2021/08/12 Dresden, Germany
Design: UNU-FLORES/Mouna Bourakkadi
Hafsa Mahmood: During my studies, I realised the importance of working in a multicultural environment. It showed me that diverse ideas and opinions can nurture the learning environment and bring innovation to the drawing board. That is why I developed a keen interest to work at UNU-FLORES as it offers a culturally diverse experience.
Jane Adim: My desire to gain professional experience and acquire skills in monitoring and managing environmental resources in developing countries motivated me to do an internship at UNU-FLORES. As an inclusive organisation, I felt confident sharing my ideas and learning the requisite skills to be effective as an intern and student at UNU-FLORES. It was nothing short of my expectation.
Raghid Shehayeb: I was involved in three projects which were all related to water management and cooperation. As a highlight of my work, I moderated the weekly virtual sessions of the International Water Colloquium which has greatly boosted my self-confidence and communication skills.
Natchiyar Balasubramamian: My work contributed to identifying efficient ways to measure the impact of companies on biodiversity, enabling them to prevent biodiversity degradation and support its protection.
Hafsa Mahmood: The project I worked on focused on furthering the understanding of the impact of pharmaceuticals on groundwater due to managed aquifer recharge with wastewater. I underwent two months of extensive fieldwork of primary data collection on-site in Tunis, data analysis in the lab, secondary data collection at the respective water institutes, and conducting interviews of all stakeholders involved.
Natchiyar Balasubramamian: As a research intern, I was expected to be independent, communicate effectively, stick to deadlines, and to have the skills for conducting a systematic literature review.
Raghid Shehayeb: In addition to good presentation and communication skills – which are basic needs for this position – being proactive and taking initiative are key to make the best out of this outstanding opportunity.
Hafsa Mahmood: To accomplish the goals of a project, one must employ a wide range of skills that include day-to-day problem-solving skills, technical expertise, and social skills, such as strong communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. Moreover, patience and maintaining a positive attitude are very crucial.
Jane Adim: I encourage everyone who is motivated to contribute to the research of resource management geared towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to seize this life-transforming opportunity.
Natchiyar Balasubramamian: I had the opportunity to work with great colleagues and experts from different disciplines. Interdisciplinarity and diversity create a cheerful learning atmosphere.
Raghid Shehayeb: To all fellow students or recent graduates in the field of water resources, I recommend this opportunity to build the foundation of your future career.
UNU-FLORES offers a rigorous internship programme giving students and recent graduates the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge in a constructive setting for the practical application of their capacities acquired during their studies. Through hands-on experience, interns work in a variety of areas from academic research, event organisation, communications and advocacy, and institutional development and administration. In this campaign series, we feature the young brilliant minds that have played a big part in many of our activities and events.