I am a student at Institute of Political Science and International Relations of Vilnius University. After graduation, I would like to pursue a career at the non-governmental sector. I came to the ENAR with a genuine interest in being part of the international team and in gaining experience on anti-racist advocacy and networking at the European level. Eventually, the ENAR staff valued my insights and appreciated my daily input.
The European Network Against Racism (ENAR) is an EU-wide network of vibrant NGOs, which combats racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, and promotes equality of treatment between European Union citizens and third country nationals. The main objective of the ENAR to bring about political and social change throughout Europe by lobbying, campaigning, and carrying out advocacy activities on issues pertaining to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, equality, the protection of fundamental human rights and integration/migration.
International internship requires hard skills
It’s not enough that you want to ‘help people’… you must obtain the specific skills that will help propel that change forward.At the ENAR, I have learnt that nonprofits have a desperate need for hard skills—skills like monitoring relevant policy development, undertaking specific research or attending and reporting on external meetings. It’s not enough that you want to “help people” and you “hope to change the world”. You must obtain the specific skills that will help propel that change forward. Hard skills are just as crucial in the nonprofit sector as in the corporate or for-profit world.
As an intern in the Policy Departament, I supported the Policy Unit and Secretariat based on ENAR`s current work programme. Because of ENAR`s expansive work programme, permanent staff have some flexibility in the tasks that an intern could perform. They always discuss and strategize the activities of the intern based on the intern`s topics of interest and skills.
International internship is the best place for career exploration
The dearth of nonprofit employees with hard skills can sometimes work to your advantage as an intern. However, you will have the chance to try a range of projects simply because there aren’t enough people with the both the skills and the time to complete them.
I got to explore a variety of career paths in the ENAR`s Policy Department. Attending and reporting on external meetings gave me insights about the lobbyist daily routine. Monitoring relevant policy development within the European institutions opened my eyes to the possibilities of a career in governmental sector.
Who you work with is just as important as what you do
Currently, ENAR has a permanent staff of less than ten persons and as such, interns become fully integrated and key team players. There are always a few interns in every department. Active interns are always welcome not only because they help in easing work load, but because the organisation values their insight as newcomers to the team and appreciate their suggestions and energy.
Although I loved the work I did with the ENAR, my team members made my internship so much more enjoyable. I was surrounded by some of the kindest, smartest, and most talented people I have ever met. From my supervisor with an impressive background in cultural policies and intercultural dialogue, to the Deputy Director who is experienced on migration, ethnicity, and anti-discrimination issues. Each member of the ENAR team helped me grow by sharing new perspectives, knowledge, and friendship. I have learnt that great teammates are an essential component to finding satisfaction in your work.
Ambiguity is a blessing and a curse
The ENAR is a network of social entrepreneurs, so entrepreneurialism is highly valued and assignments are not always spelled out for you. It can be a great learning opportunity when your supervisor comes to ask your opinion. With few specific guidelines, you have the opportunity to add your own ideas and perspectives to the project. However, loose project guidelines can also leave you feeling a little lost, confused, or stuck. In a workplace that thrives on ambiguity, you must be willing to hit the ground running and ask for more direction when you need it.
Don’t lose sight of the “why”
In the day-to-day grind of meetings and project deadlines, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture—the “why” of all your work. Taking the time to regain some perspective about why you do what you do can serve as powerful motivation. Hearing the fellows explanations how their ideas are solving discrimination problems and how the ENAR has helped them to get those ideas off the ground served as a reminder and a strong motivator for me.
I had a great experience at the ENAR, and the things I have learnt will be applicable in my future whether I decide to stay in the nonprofit sector or try my hand and the corporate world. Hopefully. my experience will inspire other students to search international internships with Partners 4 value program.
Jolita Staselyte
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