An internship is about giving and taking
The first thing that one thinks when applying for an internship is that the experience will be beneficial only to himself (the intern) and the host organization will be just providing knowledge, experience, network (not taking any big deal in return). But it is not exactly like that! The internship is a relation of giving and taking: the intern and the host organization are in a “win-win” situation, where both “players” can profit in one way or the other. This idea came to me after I was assigned to work on a new project at my host organization in US, the Institute for Jewish research – YIVO. Unlike other projects, where usually there is a team that exchanges ideas and cooperates, this was entirely upon me. The reason why, is related to the specific focus of the project.
I will briefly explain: YIVO is an institute that intends to preserve, study, and promote knowledge about the history and culture of Eastern European Jews. Despite this, the institute does not have any representation in Eastern Europe and recently has been thinking to start the efforts to establish a branch in Vilnius (Lithuania). In this regard, YIVO asked me to check the legal requirements to establish such branch and also prepare a thorough analysis with potential European Union funding opportunities which could be available to YIVO (as a non-profit organization) once the branch would be operational in Lithuania (member of EU). Having a legal background and being an expert in EU funded Programs, accomplishing the assignment was a pleasure to me. I prepared what was required and I held a detailed PPT presentation where I introduced the conclusions of my research to YIVO staff, including the Executive Director, Mr. Jonathan Brent. Te latter showed great interest and enthusiasm on the presentation and posed many questions to me on small details and procedures, making me think that now the idea of having a branch in Lithuania and applying for EU funds is higher in the Agenda of YIVO. I assured YIVO staff that I would be always willing to assist them in the future, upon my return in Albania, on the issue.
If one day YIVO will have a branch in Eastern Europe, I will keep repeating to myself that I was there, among the first to “start the ball rolling”. I believe that during an internship, it is important not only to contribute to reaching the set objectives of the host organization, but also advance them, take them forward to a new level.
What a satisfaction!
