Unlocking Opportunities: Interning with the Malala Fund
Malala Yousafzai, a beacon of hope and a staunch advocate for girls' education, founded the Malala Fund to ensure that girls worldwide have access to quality education. This organization, registered as a public charity in the U.K., champions the cause by advocating for policy changes and resource allocation to facilitate secondary education for girls. The Malala Fund seeks passionate and driven individuals ready to challenge the systems, policies, and practices that keep millions of girls out of school. Internships at the Malala Fund offer a unique opportunity to contribute to this vital mission.
The Mission and Vision of Malala Fund
The Malala Fund's core mission is to break down barriers that prevent over 122 million girls from attending school. The organization invests in local education leaders and front-line organizations, recognizing that these individuals best understand the needs of girls in their communities. By providing girls with the necessary tools and a platform to voice their concerns, the Malala Fund empowers them to advocate for education and equality. The team at Malala Fund challenges the systems, policies and practices that keep more than 130 million girls out of school.
What to Expect as an Intern
Internships at the Malala Fund provide valuable support in serving its mission to help all girls go to school and reach their full potential. As an intern, you can expect to be involved in various activities that contribute to the organization's goals.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Malala Fund intern helps to coordinate communications with students, donors and other supporters. Other duties include research, administrative support for various departments and other special projects.
Diverse Opportunities
Former interns emphasize the invaluable experiences and skills gained during their time at the Malala Fund. For example, one intern worked with the communications team and contributed to the publication of Assembly, Malala Fund’s new digital publication and newsletter that shares stories of young girls around the world doing amazing in their communities.
Read also: Yousafzai's Impact
What Malala Fund Looks For in an Intern
The Malala Fund actively seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities to provide a wide range of perspectives, ideas, views, and insights into the strategy, policies, culture, and ambitions of Malala Fund, as the organization is committed to racial equity and social justice. When applying for an internship, it's essential to showcase your passion for girls' education and your commitment to the organization's values.
Essential Qualities
- Passion for Girls' Education: A genuine desire to contribute to the cause of girls' education is paramount.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Malala Fund values diversity and seeks individuals who can bring different perspectives to the table.
- Drive and Initiative: The organization looks for individuals who are proactive and eager to take on challenges.
Application Requirements
When applying for an internship, you may be asked to articulate your professional goals and how working at the Malala Fund can help you achieve them. You may also need to explain what you desire to learn in the field of international development and girls’ empowerment, and why. Highlighting what differentiates you from other candidates is also crucial.
Professional Development and Growth
Interning at the Malala Fund offers significant opportunities for professional development and growth. You can expand your knowledge and skills, build a valuable network, and gain insights into the workings of a global non-profit organization.
Learning Opportunities
Internships provide exposure to various aspects of international development and girls' empowerment. As one former intern at Citi noted, rotating desk at Citi helped me gain so much information and learn about projects and jobs I didn’t know existed.
Networking
Building relationships with colleagues and mentors is an essential part of any internship. This internship gave me the opportunity to cultivate many quality relationships with new colleagues. If you are either looking for a full-time job or planning your career path, building a network of contacts that you can ask for advice is invaluable. Take advantage of the opportunity that you’re meeting so many people at once and collect their contact information as you go so you can follow up with them.
Read also: IRS and Scholarship Funds
Skills Development
Internships can help you develop crucial skills such as communication, research, and project management.
Advice from a Former Intern
Student refugee Nibras Basitkey shares what she learned while interning at Citi. Nibras Basitkey, a former intern, offers valuable advice for young women starting their first internship:
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Be prepared for a lot of walking and ensure you have comfortable footwear.
- Network: Cultivate relationships with colleagues and mentors.
- Remember Names: Pay attention to names and make an effort to remember them.
- Ask for Advice: Seek guidance from experienced professionals in your field of interest.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: Clarify any doubts or uncertainties you may have.
- Be Open to Learning New Things: Embrace new experiences and expand your knowledge.
Life at Malala Fund
Working at the Malala Fund offers a supportive and inclusive environment where employees are valued and respected.
Culture and Values
The Malala Fund fosters a collaborative, global team with staff across Nigeria, Pakistan, and the U.K. The organization's values inform its welcoming work culture and the work it does for girls.
Benefits
Employees at the Malala Fund enjoy various benefits, including:
Read also: Creating a Scholarship Fund
- Flexible hybrid work models with one or two days in the office and a monthly stipend by country to support work from home expenses.
- Fully paid health, income protection and life benefits based on country and legal requirements.
- Retirement plan options based on country and legal requirements.
- Comprehensive paid time off including generous vacation days, organisation-wide rest weeks, country-specific public holidays, sick leave and a special day of leave for your birthday.
- Generous paid parental leave.
- Employee assistance and mental health benefits
- Opportunities to give back to the community through paid volunteer work.
- Professional development and educational benefits.
How to Apply
To explore internship opportunities at the Malala Fund, visit the organization's website and check the careers page for available positions. The Malala Fund provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Staying Informed
To stay updated on the latest news and opportunities at the Malala Fund, follow their social media channels and subscribe to their newsletter.
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