Name : Cherish SHJ Nyakoon
Department/Position : Global Sourcing Unit / Survey and Validation Team
Area of Expertise/Assigned Duties：Survey and Validation, Collecting documents for project verification, writing PDDs, project reports, etc.
University : Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University
Major/Studies : Environmental Studies
Hobbies/How I Spend My Days Off : I love working out/exercising, taking walks, enjoying delicious food and good company with my friends, getting creative, etc. I am also very spontaneous with my leisure time so whatever comes to my mind will be executed.
Student Activities/Organizations : Afrofest multicultural week (leader), former resident assistant and teaching assistant.
Social media : https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherish-shj-nyakoon?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Q. Please give us a brief introduction of yourself, including your career history.
I am a Liberian student at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Beppu, Oita, currently studying in the College of Sustainability and Tourism. Before starting university, I attended United World College East Africa in Arusha, Tanzania, where I studied in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. This experience broadened my perspective on the value of learning in a diverse, international environment and taught me the importance of embracing cultural differences.
Currently as a university student, I have worked in several teaching assistant roles and served as a resident assistant in my university’s international dormitory. Beyond campus, I am passionate about creating impact in my home country, especially in the lives of young girls. I led a project called “Project Break the Cycle” supported by Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University to raise awareness about teenage pregnancy in Liberia. We worked with two junior high schools and reached approximately 125 teenage girls, offering lectures on personal development and the importance of taking ownership of one’s education.
Professionally, interning at Green Carbon marks the beginning of my career journey. It has given me the chance to align my academic background and personal values with real-world sustainability work.
Q. What led you to pursue your current job?
I have been looking for a place where I can take what I have learned in the classroom and see how it works in practice in relation to greenhouse gases emission reduction. What drew me to Green Carbon was the chance to contribute to real-world efforts to protect the planet using the power of nature. I truly believe that nature holds many of the answers to climate change, and Green Carbon is showing that those solutions are possible.
I also see myself building a career in environmental sustainability, so being surrounded by experienced and passionate people in this field is a big opportunity. For me, having the chance to learn from them, be mentored, and grow in a space like this is what made me choose to intern at Green Carbon and this internship has been such a meaningful experience so far.
Q. What kind of work are you involved in? Please tell us about your job responsibilities.
As an intern who works along with the Survey and Validation team I work along with the team on Green Carbon project research, such as creating Project Design Document (PDD) for projects which contains important information relating to the reliability and validity of the projects. I also work on creating baseline reports that highlight the initial condition of the project areas before Green Carbon’s intervention. These reports enable third parties and investors to understand the impacts of Green Carbon projects. Occasionally, I research about potential project investments and funding opportunities which looks like drafting documents that are supposed to be used on Green Carbon’s behalf.
Q. Finally, please give a message to those who want to work at GreenCarbon.
Green Carbon is a great place to work as an intern. At Green Carbon, I can confidently say that no intern will feel lost. There are professionals with experiences, who are genuinely willing to guide interns, help them grow, and expand their knowledge. The supportive and cooperative environment encourages everyone to work together and learn from one another. I hope that those who aspire to work at Green Carbon can be assured that your knowledge and practical skill will improve as you gradually take on tasks. Therefore, asking questions, liaising with other interns or workmates will take you a long way further.
