International Blog

Sarah, ECH, Alternatives, Uganda, Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa, Program support and research officer

The skills that I have developed within the classroom have proved to be exceedingly helpful in contributing to my experience in the workplace. As I am a fourth-year student in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, my academic studies have mostly pertained to international humanitarian law, social injustices, and international relations. For my internship, I am a program and research support officer in the advocacy and communications division, with The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA). Our main headquarters is located in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Many of my responsibilities entail assisting with the preparation and production of communication materials, providing support in developing and refining press, media and public statements, and providing any additional support for advocacy and projects that SIHA undertakes.

Many of the skills that I have learned in classes such as Theories of Conflict, Introduction to Women, Gender, and Feminism, and Introduction to International Human Rights Law and Institutions have all provided me with the skills that are required in my workplace. I have learned everything from critical thinking skills, academic writing, critical analysis, researching skills, and the ability to identify different theoretical perspectives and apply them to my work. Much of my work as a program and research support officer pertains to qualitative writing and researching, many of the skills in which I have acquired from my Qualitative Methods in Conflict Studies and Human Rights course. I often critically analyze sources in which I gather from my research, summarize and support main arguments, as well as produce academic writing. Since many of the skills that I have learned pertain to my work, my program has provided me with an intellectual toolkit that I possess at my disposal.

My internship has also provided me with many experiences that I can take into my future. Working with a team has substantially improved my cooperation, coordination, and organization skills. By navigating deadlines with team members, coordinating workloads, and analyzing group projects, cooperation is vital in order to perform as a productive and reliable member of the team. The skills in which I have acquired from my internship and academic education have provided me with a skill set that I can use to redefine my future and take into further careers, as well as the ability to overcome challenges and adapt to new circumstances.

Sarah, ECH, Alternatives, Uganda,Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA)

The skills that I have developed within the classroom have proved to be exceedingly helpful in contributing to my experience in the workplace. As I am a fourth-year student in Conflict Studies and Human Rights, my academic studies have mostly pertained to international humanitarian law, social injustices, and international relations. For my internship I am a program and research support officer in the advocacy and communications division, with The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA). Our main headquarters is located in Kampala, Uganda’s capital. Many of my responsibilities entail assisting with the preparation and production of communication materials, providing support in developing and refining press, media and public statements, and providing any additional support for advocacy and projects that SIHA undertakes.

Many of the skills that I have learned in classes such as Theories of Conflict, Introduction to Women, Gender, and Feminism, and Introduction to International Human Rights Law and Institutions have all provided me with the skills that are required in my workplace. I have learned everything from critical thinking skills, academic writing, critical analysis, researching skills, and the ability to identify different theoretical perspectives and apply them to my work. A lot of my work as a program and research support officer pertains to qualitative writing and researching, many of the skills in which I have acquired from my Qualitative Methods in Conflict Studies and Human Rights course. I often critically analyze sources in which I gather from my research, summarize and support main arguments, as well as produce academic writing. Since a lot of the skills that I have learned pertain to my work, my program has provided me with an intellectual toolkit that I possess at my disposal.

My internship has also provided me with many experiences that I can take into my future. Working with a team has substantially improved my cooperation, coordination, and organization skills. By navigating deadlines with team members, coordinating workloads, and analyzing group projects, cooperation is vital in order to perform as a productive and reliable member of the team. The skills in which I have acquired from my internship and academic education have provided me with a skill set that I can use to redefine my future and take into further careers, as well as the ability to overcome challenges and adapt to new circumstances.

Gillian, Conflict Studies and Human Rights, Mines Action Canada, Uganda Landmine Survivors Association, South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms

My remote internship has given me the unique option to work with the Uganda Landmine Survivors Association; a grassroots human rights organization that works for landmine survivor’s rights. It is an amazing organization run by a landmine survivor herself, who works tirelessly to ensure other victims get the assistance and access to rights they need.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I have been unable to work for this organization so far. Despite this not being the internship I had originally prepared for, instead I have been mostly working with Mines Action Canada (MAC) which is the Canadian partner organization. This was not what I was initially expecting, but the circumstances were out of my control and I am completely understanding and respectful of the situation. Instead of stressing, I embraced my role with MAC as I was doing work that would support ULSA and still was working toward a mine free world.

Now, I have the unique opportunity to work for the South Sudan Action Network on Small Arms, a professional connection that my MAC supervisor set up for me. When ULSA is available to take me on, I could potentially be working for the two organizations at the same time. Although this was not at all how I expected my internship to go, I am grateful for the learning experience that when working internationally, unexpected situations can arise, and adaptations will need to be made. Adapting to real world professional situations is something that can only be learned through actual experience; I am pleased to be part of this internship for the important lessons it teaches about the professional world that can only be spoken about in the academic world.

Reflecting on the changes in my internship reminds me that everything may not go as planned, and that is okay. There is nothing wrong with a change in situation, as long as you are willing to adapt- which in the professional world, you will need to be! Adapting to unexpected changes is a matter of understanding that you are a piece of a bigger puzzle that comes together to work towards the same goal. Even though I am not doing exactly what I thought, I am still supporting organizations that are striving for a safer and more peaceful world.