Testimonials
Interns at GIST are encouraged to undertake challenging and complex research intensive project. Interns in the past have contributes to major research projects such as the ‘Forest Ecosystem Valuation Study: Indonesia’, Capacity Building in National Planning for Food Security: Punjab', as well as helped published articles in leading newspapers.
Prateek Sengupta | TERI University | March 2013 to June 2013
My three month internship with GIST was a part of my Master’s curriculum. I took on the internship after having completed my Bachelor’s in Economics and while doing my Master’s in Sustainable Development Practice. The internship provided me with the opportunity to see the practical applications of all the theory I had imbibed over the course of my education. I worked primarily on an Ecosystem Services Valuation Project based in Punjab. I got to see first-hand how valuations related to agriculture are conducted, the different aspects related to data collection and stakeholder engagement. The work also included on the field experience and provided me with some much needed practical experience. Working in a small and competent team was a great experience as my colleagues were knowledgeable and helpful.
The work done by GIST is extremely important and it is certainly a field which is bound to expand exponentially in the future. I consider myself very lucky to have gotten the opportunity to work on the aforementioned project and I will always cherish the experience.
Olga Horn | Lund University | June 2012 – August 2012
My summer internship at GIST allowed me to combine my theoretical knowledge from my undergraduate degree in business economics and my postgraduate studies in sustainability science. As part of the Corporate program, I primarily conducted research on Life-Cycle-Assessments and Environmental Profit and Loss accounts – two important tools enabling companies to understand and manage their impact on the environment. My work covered every aspect from technicalities to legal requirements, to prospects for diffusion and adoption.
Working in such a small and friendly team meant that I also had the chance to learn about and contribute to the other projects at GIST, thus gaining valuable insights into the Government side as well. Moreover, I really appreciated the relaxed and sociable working environment, the great lunch-time and after-work conversations and all the tips and help I received from my colleagues that made my stay so much more enjoyable and worthwhile.
Ankit Joshi | Roskilde university | November 2010 – February 2011
This internship has not only enhanced my understanding of the TEEB processes but has also been an eye opener of sorts with regards to the tremendous untapped potential in the area of green accounting and environmental policy. It has added value to my training as an environmental planner and personally, it has been a sheer pleasure to have met and worked with the GIST network.
My first point of reference to GIST was the study initiative called ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity’ (TEEB) commissioned by the G8 + 5 countries to better understand the economic invisibility of nature in policy and decision making process conducted in line with ‘The Stern Report’. During the internship, I have worked on various aspects of management and planning which include reviewing and compilation of case studies, liaison with government officials, project proposals, website development and the launch of I–TEEB. (An India specific research initiative using TEEB methodologies)
What I like most about GIST, besides the work that they do is the way in which they do it. The work environment is relaxed, yet very professional and all major decisions are made keeping in mind the views of the employees. This creates a sense of greater ownership amongst the work force and thus serves as a good motivating factor.
Given the fact that green accounting is such a niche area being increasingly adopted by governments and corporations worldwide, I think GIST will have a crucial role to play in the way we measure and manage our environment in the years to come. To end in the words of Victor Hugo, “no one can resist an idea whose time has come”.
Virginia Hooper |University of Oxford|2006 - 2007
An internship with Green Indian States Trust (GIST) is a fantastic way to get involved with new and exciting research on environmental issues in India.