Looking for experience in the field of environmental advocacy? Interested in learning more about nuclear energy? Here are some reasons why you should apply to be a Generation Atomic intern (from a former intern).
1. Be a part of the solution
First, if you are someone passionate about climate change and learning about the solutions that nuclear energy provides, Generation Atomic is for you. Being an intern for Generation Atomic means working with other intelligent, innovative minds to save existing nuclear power plants from premature closure, support the building of new nuclear energy projects, and improve public perception of nuclear energy through education.
2. Get your ideas heard
At the same time, the position has endless opportunities to learn the ins and outs of nuclear energy from some of the most knowledgeable people in the business. Any and all ideas are treated with the same degree of consideration, and thinking outside the box is more than encouraged. Regardless of whether you have a degree from MIT in nuclear engineering or you are at the beginning of your nuclear energy journey, the teams at Generation Atomic understand that the best ideas can come from anyone.
3. Develop valuable skills
Working for Generation Atomic also develops skills beyond clean energy advocacy. While some internships may have you completing the same task over and over again, Generation Atomic’s wide breadth of projects and initiatives opens up opportunities to hone a variety of new skills such as memo writing, graphic design, networking, and running advocacy pieces of training.
4. Experience something new
As a Fall 2021 policy fellow, one of Generation Atomic’s primary projects was the initiative to save the Diablo Canyon nuclear facility from premature closure. A rally was organized by Generation Atomic and other nuclear energy advocacy organizations in San Luis Obispo, California to attract more attention and support, and I had the opportunity of attending. Over the course of two days, I was immersed in the community of nuclear energy advocacy with some of the brightest and most passionate individuals working to save California’s largest source of clean, reliable energy. I was also able to utilize my newly developed skills on how to approach sensitive nuclear energy issues in the real world with members of the San Luis Obispo community who were unsure about the plant’s safety. Lastly, I met incredible people and had perspective-altering conversations that would have been impossible without this internship.
5. The team
The Generation Atomic internship stands out in several ways, but most notably through its overall drive. There is an infectious passion for each and every project, whether it is traveling to California to save Diablo Canyon or drafting recommendations to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission on how they can improve their environmental justice efforts, Generation Atomic’s teams give the same amount of time, effort, and attention to each and every cause they pursue. The result of this unwavering commitment to nuclear energy advocacy is an ingrained understanding that the fight against climate change and for nuclear energy is made up of the really big and the really small projects. Smaller initiatives such as calling representatives are just as important as those that require interstate travel and media coverage because it is the combination of both that adds up to create change.
Overall, attempting to express all of the valuable opportunities and experiences that interning for Generation Atomic has to offer is impossible. If you have a passion for working to find solutions for a better, cleaner world through nuclear energy in an environment that is supportive and fun, I strongly encourage you to apply to be a Generation Atomic intern.
