MA Global Public Policy student Aiyesha takes us on her journey to study a placement in Switzerland.
As a Masters student in Global Public Policy at the University of Birmingham, I never imagined that a simple LinkedIn search with the #policyinternship2024 would lead me to a placement with an organisation called Earth4All in Switzerland. But here I was, living the dream internship and gaining invaluable experience in the world of sustainable development and policymaking.
From the moment I stepped into the Earth4All office, I knew I had found a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The organisation’s mission to rethink the economics of a sustainable future through five key turnarounds – ending poverty, addressing inequality, empowering women, transforming food systems, and transitioning to clean energy – resonated deeply with my academic interests and personal values.
The first couple of weeks of my placement were full of excitement and intense learning. I dove headfirst into working on a report that detailed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa. This report, which I later presented to external stakeholders, highlighted significant challenges in achieving the SDGs by 2030. This was amplified in a recent report by the UN Development Programme, the UN Economic Commission for Africa, and the African Development Bank which highlighted that only 6% of the 32 measurable SDG targets reviewed, were on track to be achieved by the deadline of 2030.
Following this project, I had the privilege of collaborating with Sandrine Dixson-Declève, Earth4All’s executive chair, on drafting COP (Conference of the Parties) reform letters and op-eds. Our work focused on transforming the COP process from annual negotiations to a platform for delivery, accountability, and knowledge exchange. This shift aims to ensure that the COP can effectively respond to the climate emergency and focus on implementing the Paris Agreement goals.
Overall, this internship has been a perfect blend of challenging tasks and incredible opportunities. Not only have I been on the front line working on sustainable issues, but I have also managed logistics for high-level roundtable discussions as seen in the G20 Social Summit in Brazil. Each day of my placement brought new learning experiences and chances to apply theories from my studies to real-world scenarios.
The collaborative atmosphere at Earth4All made these experiences even more rewarding. Despite being a small organisation, the team works together efficiently and allows interns like myself and aspiring interns to lead conversations and make significant contributions.
With that in mind, here are my top tips for securing an internship abroad:
- Leverage social media: Do not underestimate the power of a well-crafted LinkedIn search!
- Be proactive: Reach out to organisations that align with your interests, even if they do not have advertised positions.
- Prepare thoroughly: Research the organisation and current global issues in your field.
- Network, network, network: Build relationships with colleagues and industry professionals.
By using these tips, I found an internship that not only enhanced my understanding of global sustainability challenges but has also set me on a path to becoming a global changemaker. If you’re looking for your own internship, do not hesitate to explore unconventional avenues or reach out in unexpected places. Your perfect opportunity might just be a hashtag away!
Want to experience it for yourself? Watch a day in Aiyesha’s life on placement!