How did you secure this role?

For the internship semester, I had applied to a variety of internship schemes, but several responded saying that due to my previous working experience, I was not eligible to apply. I also knew that I wanted to be working throughout the full span of time and not only for the 14 weeks of the third semester. At that moment, I decided to get more creative and look for full-time employment which would allow me the flexibility to finish the fourth semester in Paris. I came across a role published by the International Governance and Risk Institute (GovRisk) in London and applied. After a number of interviews and written tasks, I got the job and was starting full-time within two weeks.

What is your role and main responsibilities?

As a Project Manager, I am currently working on the UK government's Business Integrity Initiative in Kenya, and have recently co-organised a Sports Integrity Summit in Brazil. My responsibilities include project management and bid writing, as well as looking for new business opportunities and working with our partners on various initiatives. I am a part of a small team of core employees and we cooperate with a large network of experts globally, depending on the thematic and regional focus of the project.

What is the most fascinating and/or surprising aspect at your role?

The most fulfilling part about my role is that on a small team, even junior employees get a large amount of responsibility very early on. I have been trusted by the Directors to hold meetings with various counterparts as well as to represent the company on various occasions, often in front of senior executives and government representatives. Furthermore, the company values work-life balance and empowers its employees to find their own. Acknowledging that some periods of time are hectic and stressful, we are all encouraged to take advantage of travelling around the countries that we visit after our projects are concluded. I have travelled to both Kenya and Brazil within the four months that I have worked here and will continue to travel on future projects. The company also encourages people to invest time into their personal and professional development, demonstrated by the fact that GovRisk will allow me to continue working flexibly during the last semester of my Master.

What advice would you give to others?

The advice I would give to everybody is to think outside the box and take chances. The internship semester is a good opportunity to try something new in a 'protected' environment, knowing you will return to university and will have the chance to re-evaluate your choices anew.

• Master of International Security
• International Governance and Risk Institute (GovRisk)