My internship at the YES Forum as an Social Work student, with an international studies focus, has been a transformative and enriching experience that spanned from March 2024 to January 2025. Starting as a working student before transitioning to a full-time intern in August, I had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of European social initiatives. Over the course of these ten months, I contributed to multiple projects, including Back on Track, CitiGenZ, and Zug um Zug. Each project not only deepened my understanding of youth work at a European level but also significantly shaped my professional and personal growth.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work directly with disadvantaged youth. As I already know working with young people in my past as a volunteer, this hands-on engagement allowed me to connect with young people on a deeper level and witness firsthand the importance of creating inclusive spaces where their voices are valued. In the Back on Track project, I led interviews and facilitated peer-review groups with young participants, giving me insights into their needs and perspectives. This experience taught me how to hold “eye-to-eye” conversations while aligning our discussions with the project's objectives.
What made my internship even more special was that it wasn't just about planning—it was about seeing projects through from start to finish. Having already been involved with the YES Forum for over the year, I was able to contribute to initiatives with a deeper sense of continuity. Reflecting on this journey, I am amazed at how quickly time flew and how much I grew in the process.
Several key events stand out as highlights of my time at the YES Forum. The Policy Event in Brussels, where I lead a discussion with the Young European Socialist General Secretary about topics affecting especially young people like digitalisation and the uprising of far rights, was an experience that boosted my confidence in public speaking and advocacy. Participating and organizing on sight meetings for projects such as A.M.O.R. in Stuttgart, Zug um Zug, and Neurodiversity in Dresden offered me opportunities to collaborate with European partners, exchange diverse perspectives, travel, and develop a stronger understanding of teamwork and coordination at an international level. Similarly, my involvement in CitiGenZ allowed me to host a Youth Workers Training as a part of the project, where i learned how to teach about EU related topics.
Throughout my internship, I not only gained professional skills but also underwent a profound personal transformation. Stepping out of my comfort zone, I learned to navigate new challenges, adapt to diverse settings, and collaborate with inspiring individuals from different cultures and backgrounds. My time at the YES Forum showed me how social initiatives, when driven by empathy and structure behind, can have a really great outcome.
I am particularly grateful for the trust and responsibility I was given during this experience. Whether it was leading activities, presenting in high-stakes settings, or contributing to collaborative publications. I always felt supported from the YES Forum Team.
As my internship comes to an end, I leave with a lot of new experiences and skills and am super thankful for this opportunity. The experiences, connections, and moments—like presenting in Brussels, facilitating youth groups, and collaborating on innovative projects—have shaped me both professionally and personally. I am more determined than ever to continue advocating for inclusion, empowerment, and opportunities for youth across Europe.
While it’s bittersweet to leave the YES Forum for now – I’m happy to be back as a working student after my semester abroad in Poland. See you soon!
