How did you find your internship?
“I have to admit that my route there was somewhat unconventional. I was already looking into organisations that deal with technology and policy, because I think the intersection of the two subjects is fascinating and something I want to pursue further with a master's degree. I saw that the WRR was writing a policy report on artificial intelligence, so I started looking into the organisation to see whether I would have a connection with anyone there.
After doing some research, I came across prof. dr. Haroon Sheikh, the lead for the AI project. I saw that he taught at the VU Amsterdam, so I figured that would be a good place to start in terms of a connection (at the time, I had no idea he would eventually be my professor as well). When looking into his background, I was immediately impressed by his professional and academic career, so I wanted to speak to him regardless of the internship. I decided to contact him via LinkedIn and ask if I could have 15 minutes of his time to ask him some questions about the project. During that conversation, I asked for the possibility of doing an internship on this project. The project team had actually already agreed not to take on any more interns. However, he noticed my enthusiasm, so the team decided to give me a chance. So they created an internship position and now it has even been extended by six months."
How did you become interested in technology and policy in the first place?
“I did another bachelor's degree in Media and Information at the University of Amsterdam, simultaneously to PPE. I finished my degree at UvA last June, and I am finishing PPE this year. I think my interest in policy and AI comes from combining both degrees. I enjoy combining the knowledge from both courses and approaching issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. I think interdisciplinarity is crucial in the social sciences, as social sciences rarely address issues that can be studied solely through the lens of one discipline; they are components of a larger equation."
What is the topic of your internship and what do your daily tasks consist of?
“The WRR is the primary advisory board to the Dutch government and the parliament. They conduct extensive research on various topics to then provide recommendations to the government. So, it is like a real-life version of a PiP course (PPE in Practice), only much more extensive. The project I am working on shows that artificial intelligence is a system technology that is systematically changing society. Thereupon, it addresses the specific tasks the government faces to embed AI into society.
When I first started, I had to do a lot of research to become more acquainted with the subject. However, I soon began to write sections for the report as well. I also organized presentations and conferences, as well as prepared and conducted interviews with key societal actors. I am currently working on the English translation of the report. So, my responsibilities vary based on the stage that the project is in."
Do you see yourself working there in the future?
“I would love to, but probably at a later stage in my career. Given that it is a research institution, many positions at the WRR require a PhD. However, when given the opportunity, I would love to return because I think that the organisation itself has a unique standing in Dutch society. Furthermore, the people who work there are incredibly intelligent, and you meet interesting people as part of the research process. As a result, the working environment is already very inspiring, and you can learn a great deal from it. I am also incredibly interested in policymaking and research, so this is definitely a direction I want to head into.”
What would you recommend to people who are in doubt whether they want to do a study abroad or internship?
"I would advise you to base your decision on what you hope to gain from the experience and the outcome you aspire to achieve. For example, if your goal is to travel more or push yourself outside your comfort zone, studying abroad will be a good fit. On the other hand, if you want to gain business experience or delve into a specific topic in preparation for a Master's degree, an internship at a suitable organisation would be a better fit. So, consider the environment you want to be in, the people you want to meet, and the places you want to visit, and then decide whether that corresponds to a semester abroad or an internship."
