My Internship Experience: Bridging Engineering, International Development, and Academia
To all the students out there who, like me, have ever felt limited by the scope of their coursework or wondered why certain topics are not covered in their program; do not wait for the perfect curriculum! Sometimes the most meaningful learning experiences come from going out of your way to seek out opportunities that align with your interests. Whether through extracurriculars, internships, or online resources, the world is full of opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills you need.
Currently, I am in my second year of a Master's in Water and Environmental Engineering, focusing on the Water and Development track. This track brings together the world of international development with the technical expertise of water and environmental engineering, creating a fascinating intersection of knowledge and global impact.
However, I realized that while this track is intellectually stimulating, the number of courses dedicated to development is relatively limited, only about three or four. Although these courses were engaging, they left me wanting more in-depth exploration of the subject. It became clear that while the curriculum was strong, it did not fully cover everything I hoped to learn.
Driven by this desire for more, I turned to UniPID, a network of Finnish universities supporting interdisciplinary studies and research. UniPID offers a range of development-focused courses, and the best part? These courses can be integrated into a master's program. This meant the perfect opportunity to fill in the gaps in my formal coursework and broaden my perspective on development.
The more I explored UniPID, the more I resonated with their global-south, ethically focused approach, which perfectly aligned with my own values and academic goals. I kept following their updates on their website and LinkedIn, and that’s when I found an exciting opportunity: DevelopmentDays2025, Finland’s largest annual international conference dedicated to development research, practice, and activism.
UniPID was seeking an intern to help organize DevDays2025, and after a rigorous selection process, I was chosen for the role. As an intern, my responsibilities included:
- Event Organization: Assisting with the planning and logistics for the conference, managing registrations, drafting the program, arranging travel, handling the budget, and providing technical support.
- Communication: Crafting a communication strategy, maintaining the conference webpage, managing email correspondence, and more.
- Conference Secretariat: Leading the conference secretariat, building and managing a team of volunteers to ensure smooth event operations.
This internship has been an invaluable experience, providing me with a firsthand look at the complexities of organizing a large-scale international event while deepening my passion for development. It also reaffirmed the importance of seeking out resources and opportunities beyond the classroom to enhance my academic journey and professional growth.
To fellow students: If you find that your academic path does not provide all the answers, take matters into your own hands. Reach out, explore, and take initiative. There are countless networks, resources, and communities out there ready to support your growth. Often, these opportunities offer perspectives that can transform your approach to your field and help you discover your potential.
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