Application Requirements

Candidates with backgrounds in politics, business, engineering, statistics, environment, geography, development, and English are a good fit for Corporate Knights. A passion for sustainability is a must. Successful candidates will be self-motivated, flexible, and deadline- and detail-oriented. The internship requires a strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel. Mathematical and statistical understanding is an asset.

Responsibilities of the intern include subscription management; fact-checking stories; research and data mining; proofreading copy; responding to mail, faxes, phone calls, and emails; assessing pitches; uploading articles to the Corporate Knights website; office administration; and, if the intern shows interest and ability, some writing.

In return, the intern will receive the chance to delve in-depth into Canadian and international sustainability issues. The intern will also be exposed to the editorial and production processes of a national magazine. See below for past interns' testimonials.

A complete application will consist of:

1. A CV outlining relevant experience
2. A 400-word review of the latest issue (email us to request a copy)
3. A 100-word review of the website
4. One writing sample (maximum 1,500 words), with preference given to those with writing experience comparable to Corporate Knights editorial.

We will be hiring two interns in the Winter 2012 period:

1. An Editorial Intern

2. A Web Intern

The application deadline for the Winter 2012 cycle is December 1st, 2011. We thank all applicants who respond, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. You can also watch this video for an idea of what to expect during the internship.

Applications should be sent attention to Jeremy Runnalls, Managing Editor at editor[@]corporateknights.ca or to:

Corporate Knights Magazine
147 Spadina Ave.
Suite 207
Toronto, ON M5V2L7

Internship Testimonials

"My internship at Corporate Knights has been nothing short of inspiring, motivating, and unexpected. From day one I realized the benefits of working for a smaller publication that embraces an open and collaborative working model. It is an entrepreneurial, fast-moving environment void of bureaucratic red tape prevalent in so many bigger publications. What kept me so excited was all the different hats I had the opportunity to wear—getting involved in social media strategy, documentaries, and aspects of journalism I had not been exposed to previously. If you want an experience where your role is entirely what you make of it, where the group of people you work with are genuinely inspired and committed to sustainability, then this is the place for you. This experience removed me from my comfort zone and enlightened me with big picture thinking, but most of all, showed me that business and sustainability can exist in synergy."

– BBA graduate of Schulich School of Business, York University

"I did not know what to expect when I first began as an intern at Corporate Knights Magazine. I was told from the beginning that the internship was more than just fetching coffee and heavy lifting, and it has not disappointed. Corporate Knights has helped me to improve my writing and research skills immensely, and has encouraged me to investigate topics that I may never have had the opportunity of studying. I have learned the value of good writing, and my co-workers have helped make it clear where I can improve. Having the opportunity to learn and work with the people who put the magazine together has been great. Their willingness to allow me to participate in the production process has been very rewarding. I know Corporate Knights will have a lasting impact on all of my future endeavours. I am glad I have been part of the team, and am thankful for all of the opportunities for personal growth it has provided me."

– Joint Honours Environment and Resource Studies and Economics graduate of University of Waterloo

"On my first day at Corporate Knights I was sent to the financial district with a box of magazines and told to either come back with an empty box or not come back at all. Well, I came back a few hours later with an almost-full box (apparently nobody likes free magazines) and they let me stay despite failing my first assignment. (Disclosure: they never gave me an ultimatum).

It was my good fortune that they let me stay because my experience as a CK intern has been incredible. Coming from a design background, my expectations of working in publishing were a pastiche of bad movies and stereotypes that were quickly dispelled. Don’t get me wrong, I still checked facts, moved furniture, and made coffee, but I also got to write articles, pitch assignments, hold interviews, and my personal favourite, go to the printer for a press check. It turned out that being an intern at Corporate Knights meant getting to do a lot of different things every day.

While the editors nurtured my strengths (graphic design) and interests (water security) they encouraged me to look at broader issues related to CSR and helped to hone my writing. I was constantly learning something new about business, the environment, or social issues in that atmosphere of open dialogue, laughter, and a little bit of grumbling. I’m proud to have been a part of the Corporate Knights family and it’s been one of the most rewarding work experiences I’ve ever had."

– Industrial Design graduate of Carleton University

"At Corporate Knights, an internship isn’t just an internship. The team is dynamic, the work challenging, and the atmosphere inviting. Interns are valued for their input, and work alongside editors in a collaborative, enthusiastic spirit that encourages free-thinking and creativity. As an intern, I was innately involved in the production, editing, and brainstorming processes—a one-of-a-kind opportunity most interns working in media rarely get to experience. I was moved by every aspect of my experience, from writing articles to eccentric coffee sessions with a passionate but inspiring editor-publisher duo. Corporate Knights is an exceptional publication that offers you a chance to grow, while helping you develop the skills to excel.

I strongly encourage anyone and everyone with a thirst for knowledge and writing to apply. The experience is uplifting, thought-provoking, and dare I say one of the best internships in the country."

– Environmental Science and Philosophy graduate of Queen’s University and law student at the University of Western Ontario

"Interning at Corporate Knights, you really do get out what you put in. You are given responsibilities for projects that will have national impact, opportunities to meet professionals in the corporate social responsibility sector, and the pleasure of working in a young and collaborative space. My internship made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than a magazine and that I was helping make change happen in Canada. It was refreshing to see that responsible journalism still exists and that its voice can have a postive impact in the world. The experience also helped me see first-hand what the challenges are of working in a small organization, but how far each member's contributions can go. Most importantly, it proved to me that you can indeed work and have fun at the same time."

– HBA graduate of the Richard Ivey School of Business

"Honest. Refreshing. Valiant. There has been nothing ordinary about my experience as an intern with Corporate Knights. Having no formal training in journalism, I knew this experience would be an education into the unknown. What I didn't know is my expectations would be exceeded in more ways than one. I relished having opportunities to challenge myself, while furthering the collective sustainability agenda. The culture of camaraderie and unparalleled level of productivity - simply a steady source of inspiration in the office.

Outside the office awaited a city unabashed. Whether it's taking a trip to the printing warehouse where the magazine production (read: magic) happens or attending sustainability events headlined by thought-leaders that make you go 'hmm,' every adventure had its crux. Thinking "big picture" was welcomed and encouraged by an editorial team that instilled in me an undeniable conviction that extraordinary things are possible if we honour the beauty of our great country."

– Political Science graduate of McMaster University and communications practitioner

"My experience at Corporate Knights has provided me with insight into all aspects of magazine production. After completing graduate work in environmental management, the internship was a great opportunity to explore the relationship between business and sustainability outside of an academic environment and allowed me to put in to practice the tools and strategies acquired during my studies. I was immediately made to feel like part of the team and was encouraged and supported every step of the way. The variety of tasks and projects kept the internship exciting, and the wonderful atmosphere in the office made every day an enjoyable one. The staff were interesting, helpful, and engaging, and the topics covered in everyday conversations inspired me to delve into subjects I might not have otherwise. My experience has been an invaluable one and has given me a better concept of the path I’d like to follow and of the issues and ideas I’d like to explore in my career."

– Master’s of Resource and Environmental Management & Master's of Library and Information Studies graduate of Dalhousie University

"Interning at Corporate Knights has been an invaluable experience. The bright and enthusiastic staff is an inspiration. Every day I learned something meaningful, whether it was related to government, business, sustainability, development, or the media. The staff at Corporate Knights fosters a comfortable environment, where everyone’s input matters. I will truly miss the stimulating discussions and debates among co-workers.

I am grateful for being encouraged to work on my areas of interest. I think interns at CK are given much more responsibility than is typical in an entry-level position. I feel that I am leaving Corporate Knights with many new skills: improved writing and researching skills, networking skills, and a much broader and better understanding of sustainability. My interest in journalism has intensified, and I am more than ever committed to a career in the environmental sector."

– Master’s of Architecture student at the University of British Columbia

"My internship with Corporate Knights has been an amazing opportunity that has offered me new exposure and interest into the merging worlds of business and sustainability. From the topics covered in the magazine articles, to the daily conversations that cropped up in the office, every discussion was a source of motivation and energy revolving around positive change. The experience with Corporate Knights opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about sustainability within a business framework. The staff are wonderful. The experience is invaluable, and the opportunity to witness the movement towards environmental accountability is truly inspirational."

– Master's of Environmental Studies student at York University

"The internship program at Corporate Knights offered the opportunity to explore issues and ideas as they were occurring. From day one, I never felt obscured into editorial periphery. Instead, as an intern at CK, I genuinely felt like an integral part of the process, trusted in my abilities as a writer, researcher, and once as a quantum astrophysicist.

Critical and thought-provoking discussions were ongoing, and there was always a new and engaging challenge to take on. Overall, the experience at CK was sincerely inspirational. Not only did it heighten my interests in journalism and the communication of ideas, it gave me a greater awareness of the critical issues at hand, and the many unique ways in which individuals, communities, corporations, and governments are working to address them."

– Environmental Studies graduate of York University and documentary filmmaker

"Meaty yet sustainable: my internship at Corporate Knights took me from Bay Street meetings to Canada’s resource hinterlands, challenging my views of government, business, and the media. As an engineering graduate interested in politics, the environment, and social justice, working at Corporate Knights has allowed me to gain a more nuanced understanding of the ‘real-world’ considerations that shape global markets.

Corporate Knights is earnest, inspired and cogent. The breadth and depth of opportunities available for interns at CK is outstanding—I have emerged energized, hopeful and wiser from this formative experience."

– Civil Engineering graduate of McMaster University

"As an indecisive recent graduate wavering between potential career paths, this experience with Corporate Knights has been absolutely invaluable to me. The cohesion of business and environment makes for a unique ambience: both the magazine and its staff are driven by practical, sincere values.

I was involved in every aspect of magazine journalism – from brainstorming to distribution – and was even given the opportunity to explore the role of socially responsible business in the larger sense by attending outside events. Seeing such power involved in responsible initiatives was inspiring and helped to wean me off of that one-track mindset of “economy vs. environment” and to see that great opportunities for innovation exist when the two are partnered.

Refreshingly, I was treated as anything but disposable and bothersome (as the cliché portrayal of interns may suggest). Instead, I was a valued part of a small but mighty team. My input was respected and I was constantly encouraged to pursue my own interests within the scope of the magazine. I especially appreciated the way my personal strengths were taken into consideration when tasks were being assigned; the supportive nature of the staff allowed me to be constantly challenged but never discouraged.

I’ve come out of this experience with a better understanding of how journalism and business can change the world, and, perhaps more importantly, how I can fit into that equation."

– Environmental Science graduate of Queen's University

"The internship program at Corporate Knights has been excellent! The ambition and enthusiasm of the staff is contagious and the input and creativity of interns is strongly valued. The highly integrative nature of the work provides experience you may not encounter at an entry-level position and affords opportunities to meet people and go places you might not otherwise be able to. This experience has definitely made an impression on my future goals and outcomes. "

– Environmental Design graduate of the Ontario College of Art and Design and freelance designer, writer

"Corporate Knights has given me a learning experience like no other. You won't just learn new skills, but new ideas. The sheer variety of topics you will be exposed to - business, technology, the environment, development, education - makes the internship a great chance to have your finger on the pulse of the world of sustainability."

– English and History graduate of University of Toronto and freelance journalist

“I cannot speak highly enough of my internship at Corporate Knights. My time at CK has given me renewed purpose in my pursuit of a career in the environmental sector.

My internship at Corporate Knights was an exceptional opportunity to immerse myself in the worlds of both sustainability and journalism. For someone coming from an environmental perspective, it was enlightening to learn more about the editorial, production and business aspects of running a magazine. With such a great variety of activities, my internship at CK was full of new experiences that have broadened my horizons and interests.

One of the most positive experiences has been working with CK's staff. It has been very inspiring to be a part of such a dedicated team. While giving some freedom to pursue my own interests within the scope of the magazine, the staff at CK have provided a great deal of guidance regarding the path I might take upon leaving CK. Interns with a desire to work with similarly passionate and committed people would benefit from an experience at CK.

This fun and energetic environment exposed me to new ideas and perspectives that have influenced my understanding of sustainability. The experience I have gained at CK has been invaluable. I encourage anyone with a passion for sustainability and a commitment to being a part of a forward thinking magazine to consider an internship at CK.”

- Fourth-year Geography and Economics undergraduate at McGill University

"My experience at Corporate Knights was a wonderful opportunity during which I was given ample responsibility and exposure to the mechanics of magazine construction. Every day there was a different task to be completed by coming up with creative solutions. If you want an experience that goes beyond the typical 9-5, and if you have a passion for new challenges and seemingly impossible feats, this is the internship for you."

- Fourth-year Political Science and Environmental Policy undergraduate at University of Toronto, currently interning at an investment research firm specializing in ESG issues

"My internship at Corporate Knights gave me space and time to research and explore an issue that was too hard to tackle in other journalistic forums. More importantly, though, the editor and publisher were themselves a crash course in thinking outside the box, following those ideas through, and keeping hope alive."

- Philosophy and Psychology graduate of McGill University and intern at major Canadian general interest magazine