Application Guide
How to Apply for Communications Intern (Media)
at Council on Energy, Environment and Water
🏢 About Council on Energy, Environment and Water
The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is one of Asia's leading not-for-profit policy research institutions, focusing on data-driven solutions to India's most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Working at CEEW offers the unique opportunity to contribute to evidence-based policy making that directly impacts India's sustainable development, while collaborating with top researchers and policymakers in the field.
About This Role
This Communications Intern (Media) role involves actively monitoring media landscapes across newspapers, journals, broadcasts, and social media to identify opportunities for CEEW's research. You'll conduct monthly strategic analysis of media coverage for CEEW and peer organizations, and create high-impact collaterals for events and social media campaigns. This position is impactful because you'll help amplify CEEW's research findings to influence policy discussions and public discourse on energy and environmental issues in India.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with scanning major Indian newspapers and social media for energy/environment news relevant to CEEW's work, then updating media databases with new journalist contacts. You'd spend midday designing graphics for an upcoming webinar on sustainable agriculture, followed by proofreading a policy brief and analyzing monthly media coverage metrics for your supervisor's review.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Council on Energy, Environment and Water Is Looking For
- A recent graduate with a Master's/Bachelor's in development communications, journalism, or PR who can demonstrate strong English writing/editing skills and working knowledge of Hindi
- Someone with 0-1 year experience who has created media databases, conducted secondary research, and has portfolio examples of creative writing/copywriting
- A detail-oriented individual with proven aesthetic sense who can design compelling social media graphics and event collaterals
- A proactive media monitor who understands India's energy/environment journalism landscape and can identify strategic opportunities for coverage
📝 Tips for Applying to Council on Energy, Environment and Water
Create a portfolio showcasing 2-3 examples of your creative writing/copywriting and design work relevant to environmental or policy topics
Demonstrate your media monitoring skills by mentioning specific Indian newspapers, journals, or broadcast outlets you regularly follow for energy/environment news
Highlight any experience with media database tools or spreadsheet management for tracking journalist contacts
Show your understanding of CEEW's research areas by referencing 1-2 specific CEEW publications or reports in your application
Include concrete examples of how you've conducted secondary research or strategic analysis, even from academic projects
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with media monitoring and analysis, particularly regarding Indian energy/environment coverage', "Examples of your creative writing/copywriting and design skills that could translate to CEEW's communication needs", "Your understanding of CEEW's mission and how your skills in media outreach can amplify their research impact", 'Your proficiency in both English and Hindi for effective communication across different media platforms in India']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read at least 3 recent CEEW publications to understand their research focus areas and communication style
- → Study CEEW's current media presence by reviewing their coverage in Indian newspapers and social media platforms
- → Research CEEW's peer organizations in India's energy/environment policy space to understand the competitive landscape
- → Familiarize yourself with key journalists and media houses covering energy and environment beats in India
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting generic applications without mentioning CEEW's specific research areas or India's energy/environment context
- Failing to provide concrete examples of media monitoring, writing, or design work in your portfolio
- Overlooking the Hindi language requirement or not addressing how you'd communicate effectively in India's bilingual media landscape
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Council on Energy, Environment and Water!