SUMMER 2020 Pathways of Change
Interested in business and human rights?
The Duke Human Rights Center at the Kenan Institute for Ethics is soliciting applications for Pathways of Change, which offers summer internships with organizations looking to make business work for communities, not just bottom lines. Students will explore the compromises, contradictions and tradeoffs between business needs and human rights within and outside of the corporate world by working with organizations determined to create accountability, ensure sustainability and align the needs of communities with the aims of business development.
In addition to working with the partner organizations, students conduct “profiles” of the people in their organizations and write “letters home” about the best ways to affect change in corporate human rights practices.
The Fine Print
- Each internship comes with a $5,000 stipend. Students are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation on-site.
- Pre-selected partner organizations host a summer intern for 8-10 weeks typically in Boston, New York, San Francisco, or Cary, NC.
- Students are required to write blogs and profiles throughout the summer for the KIE website as well as completing interviews with site supervisors or other organizational leaders
Application & Selection Process
To apply to the Pathways of Change program, please include the documents noted below in a single PDF titled with your last name and Pathways (lastname_Pathways), in the order listed. Please email application to ada.gregory@duke.edu
- Cover Letter expressing why you are interested in an internship in business and human rights and indicating your preference in potential placements. Please list only partners you would be willing to intern with. If you are flexible on placements, please note that.
- CV including major, related coursework, expected graduation, and languages other than English
- Writing Sample: 5-10 pages, please note at top which class it was for. This writing sample can be about any topic — something that showcases your best academic writing.
The deadline for applications is Friday, January 17, 2020, with the first round of interviews (with Kenan) likely taking place the following week with successful candidates referred to partners for review and interviews by early February. Selected finalists will be offered placements no later than end of February.
Business & Human Rights/Corporate Social Responsibility Possible Placements
Read student reflections and learn more about these organizations and their leaders on the Pathways of Change Blog or from the selections below:
- Accountability Counsel, an NGO in San Francisco. Flexible with start/end date. Requires a 10-week commitment.
Letters home: Working from the Bottom and the Top to Amplify Community Voices
Profile: Natalie Bridgeman Fields, Founder and Executive Director
- Business for Social Responsibility, a non-profit consulting organization based in San Francisco and New York. Start date no later than 1st week of June and requires an 10-week, 40-hour commitment.
Letters home: Corporate Pride in a Fractured World, by Noah McThenia
Profile: Aron Cramer, President and CEO of BSR
- Corporate Accountability International, an NGO in Boston. Typically start late May for a maximum of 30 hours a week for 10 weeks
Letters home: The Power of the People, by Carter Teng
Profile: Heshan Berents-Weeramuni, Communications Director
- SAS, a multinational software company based in Cary, North Carolina. Flexible start date and 8-10-week commitment.
Letters home: Wayfair Walkout: Era of Employee Activism, by Amanda Kang
Profile: Cassy Creekman, In-house Attorney
Check back regularly for updated information about partners and important dates. Questions? Contact ada.gregory@duke.edu.
Interested in Pathways in Women’s Rights or Environmental Justice, check out the DukeEngage Pathways Projects.