Q.  What will I gain from the RISE Internship experience?

A. The RISE internship is designed to provide interns with the opportunity to:

• gain a network of perspective employers and supportive professional mentors;
• engage in a highly-regarded opportunity to work with and among subject-matter leaders in the State;
• make a real contribution to sustainability-related work;
• gain transferrable skill sets that will be useful for any job;
• gain broad awareness for local sustainability issues and solutions in the State; and
• engage in a work opportunity that leads to long-term employment in a strong career path.

Q:  I am an international student currently enrolled at a school in Hawaii.  May I apply for a RISE Internship?

A: YES. International students may apply for a RISE Internship so long as they have all current and proper paperwork to be studying in the U.S.

Q:  Are community college students eligible to apply for RISE Internships?

A: YES.  Dedicated and enthusiastic community college students are encouraged to apply.

Q:  Are RISE Interns able to earn college credits for their internship?

A: College credits may be available for interns who are interested.  If you are selected to be a RISE Intern then after receiving your offer then you, your college advisor, and the RISE Coordinator will collaborate to try to make the internship worth 3 college credits.

Q.  What will my schedule be like as a RISE Intern?

A. Most RISE positions offered through Kupu are 15-hours/week, which will need to be during normal state operating hours (Monday-Friday, 8-4:30).  RISE applicants will need to have at least 15 hours available during these times during the entire internship period.

Q.  Is an automobile required for the internship?

A. The intern will be responsible for their own transportation.  Currently, all sites are located in downtown Honolulu and accessible by TheBus.

Q.  Is there an age requirement to participate in the RISE Program?

A. NO! Kupu does not discriminate based on age.  Due to funding restrictions, the RISE Program is only available to college students and recent college graduates.

Q.  The application requires a writing sample. Is there a subject matter that the writing should be on?

A. The only requirement for the writing sample is that it be between 3-7 pages in length and (of course) that it be your own original work.  Other than that– it’s up to you!  It is beneficial if the topic relates to the position and demonstrates your knowledge in the subject matter relating to the position, however it’s not required. You’ll want to submit anything that showcases that you communicate well through writing.  This is the usual protocol for whenever a writing sample is requested for a job application and a subject matter is not specified.

Q.  I am interested in applying for more than one position during the same application period.  May I apply to both?

A. Applicants are encouraged to apply only to the position with the subject matter that is of the most interest and that the candidate has the most experience in.  However, if you’re interested in and qualified for more than one position, you may explain which positions are of interest and qualifying which position is your first and second choice in the cover letter of your application.  You should also be prepared to further justify your interest if selected for an interview.

Any other questions regarding the RISE Program or positions may be addressed to: RISE@kupuhawaii.org