Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Work Type: Internship, On-site
Salary: $17.20 to $29.70 per hour
Experience Level: Student / Entry Level
Time Type: Full-time, 12-week summer internship
Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
About the Company
NiSource is a U.S. utility company providing essential energy services to customers. The company operates in a highly regulated industry where environmental policy, regulatory compliance, sustainability, and responsible operations play an important role.
Through its internship program, NiSource gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience while working alongside professionals and contributing to meaningful business projects.
The Opportunity
NiSource is seeking an Environmental Policy & Sustainability Intern for its Summer 2027 internship program in Columbus, Ohio.
The 12-week internship begins in May 2027 and is designed for students entering their junior or senior year in fall 2027.
The intern will support NiSource's Environmental Policy & Sustainability team across environmental policy analysis, regulatory engagement, environmental management systems, sustainability initiatives, data analysis, and reporting.
Candidates must reside within 50 miles of the reporting location in Columbus, Ohio to be eligible.
What You'll Do
Environmental Policy & Regulatory Analysis
Review federal and state environmental policies and guidelines to support regulatory compliance and strategic planning.
Prepare written summaries of environmental policies and regulations and identify their potential impacts on business operations.
Sustainability & Environmental Programs
Assist with developing, enhancing, and identifying environmental management systems and programs designed to support compliance and proactive environmental performance.
Work with team members to help integrate environmental programs across different business functions.
Data & Reporting
Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of environmental and sustainability data for internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute to reporting and documentation related to environmental initiatives, regulatory developments, and sustainability performance.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
Use data-driven insights to support improvements in organizational sustainability practices.
Collaborate with internal teams and business partners on environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Develop presentations and other materials for team meetings and cross-functional collaboration.
Requirements
Core Qualifications
Currently enrolled in a college or university.
Studying Environmental Science, Public Policy, Sustainability, Engineering, or a related discipline.
Must be entering junior or senior year in fall 2027.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
Technical Expertise
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly:
Word
PowerPoint
Excel
Strong research, writing, and organizational abilities.
Professional Strengths
Ability to work independently and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
Strong interest in environmental policy, sustainability, regulatory affairs, and the utilities industry.
Mindset Fit
NiSource is seeking high-performing students who are eager to learn, contribute to meaningful projects, build professional relationships, and develop their careers in sustainability and environmental management.
Benefits & Perks
Interns will gain:
Hands-on experience within an environmental policy and sustainability team.
Exposure to utility industry operations and environmental regulations.
Opportunities to collaborate with professionals and leaders across NiSource.
Professional development activities.
Networking opportunities with other interns and employees.
Team-building activities.
Experience supporting real-world environmental and sustainability initiatives.
Important Work Conditions
As a public utility, NiSource operates essential services around the clock. Emergency situations, including those associated with storm season, may require employees to support emergency response activities outside normal working hours or assist with responsibilities outside their usual duties.
Safety is a core value at NiSource, and employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and contribute to a safe workplace.
Why This Role Matters
Environmental policy and sustainability are increasingly important to the utility sector as companies navigate regulatory requirements, environmental risks, emissions management, data transparency, and changing expectations from regulators and stakeholders.
This internship provides students with an opportunity to work at the intersection of environmental policy, sustainability, regulatory compliance, data analysis, and energy utilities, making it particularly relevant for students pursuing careers in environmental management, ESG, sustainability, environmental policy, or energy.