The AKU-VIP programme equips interns with skills beyond their fields. Professional Development sessions are held throughout the internship with speakers from AKU and AKDN agencies presenting on their fields of expertise, skill-building workshops, one on one mentorship and networking opportunities. Students not only have a chance to learn more about specific areas (programme management, communications, leadership, etc.), but also a chance to engage in intra-agency work and opportunities.
Interns had the chance to finish their placements off strong by learning the importance and ethics of data collection and creation from Farhana Alarakhiya, Chief Data Innovation Officer at Aga Khan University's Global Data & Analytics Office, and her team.
The session titled “The Importance of Being Proficient with Data" highlighted why data is now a fundamental life skill for people in all professions. Interns were taught about how to interpret data effectively, analyze data critically, and were given practical tips on data visualization. Students were taught about the way data is misconstrued and the ethics behind ensuring that correct information is shared. Students learnt about the different forms of data, its representation, and the ethics around data sets.
AKU-VIP's professional development sessions are an opportunity for students to develop new skill sets, and help build their expertise in power skills relevant in today's job market in a mentored environment.
