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Which internship should i choose for my career path?
Hi, i'm a last year master student in international trade and emerging markets. I have 2 6-month-intenrship offers: one in procurement department in a industrial international group and the other one in a UE government institution office based in SA to help companies to export in the market. I want, after my graduation, to start an International Project Manager or Programme officer career. Which one would be more valuable ?
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8 answers
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Lorenzo’s Answer
Amina, this is fantastic! You have some great opportunities ahead, and it's about finding the one that suits you best. It might seem overwhelming, but you can definitely make the right choice. Think about what matters most to you with each company. Consider the experiences you'll gain, the work you'll do, the location, and the skills you'll develop. Look at the details of each internship program. You might find it helpful to list the pros and cons in a simple spreadsheet to see which option is the best fit for you. I hope this helps you decide!
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Petra’s Answer
Congratulations on your offers! Here are some steps to make the most of your internship opportunities:
1. Research each internship thoroughly to understand what they offer. Companies value candidates who ask insightful questions, not just ones you find online.
2. Share your future plans with the company and ask how the internship can help you achieve your goals.
3. Request an informational interview with employees who do the job daily. They can explain how the skills you learn may transfer to other roles.
4. Remember, any business-related internship is valuable. It gives you a glimpse into different parts of the business, and you'll likely encounter project management in some form.
1. Research each internship thoroughly to understand what they offer. Companies value candidates who ask insightful questions, not just ones you find online.
2. Share your future plans with the company and ask how the internship can help you achieve your goals.
3. Request an informational interview with employees who do the job daily. They can explain how the skills you learn may transfer to other roles.
4. Remember, any business-related internship is valuable. It gives you a glimpse into different parts of the business, and you'll likely encounter project management in some form.
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Amina, great question and exciting career path! The good news is that every company or government agency needs project and program managers. Keep asking the interview team about growth opportunities in each path. Choose the one that excites you the most, not just the one with the highest position. Think about what will keep you motivated and interested. You might also want to look into the benefits and overall packages. Hope this helps!
Sagarika Priyadarshini
Senior Advisor, Product Management - IT
18
Answers
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Sagarika’s Answer
Hello Amnia,
Hope you are doing great !
Since your goal is to become an International Project Manager or Programme Officer, here’s how the two internships align:
• Procurement in an industrial group: Great for learning supply chain and negotiation, but less focused on international project coordination.
• UE government institution (export support): Direct exposure to international trade, policy, and helping companies enter markets—closer to your desired career path.
Recommendation: The government institution role seems more valuable for building experience in international projects and stakeholder management.
All the best !
Hope you are doing great !
Since your goal is to become an International Project Manager or Programme Officer, here’s how the two internships align:
• Procurement in an industrial group: Great for learning supply chain and negotiation, but less focused on international project coordination.
• UE government institution (export support): Direct exposure to international trade, policy, and helping companies enter markets—closer to your desired career path.
Recommendation: The government institution role seems more valuable for building experience in international projects and stakeholder management.
All the best !
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
14
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Olivia’s Answer
Hi Amina,
Both internships are valuable, so the best choice depends on the skills you want to build for your future career. Since you are interested in becoming an International Project Manager or Programme Officer, think about which role gives you more exposure to coordination, stakeholders, and international environments. The procurement internship will help you understand supply chains, contracts, and how large international companies operate. This is useful for project management roles in the private sector. The EU government institution internship will give you experience in public policy, international cooperation, and strategic support for companies, which aligns well with programme officer roles and international organizations.
Choose the internship that best matches the environment you see yourself in after graduation: the private sector, public, or international institutions. Both paths can lead to your goal, but alignment with your long-term interests matters most.
Both internships are valuable, so the best choice depends on the skills you want to build for your future career. Since you are interested in becoming an International Project Manager or Programme Officer, think about which role gives you more exposure to coordination, stakeholders, and international environments. The procurement internship will help you understand supply chains, contracts, and how large international companies operate. This is useful for project management roles in the private sector. The EU government institution internship will give you experience in public policy, international cooperation, and strategic support for companies, which aligns well with programme officer roles and international organizations.
Choose the internship that best matches the environment you see yourself in after graduation: the private sector, public, or international institutions. Both paths can lead to your goal, but alignment with your long-term interests matters most.
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Juliane’s Answer
Hi Amina!
You have some great options there - congratulations!
Having worked in Procurement for close to 20 years, I can say that it will give you great Project Management experience, as well as an understanding of stakeholder management, definition of business requirements and conflict resolution - all highly transferrable skills.
As others have said, try and get a feel for both organisations through informal conversations if you can and trust your instinct.
Either options will lead to great opportunities for you.
All the best!
You have some great options there - congratulations!
Having worked in Procurement for close to 20 years, I can say that it will give you great Project Management experience, as well as an understanding of stakeholder management, definition of business requirements and conflict resolution - all highly transferrable skills.
As others have said, try and get a feel for both organisations through informal conversations if you can and trust your instinct.
Either options will lead to great opportunities for you.
All the best!
Elisa Amador
Customer Management and remote device configuration support
8
Answers
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Elisa’s Answer
Congratulations Amina in all your spectacular success so far! There's so much more to analyze in both proposals it's hard to provide a straight answer on the spot. I am confident you already have a good idea of what your preference is, don't doubt yourself. Both opportunities sound amazing and, I am sure; with your background you will make the most of either experience.
Hope to hear back after you made your choice! :)
Hope to hear back after you made your choice! :)
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Mark’s Answer
Consider taking the procurement position. It will offer you a hands-on opportunity to experience the market directly. Understanding the basics will help you see your next steps more clearly.