Internship with insight into the Aid World

For Daniel Magnil, the internship at Sida was a perfect puzzle piece in his future plans. His areas of interest revolve around international aid, democracy and development issues, preferably linked to peace and climate.

How did you decide between doing an internship or taking courses?

"It was clear to me that I wanted to do an internship because I wanted to apply my new knowledge in the real world. I wanted to see the difference Sweden makes and the changes we can contribute to—and also feel that I myself could make a difference. And then, I wanted to gain important work experience from a Swedish authority that deals with international aid and issues of democracy and development, which I am particularly interested in."

What tasks did you perform?

"I was in the unit that works with democracy, human rights, and the principles of the rule of law. A regular aid coordinator has their routines and structures, but as an intern, I found myself in all types of rooms and contexts and got to try everything. I didn’t have two weeks that were the same, and everyone in the unit involved me."

"I did, among other things, many preparations for initiatives, which specifically involves writing assessments for projects that Sida finances with its aid. You analyze how the project considers, for example, a gender perspective, a climate perspective, and whether it benefits the most vulnerable in the world. It has been really fun to be trusted to do this—and to learn the craft."

"I also attended many meetings with our partners who work in conflict-affected areas. There, we share our analysis and assessment and toss around ideas about what they can do to increase their effectiveness. Then I also participated in meetings with agencies like the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other Swedish and international actors. Sometimes my task was to write a brief from the meeting."

What's the most fun?

"I must say when I wrote a technical note, which is a summary of research and recommendations for Sida's next steps in a case. The technical note I wrote deals with the links between climate and peace—which is exactly my main area of interest."

"I also got to try being a presenter and oppose a project proposal, which was very fun. A coordinator had written an assessment of how well an application meets our criteria. My opposition meant that I made an assessment of his analysis with the whole unit around the table, where I presented my critique and then led and moderated the ensuing discussion. It was exciting, fun, and very educational."

How will you benefit from the internship in the future?

"I gained insight into the world of aid, which is a very interesting sphere. I will probably always work in connection with this world in some form. Now, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the themes I want to work with—democracy, peace, and climate—and learn more about how the international community works with them. And then, I gained practical experience in how processes work in Sweden when it comes to aid to other countries and partners. It will be incredibly useful to know how cases are handled and what the outcomes are."

You got an extension and will stay at Sida?

"Yes, I was offered a summer position as a coordinator in the unit that works with civil societies, so I'll gain insight into a new area. I really feel that Sida is making use of my skills, and at the same time allowing me to develop by challenging me and letting me learn new things. I'll see what the next step will be, but I know which areas have really captured my interest."

More about the International Master's Programme in Politics, Security and Crisis