My first week at Mercy Relief, picture with the team
My internship at Mercy Relief was an incredibly rewarding experience. I was particularly impressed by the open and collaborative environment within the team. My supervisors actively listened to my ideas and empowered me to see them through. I appreciated the opportunity to directly access and interact with key stakeholders, which enabled me to make a real impact. This felt more than just an internship; I was a valued team member, entrusted with important tasks and often the first point of contact for Mercy Relief with crucial partners.
LKYSPP Alumni and Executive Director Muhammad Ashik with two interns and current LKYSPP Students
This experience pushed me to leverage on my diverse background and exposed me to all kinds of experiences – from watching a movie at The Projector, participating in a Policy Hackathon or an Amazing Race, to being a research assistant and student at LKYSPP. These helped me contribute to a meaningful cause. Witnessing how seemingly unrelated experiences could translate into valuable collaborations with Mercy Relief partners had been truly eye-opening.
Working on the Impact Mural project, picture with team and two volunteer artists
This approach, where my personal and professional networks came together to create a positive impact, was something I aim to replicate in other locations. It has fostered not only my personal growth but also a deeper understanding of the local landscape and resources, which allowed me to contribute more effectively wherever I work in the future.
My last week at Mercy Relief, working at my desk in the office
As the Corporate Outreach and Resources (CORE) intern, my experience proved to be a impactful opportunity to utilise my communication, multi-tasking, and creativity skills in a real-world human rights setting. While I've always been passionate about human rights advocacy, this role provided invaluable insights into the day-to-day operations of the field. Witnessing the impact of CORE's work has solidified my desire to pursue a career in this sector, and I'm confident that these transferable skills will be valuable assets for future positions and other organisations. This experience has been instrumental in shaping my career path after graduation.
At the end of internship; pictured here with my supervisor and one volunteer for the mural project