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Intern, Sustainable Development

ConocoPhillips • United States • Added on Aug 1, 2026
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This internship places you at the heart of a corporate Sustainable Development team, where you will actively contribute to global strategic planning and disclosure processes. You will spend your days gathering environmental data, conducting internal benchmarking, and researching evolving sustainability standards. It is a rare opportunity to see how a major industrial player translates high-level climate and social goals into operational reality across international business units.

The role matters because the energy transition requires radical transparency and rigorous management within the oil and gas sector. By supporting the integration of ESG metrics into financial and operational decision-making, you help shape how one of the world’s largest independent upstream companies balances energy delivery with environmental responsibility. Your work directly informs the disclosures that stakeholders use to hold the industry accountable.

This suits someone who is currently pursuing a degree in environmental science, economics, or business and possesses a strong analytical mindset. You should be eager to navigate complex regulatory landscapes and enjoy distilling technical data into clear, actionable insights for diverse business functions.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

The intern will support the corporate Sustainable Development team in managing global sustainability policies, governance, and processes. This involves assisting with the embedding of sustainable development goals into broader business planning and decision-making frameworks. Key tasks include supporting external reporting on environmental and social performance, alongside gathering and analyzing data for benchmarking purposes. You will research sustainability trends to help the company maintain its competitive edge in ESG performance.

Key learning opportunities for this job

Participants will gain deep exposure to how integrated environmental and social performance is managed at a global scale. You will learn about the specific challenges of the energy industry, including decarbonization strategies and social license to operate. Through on-the-job assignments, you will develop proficiency in ESG disclosure standards and learn how sustainability functions interact with finance, supply chain, and public policy departments in a large multinational corporation.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The team seeks a current Junior, Senior, or Graduate student majoring in Environmental Engineering, Economics, or Business Administration. A strong academic record (GPA 3.0+) and proficiency in Microsoft Office are essential for handling data-heavy tasks. Soft skills are equally important; the ideal candidate demonstrates ownership of actions and a collaborative spirit. You should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment where financial indicators and sustainability metrics are increasingly intertwined.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, demonstrate a clear understanding of the SPIRIT values—Safety, People, Integrity, Responsibility, Innovation, and Teamwork—and how they apply to the energy sector. Research ConocoPhillips' latest Sustainable Development report to discuss specific themes relevant to their operations. Your application should highlight your analytical capabilities and your ability to work across different functions. Showing that you understand the tension and synergy between global energy demand and environmental stewardship will make your profile more compelling.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on transparency and disclosure, ensuring that the company's environmental and social impact is accurately measured and reported to stakeholders. This includes tracking progress on climate-related targets and water management. There is also a strong emphasis on governance, specifically how sustainability standards are implemented across different international business units to ensure consistent performance throughout the upstream lifecycle.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

A primary challenge will be navigating the complexity of global operations, where environmental regulations and social expectations vary significantly by region. You will need to synthesize data from diverse sources into a cohesive narrative. Additionally, learning to balance financial performance indicators with long-term sustainability goals requires a nuanced understanding of corporate strategy, which can be a steep learning curve for those new to the energy industry.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day might begin with a benchmarking session, researching how peer companies are handling specific ESG disclosures. You could then move into a meeting with the public policy or finance teams to discuss data requirements for an upcoming report. Afternoons are often dedicated to data analysis or drafting internal memos on emerging sustainability standards. The role is highly collaborative, involving frequent check-ins with mentors and fellow interns across different functions in the Houston headquarters.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

This internship serves as a talent pipeline for future full-time roles within the corporate SD team or related business units. High performers often gain visibility with senior leadership through project presentations. You will build a professional network that spans multiple departments, providing a holistic view of the energy business that is invaluable for a long-term career in ESG, corporate strategy, or environmental management.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact primarily with the Corporate Sustainable Development team, but the role also requires engagement with Public Policy, Supply Chain, and Finance departments. These interactions help ensure sustainability is integrated across the value chain. External engagement may involve researching the expectations of investors and community partners, helping the company communicate its progress effectively to the public and regulatory bodies.

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