Najma Abukar  – External Relations & Advocacy Intern

MISSION: ASSISTING THE EXTERNAL RELATIONS AND ADVOCACY DEPARTMENTS 
DURATION: 3 MONTHS

I graduated from University of Westminster with a LLB Law degree. I then took a year gap year, traveling and working. In August 2018, I moved to Sweden to do my Masters in Humanitarian Action and conflict at Uppsala University.

Shortly after leaving university, I began my three-month Global Advocacy internship at the External Relations and Advocacy department. During this time, I had the opportunity to work on a number of projects. I was responsible for conducting research for the department. Some of the projects I worked on included Gender Justice and Islam, climate change, the impact of youth unemployment in Palestine. I thoroughly enjoyed working on these projects and I was able to use some of the skills and knowledge I had gained from masters whilst also developing new skills.

I had the opportunity to work with different departments as well as field offices, which enriched my understanding of the culture of organization whilst also developing partnerships with a wide range of people. The internship provides a unique opportunity to begin a career in the humanitarian sector whilst also giving you the space to grow personally. I thoroughly appreciated the welcoming nature of colleagues who made me feel like a part of the Islamic Relief family.