BGS is committed to promoting awareness of careers in geoscience and developing a diverse talent pipeline of the next generation of geoscientists. As part of this commitment, we will be offering three work experience schemes that have been tailored for students at various stages of their education.
By participating, students will have the opportunity to:
- increase their understanding of the roles and disciplines within BGS as well as the wider geological and environmental science sectors
- develop both interpersonal and scientific skills (practical or theoretical) that are essential for their educational and career development journeys
- interact with a range of professionals through webinars, video diaries or in-person (programme dependent )
- have a better appreciation of how to support inclusive research practices within the geological and environmental sciences
- contribute their knowledge and talents to resolve ongoing challenge areas, such as environmental change and multi-hazards
- receive communications on future opportunities at BGS and our research partners
BGS offers a paid, six-week summer placement scheme for students who meet the following criteria:
- have the right to work in the UK
- are at least 18 years old at the time of application
- meet one of the following conditions:
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- finished their A-levels (or equivalent)
- about to enter university
- are currently studying as an undergraduate student in years 1 or 2 of their geography, earth science or environmental sciences (GEES) degree
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If your experience looks a little different from these criteria and you believe you can bring value to the role, we would love to learn more about you.
As part of this scheme, BGS takes up to four students to participate. This scheme is delivered by BGS at our headquarters (Keyworth, Nottinghamshire) in partnership with the School of Geography, University of Nottingham.
Applications for 2024
We welcome applications from students who meet the criteria outlined. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups in GEES, for example individuals from low-income backgrounds, marginalised ethnic and gender groups, or people with disabilities (visible and hidden).
Before you apply
Please carefully read the information in this section before you apply.
- The closing date for applications is no later than 16:00 on Friday 07 June 2024. Applicants will be notified of the outcome no later than Friday 14 June 2024
- The placement is expected to run for six continuous weeks between Monday 15 July and Friday 13 September 2024 (dates may be subject to change). Please ensure that you are available for these weeks
How to apply
If you would like to apply for this scheme you will need to send a CV and cover letter (maximum one page) to Dr Keely Mills (EDITeam@bgs.ac.uk). Please ensure all filenames include your surname (for example, Mills-CV.docx, Mills-cover-letter.docx).
Your cover letter should include:
- information about you and your experience so far
- where you see your qualifications taking you
- why you are interested in a summer placement at BGS
We will not be interviewing for these positions. If the scheme is over-subscribed, all eligible applications meeting the criteria will be pooled and places allocated using a randomised approach.
If you have any questions about applying, please contact the EDI team (EDITeam@bgs.ac.uk)
Download printable BGS Work Experience summer placement scheme 2024 document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I send my CV and personal details when applications are closed?
Due to data protection considerations and to ensure equality of opportunities, CVs will only be considered for formally advertised and active applications. Please DO NOT send your personal details, including CVs, for speculative positions.
Is this a paid placement?
Yes. The four places available for the summer placements are paid. You will be contracted to work 30 hours per week (approximately 9:00 to 15:30). The salary for these positions will be £20 049 (pro rata). For this placement scheme, this roughly equates to an hourly rate of £10.42.
Hours inclusive of a lunch break total 32.5 hours per week.
What is the location of the placement?
The placements will be hosted at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottinghamshire (NG12 5GG). You will spend one day a week based at the School of Geography, University of Nottingham (NG7 2RD).
Can I work remotely?
BGS values the ability to work flexibly and hybrid working may be an option for small components of this role. Given the nature of the placement, there are several components that will need to be undertaken in person and cannot be completed remotely.
What would a typical day look like?
Your working day will be six hours. You will be based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth (Nottinghamshire) for four out of the five days in any week. When at BGS, a typical day could involve a two-hour (or more) interactive session with a member of BGS staff to learn about their work and, where possible, to experience and try it out for yourself!
You will then spend four hours of the day working on collaborative or independent projects. We have some projects in mind, but we are also open to your ideas and can support you in developing a project during this time.
To best comply with our policy requirements, we will be running two virtual work experience programmes tailored for students:
- who are aged between 13 to 17 years of age
- who are within Year 8 to Year 13 or equivalent school stages
Standalone virtual work-experience programme
We have teamed up with Springpod, a specialist work-experience platform, to offer a yearly on-demand programme. This means that our programme can be completed on their online platform at any time of the year, according to your own pace and schedule.
The programme will include a series of interactive learning modules and tasks that provide insight into our science priorities as well as the diverse teams and facilities that help deliver these priorities. You will also be able to step into the shoes of BGS team members and complete tasks that replicate their day-to-day responsibilities.
Cross-centre virtual work experience programme
BGS is partnering with some of the research centres within the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to offer an additional, cross-centre virtual work experience programme. Participating institutions include:
This collaborative programme will be managed by Creative Tuition, a not-for-profit organisation providing personal development support to pupils. The programme will be hosted live on Zoom over two separate working weeks: one week in autumn 2024 and another week in spring 2025.
Students will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively on several skill-building activities with the support of professional mentors. They will also be able to interact with professionals from the NERC institutes to learn more about their career pathways and contributions.
Applications
The 2024 programmes are currently in development and are expected to go live in autumn. In the meantime, please read though the details in the overview section and further information will be communicated at the earliest convenience.
Frequently asked questions
Why virtual work experience programmes?
- A virtual format allows us to be accessible to a wider and more diverse audience by removing restrictions associated with our geographical locations, staff availability, varied school schedules and finances
- Remote working is becoming increasingly important in many job roles, so taking part in virtual programmes helps students learn how to work online
Will you also offer in-person work experience?
The virtual work experience programmes are the only schemes offered to those under 18 years old due to our policy requirements.
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Working at BGS
All BGS staff enjoy wide a range of benefits in addition to their salary with the aim of promoting a positive work–life balance.