Apply for the National Geographic Society Remote Data Visualization and Mapping Externship ($500 Stipend)

Ednah Carrick August 22, 2024

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Closing Date: 30 August 2024

Apply for the National Geographic Society Remote Data Visualization and Mapping Externship ($500 Stipend)

Are you looking to boost your resume and gain invaluable experience? Then join the National Geographic Society & The Nature Conservancy Community Conservation, Data Visualization and Mapping Externship. This externship offers a unique chance to work with top-tier professionals, develop critical skills, and make a real impact—all from the comfort of your home!

Program Overview

This Data Visualization and Mapping externship is presented through a partnership between the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy, two of the world’s most respected environmental organizations. Whether you live in a large coastal city or a small town in the foothills, conservation topics such as biodiversity underpin every aspect of life on our planet. As an extern, you’ll tackle pressing conservation matters, such as biodiversity loss, marine issues and freshwater threats by utilizing mapping and geographic information systems (GIS) data to drive positive change in your community.

The National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy have long histories of applying mapping and GIS to advance conservation science and storytelling. At both organizations, geospatial data is a powerful tool for understanding key conservation topics such as biodiversity and identifying community-based solutions.

Through live virtual sessions, you’ll explore careers and learn from conservation and GIS experts from the National Geographic Society and The Nature Conservancy. You’ll receive training on key Esri mapping and GIS tools and learn how to combine conservation science and GIS technology to make conservation issues relevant to any community. You’ll also conduct your own location-based data research and create maps that highlight and address these challenges.

What You Will Learn

Biodiversity and Other Conservation Topics: Explore resources and case studies related to conservation topics such as biodiversity issues and solutions. Understand the relationship between geography, biodiversity and community conservation.

Geographic Information System (GIS): Gain foundational knowledge in GIS, learning about the power of geography, data visualization and analysis for sustainable conservation. GIS is a powerful tool used to create, manage, analyze and map all types of data.
Data Collection and Analysis: Learn how to collect and find good data to solve conservation issues using Esri’s ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and QuickCapture.
Map Creation and Storytelling: Build new maps and Esri StoryMaps highlighting local conservation issues to tell compelling stories. Understand the ethics and application of maps in conservation solution-finding.

Solution-Finding: Identify conservation solutions unique to your community.
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills: Present solutions, showcasing your ability to communicate complex information effectively and engagingly.

What You Will Gain

Hands-On Experience and a Comprehensive Skill Set: From analyzing data to crafting effective communications, you’ll acquire a skill set that is highly valued across various industries.

A Competitive Edge: The insights and experiences you gain from this externship will provide you with a competitive edge in your job search, helping you stand out to recruiters in conservation, data analysis, communications and more!
Professional Network: You will connect with industry experts and peers to broaden your professional circle.

Eligibility

This Externship is open to applicants all around the world.

Candidates should be between the ages of 18-25 and have an interest in learning about conservation, introductory approaches to GIS and careers in conservation (High school students, undergraduates, and postgraduates).
Individuals from locations that are directly impacted by environmental challenges are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ideal for those passionate about conservation, data analysis, mapping, communication and more.

No specific background required — bring your critical thinking, strategic analysis skills and eagerness to learn. This is an entry-level program and prioritize those with limited work experience or coursework in GIS, conservation or environmental topics.