Internship Program Helps Refugees Kickstart their Careers

Young people that are new to the labor market can encounter many issues when trying to find their first job, such as a lack of prior knowledge, required skills, and references.

For young refugees, overcoming these barriers is even harder.

That’s why UNHCR, HIAS Panama and Manpower Group developed the “Talent Without Borders” employability program. The program provided young refugees with career advice tailored to labor market demands, skills training workshops, and internship opportunities that improved their long-term integration in Panama.

HIAS worked with companies and universities across the country to match young people to internship opportunities that suited their profile. Participants then completed placements that lasted up to three months and received a monthly stipend to cover expenses related to the internship.

“Our internship program allows refugees to acquire new technical skills, but also fundamental soft skills that are valued by employers,” said Jorge Atencio, economic inclusion officer for HIAS Panama.

The latest program helped 18 refugees residing in Panama to complete internships with Adidas, Capital Bank, Minimed, Cordon de Vida, and the Quality Leadership University.

Brighter Futures for Young Refugees

Adriana Torres*, a 24-year-old refugee, participated in the internship program with HIAS Panama and Adidas, an experience which had a significant impact on her life. She learned new skills such as data analysis and used programs such as Power BI for the first time.

After her internship concluded, she landed a full-time position with Adidas as a data analyst. The internship not only gave her practical skills — it also helped her gain more self-confidence.

“I learned [from this experience] that there are lots of opportunities out there for refugees. I lost my fear of applying to things for thinking that people wouldn’t consider me because of where I’m from,” Torres said.

HIAS Panama is committed to creating partnerships with a wide range of different companies and educational institutions to diversify internship opportunities available for displaced people.

Quality Leadership University (QLU), a higher education institute in Panama City, received several interns through the program.

“The interns we received worked in the administrative, marketing, and program management areas, but QLU also provides them with access to university courses and English lessons,” said Oney Chalá, the executive education program coordinator for QLU.

The possibility to further both professional and academic learning during the three months that HIAS interns spend at QLU offers a unique experience to young professionals.

“We’re a truly multicultural university, so for us it’s been great to work with refugees from different countries,” Chalá said.

The program, funded by UNHCR, supported young refugees to achieve their professional dreams until June 2024.