Debora, PAP,
Alternatives,
Forum tunisien pour les Droits économiques et sociaux (FTDES),
Tunisie
As a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Faculty of Social Sciences, specializing in Public Administration and Globalization Studies, I have always sought an opportunity to apply my academic knowledge before completing my degree. I wanted to be better prepared for the job market and put into practice everything I have learned throughout my university journey. I have no regrets about applying for this internship—even remotely—because working with Alternatives, an organization committed to justice and economic, social, political, civil, cultural, and environmental rights in Quebec, Canada, and beyond, has been truly enriching. This experience has not only enhanced my knowledge but also exposed me to new perspectives, allowing me to challenge preconceived notions I may have previously held.
In this virtual learning model, the internship has served as both a challenge and an opportunity—a way to bridge the gap between theory and practice and to align academic training with real-world needs. By working with the Tunisian organization FTDES, I have been able to integrate my knowledge, skills, and personal growth into my work. This journey has also allowed me to discover my own competencies and position myself for the next steps in my academic and professional path.
Through the tasks and assignments entrusted to me, the internship has helped me better understand the theories studied in class, structure and organize my thinking, and develop a more scientific perspective on real-life issues. This experience has refined my critical thinking skills, making my analysis more structured and evidence-based, rather than relying on speculation or assumptions. I have learned how to identify the core of a problem, break it down, and make informed judgments.
As a final reflection, I can confidently say that this internship embodies a cognitive learning experience. It has prepared us to enter the workforce with a stronger sense of responsibility and professionalism—skills that will be invaluable as we transition from university to the professional world.