The WYA Internship Program didn’t earn its reputation as the #BestInternship for nothing.
Currently offered in person or online (depending on the regional office), the WYA internship provides members the opportunity to gain professional skills while living out WYA’s core ideas. Projects are designed to enhance each student’s specific academic background and interests. Interns receive mentorship and training from WYA staff members.
If your sights are set for that highly coveted internship slot in 2022, here’s some insider info on how to prepare your application (straight from our regional staff themselves!):
Tip #1: Details Matter!
“I find well thought out answers to the essays very impressive as well as the effort to put together all required documents to accompany the application. These are the candidates who stand out and are likely to be shortlisted. Never underestimate the power of a well written resume as well as recommendation letters. These two documents really speak to your journey, skills, accomplishments and character.” – Cynthia Maingi, WYA Africa Regional Director
“When I review internship applications, I’m always impressed by strong writing skills! It sounds simple, but going the extra mile to check your spelling or make sure you used complete sentences shows that you pay attention to detail and are really excited about this opportunity. In general, never underestimate the power of the “little things” that show your commitment to excellence–responding to emails promptly, submitting your application on time, or just being polite during your interview!” – Siobhan Heekin-Canedy, WYA North America Regional Director
Tip #2: Dedication to Serve + Special Skills
“The great thing about the WYA internship is that it opens itself up to young people of many backgrounds and circumstance. We’ve had interns come in with plenty of prior experience serving other orgs or even their own communities, while some come in with virtually no community involvement experience. What is important is someone who applies with a sincere heart and desire to know more and passion to put these into action. It also helps to have unique skills sets (in design, marketing, International knowledge) and proof of ones ability to collaborate well.” – Miko Superable, WYA Asia Pacific Regional Director
“What I find impressive in an internship application is the willingness of the applicant to work and learn about WYA and human dignity. It’s very inspiring to see the enthusiasm of the applicant to work closely on projects that defend the dignity of the person. Also, never underestimate showing your soft skills and personality traits as we select interns who are motivated, team players, and flexible. Therefore, don’t focus only on showing your professional experience and hard skills but also focus on mentioning the soft skills like communication, leadership, teamwork, and many more.” – Zainab AlRamlawi, WYA Middle East and North Africa Program Officer
Tip #3: It’s More Than an Internship
“When applying for the WYA internship, never underestimate the word internship in itself. At WYA, we are looking for young people willing to make the difference through firstly education. This educational path starts with our interns being trained to become reliable colleagues and great resources for WYA’s work. Our NGO is made by our members and this is why we invest so much in youth. It simply shows that for us, they will be considered as our colleagues and we need to be able to rely on them. We know we are going to invest a lot of time in their training but we do it more than gladly.” – Myriam Kauffman, WYA Europe Regional Director
Tip #4: Walk the Talk of Being a WYA Member
“First, the applicant’s knowledge of the organization itself. The Latin American region expects the applicant to know the mission, objectives, programs, events and general information about WYA. All interns must demonstrate sufficient and optimal knowledge of the place where they wish to work for about three months. Second, we want the applicant to demonstrate with their experience the ability they have to build, plan and lead projects, maintain a solid relationship with their colleagues and establish short and long-term goals in the internship. And finally, we believe that every young person who applies to the WYA internship must demonstrate their interest in building a more innovative organization.” – Paula Lopez Rodriguez, WYA Latin America Regional Director
And there you have it! Ready to apply for the 2022 WYA internship? Deadlines will be posted soon. Get a head start at preparing your application and watch this page for more information this fall.
