If you’re interested in pursuing a career in humanitarian work, internships are a great way to get started. There are a number of organizations that offer internship opportunities in various fields, including relief work, social work, and international development. Some of the most popular humanitarian organizations offering internships include the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Oxfam, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). These organizations often have programs specifically for students and recent graduates interested in humanitarian work. Other ways to get involved in humanitarian work include volunteering with local organizations or nonprofits working in communities affected by natural disasters or conflict. This type of work can be extremely rewarding and provide valuable experience for those interested in pursuing a career in humanitarian work.
Internships have always been important for young professionals starting their careers. These short-term appointments give students and recent graduates hands-on experience, skills that are relevant to their fields, and access to professional networks that help with future job searches. While employment with a host organization isn’t guaranteed after an internship, former interns often have an advantage over other applicants. For all their benefits, many internships have one major downside: the positions are unpaid. This excludes people who don’t have a financial safety net or the extra time to take on another job. The times are changing, however, and you can find more internships offering stipends or hourly pay. Here are ten paid internships to consider:
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross seeks undergraduate or graduate college students. Interns contribute to important day-to-day tasks and learn how the organization works. Internships take place in the spring, summer, fall, and winter at the National Headquarters in Washington D.C. and regional chapters. Not all internships are paid, so check the details before applying. The specific positions vary depending on what the Red Cross needs, but essentially every area of the organization has opportunities. The formal internship program runs for 10 weeks with flexible start and end dates based on a student’s availability and school schedule. For paid positions, interns will work about 40 hours per week. The Red Cross doesn’t cover housing and relocation costs. The American Red Cross, which is a nonprofit, provides emergency aid, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It’s an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each November, Undergraduates, and graduates are handed the opportunity to work with the Red Cross on both local and national levels. With applications opening every November, those who get through the phone interview and the second interview work for ten weeks with 40-hour weeks. However, they are not reimbursed for costs incurred in relocation or housing. They have flexible schedules to be able to make the balance of classes possible.
Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders offers internships in the spring, summer, and fall in the New York office. To apply, candidates must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship. You are responsible for securing a U.S. work permit, as well as your own relocation and accommodation. Positions include an international HR internship, which assists the International Human Resources unit with the administration of benefits and payroll for field staff. Interns will gain practical experience in human resources and learn what human resources administration is like for a big non-profit. Specific tasks include preparing employment packets; scheduling briefings; updating HRIS systems; and supporting the HR team. Internships at Doctors Without Borders pay $15.00/hour. Doctors Without Borders (also known as Médecins Sans Frontières) is an international organization founded in France. It has offices around the world (including New York where internships are hosted) and provides healthcare in conflict zones and areas affected by disease. Based in New York City, Their numerous internship programs cover spring, summer and fall periods. There are numerous internship programs like Access HIV among others with each program having its unique criteria for application and duties assigned. The assignments can stretch for four months with 20-hour weeks depending on the program. They seek competence in communication, written and English skills. Due to the stiff competition, priority is given to those with experience or weighty knowledge. The applicants should be able to sustain themselves without sponsorship due to the fact that costs like housing will not be covered.
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
Designed for undergraduate students, this US-based internship program provides students with knowledge and awareness of civil and human rights issues, as well as experience working in coalitions and understanding the federal government’s legislative process. Interns participate in communications, operations, development, field, and policy work. Responsibilities include tracking civil rights legislation; attending coalition meetings; providing administrative support; and helping coordinate grassroots events. Fall and winter semester interns earn $16.00/hour with a minimum of 24 hours per week. Summer interns earn the same hourly rate with a maximum of 40 hours per week. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition of over 200 organizations promoting and protecting civil and human rights in the United States. These rights include women’s rights, immigrant rights, disability rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. The work focuses on three areas: democracy, justice, and inclusion and opportunity.
Child Rights Connect
Child Rights Connect offers 6-month internships in Geneva. Because of Swiss law, candidates must have a valid work or student visa for Switzerland. Non-Swiss citizens can be granted a short-term work permit if they have the financial support of a resident of Switzerland. Candidates must also be university students interested in children’s rights work at an international level. Interns participate in most areas of the organization, such as fundraising and monitoring. The fundraising and monitoring, evaluation, and learning intern supports the work of the Child Rights Connect Program Manager. This internship pays a monthly allowance of CHF 960. Swiss social charges are deducted from this payment. Child Rights Connect is a Swiss association committed to children’s rights. It’s comprised of a General Assembly, Executive Committee, International Secretariat, and Working Groups. Work includes empowering children’s rights defenders, strengthening UN mechanisms, and advocating for a child rights-based approach to the Sustainable Development Goals.
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross seeks undergraduate or graduate college students. Interns contribute to important day-to-day tasks and learn how the organization works. Internships take place in the spring, summer, fall, and winter at the National Headquarters in Washington D.C. and regional chapters. Not all internships are paid, so check the details before applying. The specific positions vary depending on what the Red Cross needs, but essentially every area of the organization has opportunities. The formal internship program runs for 10 weeks with flexible start and end dates based on a student’s availability and school schedule. For paid positions, interns will work about 40 hours per week. The Red Cross doesn’t cover housing and relocation costs. The American Red Cross, which is a nonprofit, provides emergency aid, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It’s an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each November, Undergraduates, and graduates are handed the opportunity to work with the Red Cross on both local and national levels. With applications opening every November, those who get through the phone interview and the second interview work for ten weeks with 40-hour weeks. However, they are not reimbursed for costs incurred in relocation or housing. They have flexible schedules to be able to make the balance of classes possible.