Joining the Sustainability Team at the University of Sussex has been an incredibly rewarding and engaging experience. For me, I wanted to apply to the 6-week internship because I’m passionate about improving the impact we have on our campus and in our environment – a passion that comes naturally to me, having grown up in the countryside on the Isle of Wight. This role has really given me the opportunity to do exactly that, while also collaborating with an inspiring and naturally motivating team who share the same vision for a greener future. 

On the campus here at Sussex, I’ve taken part in a wide range of activities – from observing one of the University’s Executive Away Days, gathering data and doing my own analysis modelling, to welcoming new staff at meet-and-greets to highlight the Sustainability Team’s work across campus and the wider community. I’ve also been able to brainstorm creative solutions to internal challenges, offering fresh perspectives to help drive positive change supported by strategic insights. 

Beyond the hands-on experience, I’ve learnt a lot – sharpening my strategic thinking skills, gaining confidence in using office management systems, and developing my research and analysis abilities. 

What Adam Batchelor, Sustainability Manager, had to say: 

“It’s been a pleasure having Caine on the team. He brought fresh energy, insightful ideas, and a genuine passion for sustainability. Over the six-week internship, Caine made a real difference to our work and left a lasting impact. We’ve been impressed by the enthusiasm of our summer interns over the past two years, and Caine has been a shining example of that.”