Getting Work Experience in International Cooperation: Insights from Young Professionals

For Pascal Fuchs, the SDG Youth Programme stood out because it combined a contemporary thematic focus with the chance to work abroad on a specific project. "In my case, the topic of climate change and green skills paired with its location in Mozambique attracted me to the programme in the first place," he shares. This sentiment is echoed by Cynthia Tijn, who appreciated the programme as an entry point into international cooperation. She was particularly drawn to the chance to gain firsthand experience in a foreign country, aligning with her personal values dedicated to advancing well-being.

Each trainee’s daily routine varied significantly, reflecting the dynamic nature of work in international development. Susanna Germanier describes her time in Bogotá, Colombia, where her days were filled with work with local communities and office tasks at the university. “The variety kept my daily routine engaging. I also had the opportunity to travel, visiting projects of partner organisations,” she says.

Each trainee’s daily routine varied significantly, reflecting the dynamic nature of work in international development.

Cynthia Tijn’s experience was similarly diverse, working on projects ranging from waste management in local markets to energy governance in municipal buildings. “Working across different time zones with team members scattered around the world means that much of my communication is conducted online," she notes, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptability. 

In Maputo, Mozambique, Pascal Fuchs enjoyed observing the morning commute and street businesses during his walk to the office. His days were varied, involving missions with the private sector engagement team and communal lunches with colleagues. “It is the moment of the day the teams discuss the latest news, politics or all kinds of local cultural quirks,” he adds, emphasising the importance of these interactions in understanding the local context. 

All these interactions help understand the local context.

One of the most enriching aspects of working abroad is the exposure to different cultures and perspectives. Pascal was struck by Mozambique’s laid-back culture, which contrasts with the stress-driven environments of many countries in the Global North. “You always sense a feeling of trust that things will somehow work out, without worrying too much about the future or the next step in a process,” he observes.

One of the most enriching aspects of working abroad is the exposure to different cultures and perspectives.

Cynthia’s time in Tunisia during Ramadan provided her with a better understanding of Islamic beliefs and daily life during the holy month. “This personal involvement deepened my understanding of the significance of Ramadan and helped me to connect more deeply with the community,” she reflects.

Susanna’s experience in Usme, Colombia, taught her the importance of community involvement in managing essential services. “I observed a profound community involvement. A prime example is their community-built and managed aqueduct,” she explains, highlighting the contrast with her experiences in Switzerland.

Programmes like the SDG Youth Programme not only provide practical experience but also foster personal and professional growth. For Pascal, working with Swisscontact offered a valuable lesson in sustainable and systemic approaches to development challenges. “It has been a privilege to work on projects that do not take shortcuts to reach superficial results,” he says.

Cynthia echoes this sentiment, emphasising the importance of adaptability and resilience. “The disorientation, while initially unsettling, has also been a catalyst for growth,” she notes, underscoring the challenges and rewards of working in diverse international settings.

Experiencing both headquarters and international assignments provides a comprehensive understanding of international cooperation. Pascal found significant differences between working in Zurich and Maputo. “In Zurich, one is part of the Global 'Head' of the organisation. The Mozambican country office is a small project team with multiple technical and administrative staff,” he explains.

Susanna also experienced a blend of in-person and virtual engagements, facilitating a smoother transition between headquarters and work abroad. “This mix of in-person and virtual engagements facilitated a smoother transition,” she says, emphasising the importance of both settings in understanding the full scope of international projects.

Navigating the balance between autonomy and guidance is crucial for young professionals. “As the work culture at Swisscontact is quite decentralised, it requires a lot of flexibility and proactivity,” Pascal notes. He valued the strong institutional support from his managers, which gave him the confidence to grow within the organisation.

Navigating the balance between autonomy and guidance is crucial for young professionals.

Cynthia found mentorship and peer support invaluable. “We were provided with coaching sessions with the cinfo coaches, which provided us with guidance from very experienced professionals in the sector,” she says, highlighting the importance of mentorship in professional development.

In conclusion, the experiences of Pascal Fuchs, Susanna Germanier, and Cynthia Tijn in various international cooperation programmes provide a vivid picture of the opportunities and challenges in this sector. From gaining cultural insights to balancing autonomy with guidance, their stories offer valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone aspiring to make a differencein community projects. Young professional programmes not only develop professional skills but also foster personal growth, making them highly recommendable paths for young professionals dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goals.