Two Santa Cruz County-based environmental professionals are in the early startup phase of launching a regional green living magazine. Targeting a spring-summer 2016 issue, the launch is on an accelerated pace. The first phase requires marketing research to help (a) understand the appetite for this publication in the region and (b) inform the branding, naming, format and content development of the first issue. The yet to be named magazine startup requires 4 interns for 6 hours per week to conduct market research at community events. Community events are within a 40-mile radius of Santa Cruz, so at least 2 interns require a car (mileage will be reimbursed). Interns will also work with the data collected by compiling, organizing, and analyzing it. Interns will also learn to prepare data visualizations and narratives, incorporating them into the magazine’s foundational and supporting documents. The internships are currently unpaid but are available as 2-credits. They are interested in interns starting immediately but can wait until winter quarter for the right fit.
Specific objectives of the projects assigned to the intern
- Assist co-founders in developing market research survey instruments and coordinate survey locations.
- Complete market research assignments, conducting surveys and developing an audience profile through data analytics.
- Serve as an internal advisory member to the co-founders.
- If interested, prepare content for magazine based on market research findings.
- There is the potential to continue the internship quarter to quarter through the 2015-2016 academic year and summer.
No coursework required although demonstration of writing skills developing and use of Microsoft Excel in coursework is a certain plus.
Preferred skills/background:
Previous work with the public is preferred as is a positive attitude and willingness to learn as part of a team. They are a very team-oriented duo who strive to work efficiently, creatively and collaboratively. They highly value these characteristics in applicants. Since the magazine is a written product, they also prefer applicants who demonstrate competent writing skills. With the team's deep expertise in complementary areas of environmental consulting, policy and technology, interns will learn a wide range of best practices, the magazine launch process and organization, and participate in a fast-paced, start-up environment.
Required skills/background:
They require experience in Microsoft Excel, with an understanding of formulas, equations, functions and data manipulation. Most important for this project is that applicant can demonstrate that he/she is a quick learner, detail oriented, dedicated and is enthusiastic to work with us in a startup environment.
If you are interested, please submit a cover letter or introductory email including the following to Agnes Topp at amartelet [at] hotmail [dot] com
Thank you, they look forward to hearing from you!
Relevant coursework
- A resume or CV highlighting skills or work experience relevant to this internship
- Your availability for work this quarter and when you can start
- Whether you have a car
- Why you are interested in working with them
- The environmental issue you are passionate about
- We hope to have our interns selected to start immediately or in winter quarter by early to mid-November!
Two Santa Cruz County-based environmental professionals are launching a regional green living magazine that is yet to be named. The magazine will be the California Central Coast’s source for practical tips and authoritative information for the environmentally conscious consumer. This magazine will be rich with locally relevant content and photography to creatively inspire and enable the reader to gain a deeper understanding of issues, actions, and products and lead a sustainable lifestyle.
The company is seeking to fill a niche for their target audience of mature, eco-conscious consumers. Those consumers are more likely to support local businesses and are willing to spend more for sustainably-sourced and produced goods. Studies show that eco-conscious consumers are more likely to turn to written media in magazines and on the web for information than the television or radio.
According to the BBMG Conscious Consumer Report, nearly 9 in 10 Americans say the words “conscious consumer” describe them well and are more likely to buy from companies that manufacture energy efficient products (90%), promote health and safety benefits (88%), and commit to environmentally-friendly practices (87%). This is especially true in California, where conscious consumers are shaping State policies and political leadership.
