When I graduated from college, rather than pursuing postgraduate studies I decided to embark on a new journey. I sought to be engaged in a course, programme or internship that would bring me face to face with the realities of a professional life. Over the years, during my time in college, I had developed a certain interest toward International Relations and Politics as a field of study to pursue. So when the opportunity presented itself in the form of an Internship at an organisation called Centre for Escalation of Peace that is engaged in building and creating an inter-government relation, I gave my all to join it.
This internship opportunity with Centre for Escalation of Peace was a great learning curve for me and for my professional growth. I consider myself very fortunate to have had this opportunity. Centre for Escalation of Peace is an established independent organisation based in Gurugram. It organises many programmes and seminars with the distinct focus on youth empowerment. The Centre primarily engages with civil society, business, government and other stakeholders on the issue of importance to India and its trusted allied nations.
I started my internship in the month of July with the Centre’s coveted programme called “international summer school” New Delhi. I worked closely with the Executive Director of Summer School and was mainly engaged, along with the programme co-coordinator in Budget and Programme management tasks. Toward the end of internship term I was offered to join and support as an intern the ‘Indo–Bhutan dialogue’ engagement at the Centre. It was again a whole new experience for me. The Indo-Bhutan dialogue was held in New Delhi in the month of September. I was happy for the opportunity to interact with many dignitaries in the process. Each encounter was a lesson to absorb and learn from them. Following this, around September end, I worked on a major project titled Asia Pacific initiative of the Centre. It was an Intensive Leadership training camp for youth from Asia Pacific region. During the camp, I oversaw every aspect of its implementation ranging from basic logistic to budget along with the Deputy Director and Trainer.
In retrospect my experience at the Centre for Escalation of Peace as an Intern has made huge impressions on my perspective and attitude. The Internship has definitely broadened my knowledge base on international relations and diplomacy – made possible through direct participation in the hosting of various seminars, public forums and book discussion with experts and policy heads.
In office, the engagements every day was encouraging as the environment there facilitates learning and collaboration. I am grateful to the colleagues and my seniors at the organisation for all their mentorship and guidance during my time there. I take this opportunity to also thank Empowering the Vision for their support through the ENVISION Fellowship grant (Internship – https://www.empoweringvision.org/programmes/). The small grant was very helpful in surviving the cost of living in Delhi as an Intern and not to mention with the constant support and word of encouragement by the staff at the ENVISION office.