful connection of the various pieces of the culture of an organization, but also strategizing ways to ensure that culture is compelling enough to attract and retain top talent."

  • Bridge interns out at a sporting event.

    Ben Conroy, Seattle University

    Nature-Based Solutions Undergraduate Intern

    “At the beginning of the internship, I didn't know what to expect. This was my first environmental-related experience. But not only did I learn more about what non-profit organizations do, but I got to learn more about office culture and Microsoft applications. Adding that together with the knowledge I gained on applied conservation, freshwater, and natural-based solutions. The internship gives a variety of useful skills and networking opportunities. I would highly recommend it.”

  • Renee Johnson, SVP of People and Culture, has a conversation with a student.

    Adrian Kulbeck, Aaniiih Nakoda College

    Fort Belknap /Tatága (Buffalo) Center Outreach and Engagement Undergraduate Intern, Freshwater & Food

    “WWF was a valuable experience that will benefit me greatly in my future endeavors.”

  • A student talks to members of the wildlife team at the HBCU Career fair

    Victoria Jenkins, Christopher Newport University

    Institutional Partnerships Undergraduate Intern, Development

    "WWF has reassured me that top conservation leaders are working at issues involving conservation justice, climate displacement of communities, and political/business ideologies. I loved being able to work in a place that was so interdisciplinary. I felt that I could explore all aspects of conservation, and all WWF employees, including Senior Vice Presidents, were open to teaching and guiding me into this amazing field of work."

How to apply

BRIDGE interns in-person and virtual have a meeting together in a large conference room.

BRIDGE positions will be posted on our Careers website in March 2024 for our 2024 summer recruitment. To apply, you must provide:

  • A cover letter
  • A resume
  • If selected as a final candidate, you will also be asked to provide a letter of recommendation.

Contact us

Have a question about the program? Please email us at [email protected].

Learn more about BRIDGE

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