Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern in CDR - Nature-Based Solutions (100%)
at Climeworks
🏢 About Climeworks
Climeworks is a pioneering climate tech company that specializes in direct air capture technology, removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. What makes them unique is their dual focus on ambitious climate action and delivering economic value, operating at the intersection of environmental impact and business growth. Working here means contributing to scalable solutions for climate change while being part of a dynamic scale-up culture that values entrepreneurial thinking.
About This Role
This Intern in CDR - Nature-Based Solutions role involves supporting the development and implementation of nature-based carbon removal projects, likely analyzing data, researching methodologies, and contributing to project documentation. It's impactful because it directly advances Climeworks' mission to scale carbon removal solutions, combining technological innovation with natural systems to create comprehensive climate solutions.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing data from nature-based carbon projects, researching methodologies for carbon sequestration verification, and collaborating with team members on project documentation. You'd likely participate in meetings discussing how to scale carbon removal solutions while balancing environmental integrity with economic viability, contributing to both technical analysis and strategic planning.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Climeworks Is Looking For
- Has academic background or strong interest in environmental science, forestry, ecology, or related fields with understanding of carbon sequestration in natural systems
- Demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and comfort with ambiguity in a fast-paced scale-up environment
- Shows evidence of turning ambitious climate goals into practical action through projects, research, or previous experience
- Possesses analytical skills to evaluate nature-based solution effectiveness while understanding business and political constraints
📝 Tips for Applying to Climeworks
Explicitly connect your experience to both climate action AND business value - show you understand Climeworks' dual mission
Include specific examples of how you've turned ambitious environmental goals into reality, even in challenging circumstances
Demonstrate your understanding of nature-based solutions beyond just general environmentalism - show technical or methodological knowledge
Highlight experiences where you took ownership and learned from setbacks, as these are core company values
Tailor your application to show how you thrive in dynamic environments and can handle the uncertainty of scale-up operations
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific interest in nature-based solutions as part of comprehensive carbon removal strategies', 'Examples demonstrating your ability to balance climate idealism with practical business and political realities', 'Evidence of entrepreneurial thinking and comfort with responsible risk-taking in environmental contexts', "How your background prepares you to contribute to both the environmental impact and economic value aspects of Climeworks' mission"]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Climeworks' specific nature-based solution projects or partnerships mentioned in their reports or announcements
- → The company's recent funding rounds and how they're scaling operations while maintaining climate impact focus
- → Their specific technology approach to direct air capture and how nature-based solutions fit into their overall strategy
- → Recent media coverage or industry recognition that reveals their operational priorities and challenges
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on climate passion without demonstrating understanding of business and economic aspects
- Presenting as risk-averse or uncomfortable with ambiguity in a scale-up environment
- Using generic environmental enthusiasm without specific knowledge of carbon removal methodologies
- Failing to show how you've learned from past setbacks or challenges in environmental work
📅 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!