What does your job entail?
I am a research intern with a team that focuses on a program related to human trafficking. I am involved in a study that provides temporary shelter and support to victims who are not originally from the Netherlands and who fall through the cracks. These are individuals in vulnerable positions who cannot claim residency and have no other available provisions.
My role within the team includes supporting the impact assessment of the study and assisting clients.
The duration of my six-month internship aligns with the timeline of the study. My days are very varied. I spend a lot of time visiting clients, conducting and implementing evaluations, taking notes during intake meetings, and consulting with the team in The Hague. Additionally, I assist with other projects within the human trafficking program, such as conducting case law research and gathering information for a guide on working in the Netherlands as an asylum seeker or status holder. In short, I have been able to develop in various areas and gain practical experience.
How did you end up joining the Red Cross?
During my studies, I frequently encountered the work of the Red Cross and was always impressed by their dedication and impact. So I often searched the website for possible internship vacancies. When I saw the vacancy for a research internship on a subject I am very passionate about at the end of my studies and the start of my gap year, I immediately applied.
What do you enjoy most about the job and the organization?
One of the most valuable aspects of my work experience is the genuine drive of all the colleagues I have met. Their drive to help others makes the world a little better. It's inspiring to see how dedicated and involved everyone is. Whether it's colleagues at the association office, shelter location, or a district office, this shared passion is everywhere. It is not only noticeable in how colleagues perform their work but also in how everyone interacts with each other. As an intern, I was warmly welcomed and fully integrated into the team, which made my internship even more enjoyable and educational.
What should a new colleague or intern know?
Providing help to people when they truly need it is incredibly rewarding work. As a student, it's easy to end up in a certain bubble, no matter how much you try to avoid it. Within my studies, I learned a lot about human trafficking and other human rights violations, but I was surrounded by fellow students whose daily concerns often lay in very different areas.
Through this work, I gained insight into a different world. I found that our systems are not easily accessible to everyone. Beyond contributing my part, it was also educational to gain a more direct understanding of these issues. I strongly believe in the importance of breaking out of that 'bubble' for new students, and I am particularly grateful for having had this opportunity!
Can you say something about your development at the Red Cross?
I joined the Red Cross as a fresh bachelor student with a lot of theoretical knowledge (or so I thought) but little practical experience. The main goal of my internship was to learn more about the practical side and have a more 'victim'-oriented experience. This goal was certainly achieved through my involvement in conducting the study and interacting with our clients, colleagues, and other organizations we collaborated with. Although I definitely want to continue my studies, I will take everything I have learned here into account when choosing my master's program and future career path.
Are you, like Esther, driven to help others? We often have vacancies for internships.