AUK Students Return from Internship in Romania

Duhok Kurdistan Region – November 9, 2023 – Within the scope of the American University of Kurdistan (AUK)’s partnership with the Alexandrion Foundation to promote student workforce preparedness and the public and private sector capacity building in the Kurdistan Region, AUK’s College of Business sent three standout students to Romania for a transformative internship. From July to September, they gained invaluable international business experience, now enriching our community with their newfound insights.”

We spoke with three AUK students, Kavok Shaaban (Business Management), Tahir Pirmos (Oil and Gas Management), and Barzan Ghazi (Business Management), who are recently graduated and are members of the Class of 2023.

Q: You’ve recently returned from your internship in Romania. Could you describe your overall impressions of the country?

Tahir: My three-month internship in Romania provided me with the opportunity to fully engage with a foreign culture, explore Romania’s captivating landscapes, and form meaningful connections with the local community.

Kavok: My overall experience in Romania was a transformative journey because of the emphasis on humanitarian values there, which seamlessly aligned with my academic principles, adding a unique dimension to my time in the country.

Q: How did you like your internship at the Alexandrion Foundation (AF)? What did you do – marketing/communications, hospitality, finance/accounting, product development, and market research?

Barzan: My role was that of an HR intern, and I was involved in department meetings regarding hiring, evaluation of each department, and work force planning requirements.

Kavok: During my internship, I concentrated on the departments of communications and marketing. Editing press releases, creating content and contributing to the development of internal communication platforms were all tasks in Communications.

Tahir: I focused on international corporate affairs and project analysis during my internship at the Alexandrion Foundation. I had the pleasure of working in the field of international corporate affairs, where we collaborated on international stakeholder communication, managed global partnerships, and ensured compliance with international regulations.

Q: How important do you think such experiences are for AUK students, or in your case, for your professional life after graduation?

Tahir: I am convinced that such experiences are essential for AUK students and anyone’s future professional life. They provide the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, gain practical skills, and network professionally. My time at AF provided me with a solid foundation for my future career.

Kavok: Such internships are vital for AUK students because they provide a link between academic learning and real-world application. My hands-on experience at Alexandrion not only improved my technical communications and marketing skills, but it also instilled in me a greater appreciation for ethical business practices and cultural awareness.

Barzan:  These experiences can be extremely beneficial in one’s professional life after graduation. They allow you to learn about different cultures, improve your professional skills, and broaden your global perspective.

Q: You were gone for three months. What about Kurdistan did you miss the most? What were Romania’s advantages?

Kavok: I missed the warmth and familiarity of Kurdistan, especially the AUK community, and the comfort of home during my three months in Romania. Romania, on the other hand, provided advantages in terms of professional development, exposure to a new culture, and the opportunity to contribute to a global company like Alexandrion.

Barzan: Besides my family and friends, I was missing our delectable cuisine. However, Romania is a place with a very old and rich cultural heritage, and I liked how Romanians are deeply rooted in their culture and roots.

Tahir: During my time abroad, I yearned for the strong bonds and sense of belonging I felt in my home country. This experience deepened my appreciation for the cultural and social ties that make Kurdistan truly unique. But surely, Romania’s history and architecture were fascinating, and I was able to visit historical sites and scenic landscapes. The people I met were friendly, and the work environment at AF was encouraging of my personal and professional development.

Q: What are your long-term plans?

Barzan: The HR department impressed me and I believe it is the backbone of every organization. Moving forward, I plan to look for opportunities to work in the human resources department of a company in my home country.

Tahir: In the future, I hope to work in international corporate affairs and project analysis. Building on my experiences at the Alexandrion Foundation, I hope to continue working in international corporate affairs positions where I can apply the knowledge and expertise, I’ve gained to help Kurdistan develop and grow. I am determined to use the international experience I’ve gained to support initiatives that will help Kurdistan thrive and prosper on the global stage.

Kavok A: In the future, I hope to use the skills and knowledge I gained during my internship to pursue a career in business management and communications. The experience at Alexandrion has laid a solid foundation for my professional journey, and I am eager to apply what I have learned to businesses in Kurdistan in the future.