Three Unpaid Fair Trade Internships for College Students
In midst of corporate jobs and internships, it can seem challenging to find internships centered around fair trade. Hence the following three organizations can be a possible avenue for ambitious students interested in obtaining invaluable information on fair trade businesses.
1.World Fair Trade Organization:
WTFO offers an unpaid, social media internship that is 100% virtual and has flexible work hours. Interns can choose what hours and days work best for them to deliver a set amount of posts on social media per week. The social media posting will be guided by the social media team leader.
The duration of this internship is six months. In this manner, the intern will be to obtain firsthand experience in working with an international team of online interns that post about World Fair Trade Organization.
This internship reaches like-minded humans from around the world by engaging in the following tasks and responsibilities as seen on WFTO’s website:
1. Research relevant materials for WFTO’s social media daily communications.
2. Take active part in developing social media materials - with direct supervision of the Communications Officer.
3. Collaborate an international team of social media enthusiasts to support communications work, including development of campaigns material, articles, visuals and more.
4. Propose ways to improve WFTO’s social media channels.
Requirements:
Fluency in spoken and written English
High awareness on Fair Trade and other social issues
Good drafting skills in English is preferred
Social Media enthusiast
Hands-on and results oriented
Here are the following links to help become involved in WFTO:
2. Ten Thousand Villages
Google your local Ten Thousand Villages and investigate who the manager is. Send them an email inquiring about an internship opportunity if there isn't anything posted on their online platforms already. It is important to include an explanation of who you are, what you are studying and why you care about fair trade.
In addition, always include your resume and cover letter in emails indicating your interest in an internship. This gives the manager and associates who see your application a better idea of your future potential with the organization.
Since Ten Thousand Villages doesn't normally promote or have internship opportunities, it is important to be proactive and state your interests of what the internship could form into!
3.Mata Traders
Based in Chicago, Il, this is an excellent fair-trade fashion business to obtain experience in different internship opportunities. They believe in fostering creativity and celebrating beauty from everyone's story's to make a better world together through fashion.
They are currently seeking a Marketing Intern and Sales Intern.
The following are the descriptions of the internship opportunities as found on their website:
MARKETING INTERN
We are seeking a creative, analytical and meticulous individual to intern with our Marketing Department. The ideal candidate will have good written and verbal communication, experience with Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as basic knowledge of - or a willingness to learn - iMovie and Abode Photoshop.
Responsibilities:
Collect quantitative and qualitative data from marketing campaigns
Create content for our blog
Keep website up-to-date with current product and pricing information
Style and steam garments for photoshoots and keep product organized during shoots
Fact-check linesheets, lookbooks, catalogs, and other marketing materials
Edit footage for wholesale- and consumer-facing marketing use
Internship positions are approximately three months in duration beginning January 2020. Hours are flexible and range from 12-30 hours per week. We are happy to work around class or work schedules. This is an unpaid position, located at our offices in Chicago, IL.
SALES INTERN
We are seeking detail-oriented and organized individuals to intern with our sales team. Ideal candidates will have an interest in retail sales and wholesale sales strategy. Additionally, candidates should have experience with Microsoft Word and Excel as well as good written and verbal communication skills.
Duties:
Assist with researching new sales leads
Assist in creating product recommendations for current and potential customers
Collaborate with team on merchandising current product lines
Prepare, analyze, and prioritize outreach lists for sales team
Draft outreach emails/campaigns/communications
Conduct email and/or phone outreach for customer feedback/satisfaction, trade show appointments, etc.
Update customer records in the company database(s)
Sample management
Packing/unpacking shipments for tradeshows
Assist with off-site event setup and takedown
Internship positions are approximately three months in duration. Hours are flexible and range from 12-30 hours per week. We are happy to work around class or work schedules. This is an unpaid position, located at our office in Chicago, IL.