University of Westminster initiates internship programme with the United Nations Migration Agency

As part of this new initiative, Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad, Course Leader for the International Relations and Development BA Honours, has developed an institutional collaboration with IOM’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland which includes the unique internship scheme for students.

The first round of internships was announced in January 2022, and included ten internship positions across four IOM offices in Geneva, Vienna, Dhakka and London. Almost 100 students applied for the positions, and five interns from Westminster have already been selected to positions in Geneva, Dhakka and London.

The internships, which are open to students completing their second year of studies and beyond, range between three to nine months and focus on a host of topics from migration governance to mission support, policy and liaison, and information management. Successful candidates have the opportunity to receive financial support towards their internships by applying for relevant funding bodies through the University.

Upon successful completion of the internships, candidates are invited to apply for entry-level full-time positions at IOM. The ongoing institutional collaboration with IOM has provided many opportunities for students at Westminster. For example, in March 2021, Georgio Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh, provided students with fascinating insights into IOM’s Rohingya crisis response. In November 2021, Anke Strauss, Head of the Talent Management Unit at IOM also delivered a virtual workshop to 70 of our students focusing on IOM’s mission and activities, as well as professional entry points to the organization. 

This month, Michael Emery, IOM’s Director of Human Resources with 30 years of experience in the UN across the world, will also meet with students to deliver a highly sought-after interactive workshop on Regent Street campus, aiming to familiarize them with IOM and the United Nations system, while focusing on how to prepare for applications and interviews at international organisations.

Talking about the partnership, Victoria Ramirez, a second year Politics and International Relations BA Honours student who has been selected for one of the IOM internships in Geneva said: “As with any Politics or International Relations student, one of my biggest aspirations has been to work for an influential international organisation. That is why I am incredibly thrilled about this upcoming opportunity especially at a time when the market is extremely competitive.”

Dr Taghdisi Rad added: “The unique internships with a leading UN agency provide an incredible opportunity for our students to enhance their knowledge, gain invaluable experience and transform their future career path. Such collaborations on the one hand present our students with exclusive opportunities that benefit their international exposure, studies, employability and social mobility, while on the other hand, contribute to our university’s international reputation and our strategic partnership with UN institutions that lead the global discourses in key areas such migration, equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.” 

For further information on the IOM internships or the university’s collaboration with IOM, please contact Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad on [email protected].