Student makes exciting internship at UN
22-yearold Vanessa Daurer is looking forward to August when she starts her internship at the Swedish Representation of the UN in Geneva.Photo: Private
Vanessa Daurer has just graduated from the International Programme in politics and economics at University West. But an important part remains - she has received a internship at the Swedish Representation of the UN in Geneva. An internship semester is included as the concluding part of the programme.
Hallo there Vanessa and congratulations on the internship! How does it feel?
It's really great, I accepted the offer with indescribable joy! It feels fantastic to have all my interests and preferences on the same job - to work with human rights multilaterally within Sweden's foreign activities with the UN and other international organizations. There will be an incredible educational time and I look forward to moving to Geneva in August.
What will your tasks be during the internship?
I will be sitting in the "Swedish bench" and monitor the UN Human Rights Council during their September session, and monitor various EU meetings. In addition, I will work on compiling information, especially when different requests from the Foreign Ministry in Stockholm appear. I will perform a variety of logistical and analytical tasks that can be applied for by the Representation.
How did you know that this possibility existed?
My thoughts have long been about a future in Swedish foreign policy activities, or the UN, so therefore I always keep myself updated and look actively for training opportunities, among other things, on the Representation's website at Swedenabroad.se.
What attracted you to with this particular internship?
When I saw the opportunity to do an internship at the Swedish Permanent Representation at the International Organisations in Geneva, focusing human rights, I felt right away that this was something that corresponded to my aspirations and my interest. I have previous experience working on human rights at the "grassroots" level with civil society in Peru and I would like to learn more about different strategies and implementation of human rights within various multilateral development cooperations.
The internship is part of your education, right?
I will have my degree when I start my internship, but this international education that I've followed offers this possibility that you can do an internship as part of the program. It forms an important part in the form of work integrated learning after graduation. I think it's easier to practice after graduation because you have accumulated substantial experience during three years of study, both theoretically and practically. I've had time to both work at the aid agency Swallows LA in Peru, to study a semester in Peru, and do a Minor Field Study in Peru (a form of field study funded by SIDA). These are all experiences that are essential when one has combined his studies with reality.
What do you think about the possibilities of renewal/job after th internship?
I hope for that of course! The internship gives no guarantee of an extension or work, but if there would appear abilities, I will of course take them.