Internship at the Transnational Institute Amsterdam

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Internship at the

Transnational Institute

Amsterdam

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1. Introduction

The University of Groningen’s Master Programmes can be characterized with having both the research orientation of a distinct academic institution and the opportunity of gaining practical experience. When applying, this was one of the main points, which contributed for the decision to continue my studies in the Netherlands. In that regard, the MA in International Relations, with its specialization track of International Security has the ‘Placement’ option, as part of its regular studying schedule. However, initially I though that it was indeed an ‘option’ and that the internship was not part of the mandatory programme. What is more, I did believe that it was like an ‘add-on’ for students, without any practical experience and knowledge, who wished to become more ‘employable’, thus not relying solely on their academic expertise and knowledge.

Regardless, after having started the degree, I quickly realized that the ‘option’ was not merely one, but a compulsory part of the academic year. On the one hand, it was exciting that I could finally be able to apply my knowledge in the working field. On the other hand, the thought about staring something new was rather stressful, since without the internship the graduation from the programme was not guaranteed. Fortunately, I did manage to find an internship at the Transnational Institute (TNI) Amsterdam. I did the internship in the period from 24 June 2019 to 12 August 2019. In other words, I spent seven weeks at the institution as a research intern.

The Transnational Institute Amsterdam is both an advocacy and a research-based Institute. The role of the organization is to bridge the gap between various social movements, on the one hand, and institutions, decision-makers, and scholars, on the other hand. This ‘bottom-up’ approach has enabled it to establish itself as an organization, whose role has been in providing insight, critiques, and research on problems, less visible on the grand scheme of things. Moreover, the organization has a long resume of research and activities due to its more of forty years existence in the field.

Moreover, its position of a non-sectarian institute has contributed for a different perspective. Such a stance has allowed it to provide an alternative approach towards several issues. For example, from drugs policy and the impact on the individuals to global initiatives like China’s economic expansion and soft power.

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The following report will describe, analyse, and reflect on the experience gained as part of the TNI’s team. It will begin with a description and reflection of the application process. What will follow is the working experience and an evaluation of the work done as a research intern for the Department of Economic Justice. The final chapter will reflect on the overall experience and provide some insights in relation to future endeavours. To be noted is that there are recommendations sub-chapters, which aim at clarifying some of the issues, which were impeding the process of applying and finding a suitable internship or providing tips to better the experience during the internship.

2. Orientation and Application Process

2.1 Step One: Getting Familiar with the Procedure

As stated in the introduction part of this report, I had the whole procedure a little bit confused in the beginning, since I though that the internship is part of the optional modules of the course. However, I did mange to organize a meeting with the Placement Bureau at University so that I could get more information and clear some of the initial confusion. What is more, it was a good way to start preparing since the people, working there, did have the knowledge of past students and could give me some tips on how to begin my search and when to begin.

As it turned out, establishing this initial contact with your Placement Coordinator is a vital part of the Internship Application Procedure since they must know your progress. In addition, there is documentation and bureaucratic procedures, which must be followed in the beginning if one is to advance with their search and application. In that regard, the faster one has done it, the better their position will be. Following, I was made aware that the sooner one is to start searching, the better. What is more, most of the placements were to begin during the second term. However, with the beginning of the academic year my attention swayed in the direction of getting to understand the programme, the university, and the assessment methods, which eventually stalled my search.

2.2. Step Two: Searching for a Placement

As mentioned beforehand, the search for a placement was not the priority at the beginning. However, during that time the University did hold workshops and seminars in relation to the application procedure for the Master students thus I attended most of the events. They helped me in planning and writing down the names of either institutions, organizations, or past experiences

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from people who had already done their internships. What is more, I asked people form my network for any recommendations or information in relation to possible internships both at home and abroad.

My plan was to apply for every position possible. For example, I looked at databases with the names of all think tanks and NGOs in Europe. What is more, I narrowed the approach and started searching for such organizations on a regional basis. Supranational bodies like the EU and UN were also added to my list. Finally, I contacted some of the institutions, which had students, from either my program or from University of Groningen, doing internships there.

However, most of the deadlines were expired. Others did not respond or declined offering me a position. Regardless, I found two organizations, which were willing to accept me as an intern. For example, Leiden University, International Institute Prague, and CARE NL. However, none of them became viable. Regardless, during the second semester my Placement Coordinator sent me the information about TNI. Even though that I had searched for institutions in Amsterdam, the organization had gone under my radar.

Regardless, I contacted them and was told that an intern was indeed needed for a new project, which was going to be about China and the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI). Due to my previous knowledge of the BRI and China, I accepted as I was interested in gaining the practical experience as well. The period of the internship on which we agreed was seven weeks starting from the end of June and ending in mid-August. This was good news for me since I was told that the period was acceptable if one was aiming at graduating within the same academic year.

Also, what made TNI the preferred institution was its location. I did not have to go through a lot of bureaucracy since I had obtained all the required documentation in the beginning of the year. It relates to the residency and work permit procedures. This was beneficial for both parties as I could start as soon as possible. What is more, I found myself having similar ideas or positions on some of the issues, on which TNI was working on or had worked previously. This ensured that a level of synergy would be created, thus contributing for a swifter integration within the organization’s structure.

Finally, the research would have allowed me to focus on Central and Eastern Europe. During my studies I had not done a lot of work where the focus has been that part of the world. In that

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regard, I considered the possibility being beneficial for my professional development. On the other hand, my knowledge of the Bulgarian language was going to be helpful when researching for TNI. In addition, the possibility of working for a Dutch organization was going to allow me to understand the working climate in case I choose to stay in the country after my studies.

2.3. Documents and Application

The application procedure differed from what is usually required. For example, there was no open position available thus I had to make a contact with the organization itself. In other words, there was no online application procedure where one had to send their documents (CV and Cover Letter, usually). However, when I messaged the Institute they still made me send the aforementioned documents. After, we agreed for a date for an interview. The latter was held via Skype. It was during the interview when we discussed my possible role and inclusion in the TNI’s team.

However, finding a placement and agreeing on the terms and conditions with your Employer is only half of the bureaucracy. In that regard, I had to facilitate the documentation required from University of Groningen and the Placement Bureau. Only after the latter was finalized, I could start thus it is imperative to keep track on those procedures. Another important thing is that sometimes organizations have their own contracts, which need to be signed and might refuse to use the forms, provided by the University of Groningen, which means that one is to lose more time in the process of finalizing the internship.

Finally, the internship had some basic allowance plus travel expenses. It is to be noted that Erasmus grants will not be viable if one is to start their internship on the territory of the Netherlands. In other words, your host country. However, this report is written from the perspective of an international student. For Dutch students there might be some options for applying for grants, for example.

2.3. Recommendations for Future Students

This part will stress on the lessons, which I gathered in the process of searching and applying for an internship. What is to be noted is that the process of searching, applying, and starting an internship is a long and tiresome procedure. Then, it is imperative to start as soon as possible. I did apply for some internships during the first term, but my idea was to start actively searching only

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after I had finished my modules. This was a mistake in the long term as I did not expect the process to be so time-consuming.

Another aspect is to have an idea where one would like to have their internship. In other words, what work would one envision doing in the future. This will help in shortening the list of possible organizations, NGOs, etc. Moreover, this will help in building your CV and professional path: your employability prospects after having graduated. Furthermore, no one would like to do an internship, which would be of no interest whatsoever. This would be counterproductive for both parties.

Next, some of the supranational bodies like the UN and EU have specific timelines. Thus, it is to be noted that having them in one’s calendar would be a good strategy to follow the developments there. It could get hard to track all the places, once having started applying, which can result in missing deadlines for a position of interest, for example.

In addition, the application process can be a tricky procedure. Regardless, one is to apply for internship even if there are no open positions on the official websites of NGOs, institutes, etc. Sending an email asking can be more beneficial. For example, I did send more emails asking about internships than following an application procedure. Moreover, the institutions have stablished their networks, thus they might forward your request to another organization. The latter happened to me and I was contacted by CARE NL without having a prior knowledge about the organization. However, the most important lesson was to never stop applying. In other words, do not hesitate to apply for more positions even if having received a confirmation about an internship. For example, with the case of CARE NL, I did establish a contact with one of their project officers. There was a mutual agreement upon my role in a project, currently undergoing in the organization. Moreover, I did receive all the information about the project details, deadlines, and activities. In addition, we agreed on the duration of the internship, which was extended from the proposed five weeks in the beginning to seven weeks, as required by University of Groningen.

Finally, we did agree on a date for an interview to be held as part of the final stage of the application procedure. However, on that day I received an email stating that the HR and the Management had called the internship off due to the desire to resolve the project internally, thus not relying on external people coming in the organization. This put me back several weeks. I was

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in contact with CARE NL for the duration of three weeks and I did receive the contract, the project, and all the details. In that regard, I considered myself part of the team and having found an internship. Thus, I did not continue with the application procedure elsewhere.

In that regard, I lost almost a month from an available time window for application, already short. Thus, my main recommendation to any future students is to never stop applying and searching even if everything might seem as going according to plan. One might lose crucial time and better opportunities.

2.4. Some Notes on Accommodation

Amsterdam in one of the busiest cities in Europe and in the world. The amount of people passing through every day is astonishing. If one is to compare the accommodation struggles present in Groningen with those of Amsterdam, Groningen would look like a minor issue on the grand scheme of things. Thus, imperative is to start searching as soon as possible. The best option would be joining the Facebook groups. There is a great number of those, which can be found with a simple key words search.

In addition, the prices are high, and the living expenses are high as well. For example, a small room usually goes for 500-600€ and that is outside of the city centre area. Another thing to be noted is that a lot of people travel by train to work meaning that they do not live in the administrative zones of Amsterdam, but in the outskirts. For example, in Almere and Amersfoort.

2.5. Preparing for the Placement: expectations

There was a lot of consideration going on before staring the internship. First and foremost, I was doubtful on whether I would be able to apply my knowledge in a practical situation. This came with some anxiety and nervousness, which are to be expected before staring something new, changing your place, etc.

In addition, I did want to perform to the best of my abilities. In that regard, I was worried about how I will be welcomed, and what additional tasks would I be required to do, since the position of an intern can be disregarded and/or not respected. This had to do with a preconstructed opinion based on stories from third parties (friends, relatives, etc). What is more, this was reinforced by the fact that the internship was my first job related to the field of international relations.

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Apart from the worries, I did expect to see firsthand how research is being done in such organizations since my aspirations were related to pursuing a career in that field. Thus, I looked forward to being able to experience the dynamics of such institutions and learn about the ways of working on projects, the administrative procedures, the teamwork, and the overall ‘spirit’ of those organizations.

Moreover, I did look forward to applying my knowledge in the field of IR. For example, the project to which I was assigned was related to China and the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI), announced in 2013. During my MA I did a module called ‘Strategies of Space’ where I wrote a research paper related to China. Thus, I had done a bit of research on BRI prior to me staring the internship. Finally, I was interested in getting to know the organization and researching for other Institutes, NGOs, etc. so that I could have a better strategy for applying for a job after university.

3. During Mobility

3.1. Work at TNI

TNI is a small organization, situated at the heart of Amsterdam. The Institute is divided into several focus areas, each consisting of a programme department. In terms of staff and interns, the Institute has approximately 29 people currently working (excluding the people working from outside the Netherlands) and I was the third intern to start in July. I was assigned to the department of ‘Economic Justice’ where I had two supervisors. Throughout the internship I worked closely with one of them: the Planning and Evaluation Coordinator. However, in the middle of the internship I had to present my progress to the Programmes Director where I was given the opportunity to give an overview of my findings and discuss any issues with the mapping. What is more, the meeting was used to receive feedback and other assignments (for example, I have mentioned elsewhere about the interview stage). What is more, I could ask for help at any given time and there was always someone who I could rely on assisting me. I was welcomed by the colleagues as part of the team from day one and there was no division between me, as an intern, and the rest of TNI. In addition, we discussed issues related to the projects from the other departments, personal research and interests. In that regard, I managed to gather additional information on other areas of expertise, current global and local issues, and present my own ideas to the collective.

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In terms of the facilities, TNI has a rather old setting. However, I did have a personal account and was added into the Institute’s database. However, I chose to use my personal laptop since I could be more productive. Moreover, TNI does have a library where its research is placed, which I did use to gain a bit more insight on the Economic Justice Department. However, for my research activities for the BRI Project, I did use some literature, currently not available on the global research database websites. It was due to TNI’s connections and partners that I got access to some current journals, which helped me understand BRI in depth.

3.2. Internship

Before having started working extensively on the project I was involved in two workshops. For example, I did participate in a workshop about gender and equality, which had activities, and practical training sessions. It differed from anything that I had come across prior. However, the workshop enabled me to see and understand some character traits and deal effectively with emotions and thoughts. It also brought me closer to the team as the workshop was held during my first week of the internship. Another workshop was about the writing process and the ability to create the best possible academic article, report, and writings. Again, it did enhance my understanding about the writing process, and I used the techniques when researching for the project.

In addition, I was asked to support the Institute with my knowledge of the Bulgarian language and help with additional research for other projects and activities. What is more, my personal experience was used by my supervisors in explaining the cultures, politics, and events in Eastern Europe, which can be used for further research in the region.

However, my main task as a research intern was solely related to the creation of a global dataset about China’s activities in Central and Eastern Europe. In other words, I did a mapping on the region where I focused more on Eastern Europe. In total, I did research seven countries, but my main contribution was in mapping Serbia and Bulgaria. The analysis of BRI’s involvement in CEE marked the beginning of a project of such type. In that regard, my work is going to be used by TNI in following up the research and for better understanding of the regions. Thus, the data gathered was to decide the fate of any consequent research activities about China and its outward expansion.

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3.3. Internship: The Mapping

China has been investing in the CEE region. In that regard, the so-called 17+1 Cooperation between China and Central and Eastern Europe is an important stage in world politics, especially when EU and USA are to be considered. On the one hand, there are states cooperating with China on a bilateral basis, who are part of the EU family. On the other hand, there are states who have not received their EU membership. The latter can be interpreted by the EU as an attempt from China to impose its influence in the region.

In that regard, the research contributed for my understanding of those dynamics and expanded my knowledge of China’s foreign policy. What is more, the research activities differed from what I have come across in University. For example, I did read some academic journal articles, books, and reports about the China-CEE relations in the beginning. However, it was used to increase my understanding of the Belt and Road Initiative in the 17+1 in the beginning stage of the mapping.

In addition, my research was based on filling an excel spreadsheet with information about the projects and investments, which China has undergone or was going to conduct in the region. In relation to that, I had to work with local media sources, official government websites and reports. Furthermore, I did use my knowledge of the Bulgarian language when researching about Bulgaria, which helped me in collecting some information, which might have been dismissed by the Institute. What is more, I used my understanding of the Cyrillic alphabet when researching about Serbia and its neighbours to make sense of every detail possible since in some occasions the information was limited. What is more, I did some translation in relation to the Projects where I created a database of the names of the investments in the local language. That will help any additional field research in the region.

The work on the mapping helped me in making sense of the Eastern Europe from different perspectives. On the one hand, I was able to see what the attitudes towards the region were from outside of Europe (China). On the other hand, there was the scale of activities, and types of projects of interest, which made me aware about the possible Chinese interests in Europe and the strategic implications for Europe and vice versa: China’s strategic aspirations and possible scenarios for the future where one could predict areas of friction, cooperation, and strategic importance.

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regard, I did not deal with any administrative tasks like copying, scanning, and making coffee, for example. Of course, there were the administrative activities of the mandatory team meetings, discussions, and staff meetings, which are part of the microcosm of such institutions and organizations. In other words, my time was used accordingly and I was able to apply my knowledge without doing activities, not related to my academic and professional development. Furthermore, my position was going to influence the future of the Project since I was the first one gathering, analysing, and making sense of the raw data. The opportunity presented me the chance to not only feel as an actual researcher but acting on it as well.

Finally, during the end of the internship I managed to create a dataset and was asked to reach out to other organizations, institutions, NGO, etc. so that I could conduct interviews. Since my focus was Bulgaria, I started researching about possible contact points. I managed to send some invitations for an interview and received some replies. However, due to the short duration of the internship I did not manage to conduct an actual interview. What is more, during the application procedure there were talks about the possibility of conducting some field research. Unfortunately, again, the timeline did not allow me to execute those activities.

4. After the Placement

4.1. Reflection

First and foremost, I would like to state that the internship did allow me to apprehend the role of a research intern and the activities were in par with my academic experience and Master level. What is more, at the end stage of the internship, when discussing my role and activities, and overall progress with my supervisor, I was told that they were pleased with me having started the mapping in a timely manner. In other words, I was told that it would usually take someone approximately four weeks for them to comprehend the dynamics around china and their State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), their fragmented structure of operations abroad, and their overall foreign policy.

It took me half that time to start the mapping. It would not have been possible if I did not have previous experience with the research paper, discussed above, and the possibility to read about BRI in advance, as part of my studies and personal interest. In that regard, I was able to build on the academic expertise and apply it on a practical matter, for a current project. What is more, understanding some of China’s activities abroad and its policies in relation to BRI would be an

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asset when applying for jobs since the topic is not that well researched, but it might be proven to be imperative if one is to keep track with the developments in international politics.

What is more, I did manage to work on my time-management skills and was able to expand the mapping regardless of the limited time. In relation to the latter, I did expect the mapping to be a rather easy and straightforward task. In the beginning of the internship I thought that the activities would not be enough in having a ‘complete’ experience of a research intern. However, I was wrong. The task of finding information and making sense of coherent events, tracking the actors involved, and comparing data proved to be much more difficult. What is more, I was responsible for developing and creating the Excel Table. If it was not for my supervisor, I would have struggled to find the best way possible for starting the Project. However, I was given an exemplary table on which I based mine own.

Furthermore, I was able to work independently and build upon the existing table in adding some additional brackets which would be helpful in guiding the researchers in their subsequent activities in relation to the Project and ease their way in making sense of my progress. However, as it was discussed above, I do think that the seven weeks was a rather short period since I had to leave just when I began to make progress. In that regard, I believe that being able to conduct the interviews and probably some field research would have benefited greatly TNI. My supervisor was on the same page since my knowledge of Bulgarian would have allowed me to contact more organizations and reach more people in comparison to someone with a different nationality.

4.4. Thinking about the Future

Having experienced the research activities made me aware of my personal abilities. I concluded that doing research was indeed something that I am interested in doing, which can be argued to be the main point of doing an internship: finding about yourself and your personal interests when one’s career path is to be considered. What is more, analysing BRI and working on the Project did boost my employability due to the unique character of the Project. The area can be argued to be under-researched, which means that the knowledge, gathered while working at TNI, could be used for my advantage.

In addition, I did manage to comprehend the working environment is TNI and make sense of the work dynamics, which made me more prepared for my future endeavours and more confident

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could utilize the time to make sense of Excel since during my years spent at university I have not gotten the chance to work with the program that much.

4.5. Recommendations for Future Students

The following section will reflect on my personal experiences, which might differ for someone else. The first thing, which I would like to mention is not to build expectations. In other words, do not stress about your abilities, knowledge, and overall performance. In addition, taking some time to understand the dynamics of your working environment at the beginning will be more beneficial than diving into your activities meaning that it is good to participate in however many tasks and activities there might be in the office. By doing such you will get to know your colleagues and expand your network. It will also make your more relaxed in the new environment.

Furthermore, do think about your career path and do not go along with the internship just for the sake of finishing it. Thus, look for other options when future work is to be considered. In that regard, talk to your colleagues and do not be afraid to ask questions. Some of the people have established their networks in the field of IR and politics, which means that they would be your best source of information.

5. Conclusion

The internship is a mandatory aspect of the MA program at University of Groningen. Even though there is the possibility of choosing a research seminar, it is highly recommended not to do so because nothing can compete with having an actual work experience. In that regard, the time spent at the Transnational Institute in Amsterdam did allow me to gain insight on the working relations in the field of International Relations and Politics. What is more, I was able to utilize my academic knowledge and apply it on the practical side of things.

Most importantly, I was able to experience the work in the area of research, which falls in line with my professional development goals, thus I am grateful for the opportunity. What is more, I did expand my knowledge of China. What is more, I did manage to gather practical understanding about regional politics: in this case, the Central and Eastern European States. In addition, I did manage to develop and acquire new personal skills. For example, my time-management was improved, my decision-making and the ability to work independently, and my team-working skills. What is more, I was able to experience a multi-cultural environment. In relation to the latter, I did

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get the chance to learn about global issues, struggles, and problems, which expanded my awareness and critical thinking.

Internship at the Transnational Institute Amsterdam