Internships are a normal practice in Western Countries as it helps students get a feel of the real practical world and help them plan their career goals. But while Nagaland produces thousands of graduates each year, very few of them have employable skills. This is where YouthNet comes in.
Recognising this need, YouthNet organized an Internship Fair at Ozone Cafe Kohima providing opportunities for the unemployed youth and students of Nagaland to intern with various departments and organizations both private and government sector in the state for two weeks.
The Internship Fair was graced by the Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, Alemtemshi Jamir. This Fair enabled 42 interns to have first-hand work experience with several departments and organisations including Administrative Training Institute, NRHM, Nagaland State AIDS Control Society, Health and Family Welfare, Tourism, OSD Planning, Tribal Group, Nagaland Securities, Zynorique Initiatives, Nagaland Premier League, the Heritage, Eastern Mirror, Morung Express, Cartridge World, Synergy Group, and Dice Foundation.
Over the years, the trend of internship has increased for students who are doing their masters and studying in several places spread across the United Kingdom, U.S, Delhi, Mumbai, Dimapur, Kohima, etc. YouthNet has an Internship quota of 25 students a year, and most of them spend time with the organization during their summer break.
Students can also use an internship to determine if they have an interest in a particular career, create a network of contacts or gain school credit. The students are involved in different activities like recruitment, training, Operations, RTI and research apart from getting an assignment as a team.
Also as part of the summer internship at YouthNet, the interns made a version of Pharrell William’s “HAPPY” featuring prominent artistes in Nagaland like Alobo Naga and the Tetseo Sisters. The zero budget project- ‘Happy Nagaland’ is about promoting livelihood and employment, and also about finding contentment in one’s job.
The video, dedicated to the progressive young Nagaland was launched by YouthNet on YouTube and currently has about 60,000 hits. Breaking sterotypes was another such video.
Application for internship is open through out the year.