Testimonial October 2021
My internship with the UNCAC Coalition helped me learn that there is more than meets the eye with civil society work – despite advocating for and representing the best interests of people, NGOs often have to edge their way into meetings, conferences and workshops.
I was able to reflect on the social impact that the Coalition has when working with organizations from all corners of the world on a single issue that connects us all: corruption.
On a personal level, working during Covid-19 times, in work/office hybrid form presented me with a steep learning curve. Whether mastering meeting management through Zoom or pushing the limits of collaboration via Google Docs, the pandemic has taught us that there are benefits to the change in dynamics at the workplace – I was still able to connect with my team on a regular basis, learn more about Austria and share my experiences with colleagues, as well as experience Viennese life outdoors over the summer.
Looking back on the first weeks of my internship, when I was unsure what the experience would hold, I now know that adaptability and perseverance are key, and these were two characteristics I was able to develop further while working abroad.
I would wholeheartedly recommend ESC to any young European!
First entry December 2020
My first month at the UNCAC Coalition has been a whirlwhind.
Moving to Vienna, joining a new team and starting an exciting job have made for a very eventful November. My first impressions of the city have been limited by the Austrian lockdown, but I’ll remember my first few weeks here as a unique settling-in experience: having seen sun, snow, the last of autumn and winter approaching.
As soon as I joined the team, we embarked on the challenging process of updating the Coalition’s strategy, vision and mission for the next few years. I didn’t expect to be involved in this project as a newcomer, but I learned so much over a few intense days of teamwork. Our work is varied, and so far I’ve learned about running a website, developing new skills with digital tools such as WordPress, Mailchimp and building social media strategies.
One highlight was virtually ‘attending’ the International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in South Korea, which brings together speakers from all over the world and highlights important topics in the field of combating corruption.
More recently, the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) has given me the opportunity to start a German language course online, which I’m very enthusiastic about to help me get through the supermarket aisles and daily life! I can’t wait to see what the next few months hold. Despite these times being unprecedented, the benefits of participating in such a program still definitely outweigh the uncertainty of ever-changing circumstances.
Don’t hesitate, just sign up and see where the adventure takes you!
Denyse, traineeship UNCAC Coalition
