Where to start? Originally, I studied Communication Science to become a journalist, however after the first semester I realized it was not for me. Instead, I got involved in activism and did a minor in Conflict Studies. The more I worked in a political environment the more I realized that a career in international relations or development work sounded much better to me, than my original plan. I researched every NGO in Germany and every governmental body that was involved in international development work and I found the GIZ. The GIZ is the largest international development work agency in Germany and they have many internships available. However, they are hard to come by, so I applied to five.
I ended up at the communication consultancy unit within corporate communications. This internship has thought me everything there is to know on the communication within the GIZ. Doing this internship, I have advised a hundred GIZ employees from around the world on how to communicate with their audiences. I enjoy helping people and I enjoy solving a puzzle, which is the essence of doing communication consultancy in this organization. Communication consultancy is like being a guide to someone, who does not know where to go from his or her starting point. While I know I do not want to work in corporate communications, it has opened doors for me. By guiding colleagues through the jungle that is corporate communications, I have developed a stronger and bigger network. Now I probably will be able to land another internship abroad, so I am than able to apply for a junior consultant position.
To conclude, the expertise I developed doing this internship, even though I do not want to work in this field, it will enhance my chances of working in other areas of the GIZ. Communication is involved in every department in the GIZ, so knowing how to deal with communication issues gives you a great head start. I would recommend doing internships for them. The GIZ is a fair employee, you receive great guidance, a decent salary and you are treated as an employee, not a coffee machine. So if you are interested in international development work give it a try!