IICA strengthens internship program that promotes the professional development of young people across the Americas
San José, 26 August 2024 (IICA) - The internship program of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) has, over the past five years, evolved into a robust and solid initiative, enabling young professionals from across the Americas to enhance their skills in an environment of experience, exchange and innovation. The program enriches their knowledge of agricultural and rural development, fosters their connection to the labor market, and strengthens alliances with the academic sector and other technical actors in the hemisphere.
In this context, the Director General of the Institute, Manuel Otero, held a discussion with over 30 young people currently part of IICA’s 2024 generation of interns. During the meeting, Otero highlighted the extraordinary professional and personal opportunities that the program offers to those poised to become the driving forces of the new global agriculture. He also reaffirmed IICA’s commitment to strengthening the capabilities of future leaders in the hemisphere’s agricultural sector.
“You are the next generation and should be the protagonists of the new era at IICA. Youth is essential for believing in tomorrow and creating the new model of sustainable development that is needed, with agriculture as a fundamental, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient sector”, stated the head of the agency specializing in agriculture and rural development. “We want a stronger internship program. Our commitment over the next year and a half is to strengthen it; this is key to becoming better. Young professionals are the seedbed for the generational renewal we seek”, Otero added.
During the discussion, the interns shared their experiences and learnings, and the IICA Director General urged them to “always keep their knowledge up to date”, to continually renew their knowledge, and to value “teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, which are essential in today’s world”.
He also exchanged views with the group on topics such as the transformation of agri-food systems, water resource management beyond agricultural production, and migration caused by the agro-environmental situation.
Since 2019, IICA’s internship program has included a total of 419 interns.
This year, nearly 60 people have participated in the initiative (73% women and 27% men), half of whom are currently completing their internships and hold academic degrees in fields such as international relations, agronomy, library science, finance, accounting, human resources, political science, economics, business administration, advertising design, political science, sociology, law, and anthropology.
“The internship at IICA has taught me a lot as a professional; it has allowed me to develop skills I didn’t have before and to enhance others. It pushes us out of our comfort zone, and I would like to continue working in the agricultural sector. It has completely opened my mind, and I’ve even been considering studying agronomy”, explained María Paula Monge, an International Relations student specializing in Diplomacy, who is currently an intern at the Institute’s Center for Knowledge Management and Horizontal Cooperation Services.
“The internship was an invaluable experience; it helped me grow professionally and learn about bioeconomy and sustainable development; it’s an important platform, providing access to high-level events, and a space to leverage various tools to boost professional development. It has been a process full of opportunities, taking on challenges, and meeting people with leadership”, added Celestina Brenes, who now works as a technical specialist in IICA’s Innovation and Bioeconomy program.
Franklin Marín, Coordinator of the Institute’s Center for Knowledge Management and Horizontal Cooperation Services, further emphasized that such experiences “clearly show IICA’s commitment to a vigorous and solid program, and the need for more opportunities for young people in various fields of knowledge”.
“Institutions also need generational renewal; it is a substantial element to stay close to youth, fostering a space for exchange with new ideas to strengthen IICA, generating closeness with academia, new trends, and training, and offering interns a space for professional growth and learning”, he noted.
“We aim to promote unique cultural and academic exchange experiences in an international and multicultural environment. The idea is for young people to gain experience, go further, find mentors, have opportunities to build networks, and for the work experience to help them spread their wings”, concluded the Director of IICA’s Human Talent Division, Alejandra Mozes.
More information:
Institutional Communication Division.
comunicacion.institucional@iica.int