Internship Journey

GJU Interns Gain Real-World Skills at Naumann Foundation

In a pioneering partnership between the German Jordanian University (GJU) and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF), a dual education program has been launched to enhance student employability and produce graduates tailored to meet the specific needs of the job market. This collaboration blends academic studies with practical work experience, offering GJU students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world challenges while gaining valuable skills. Over the course of several years, this program aims to bridge the gap between academia and the job market, equipping students with the necessary tools to thrive in their future careers.

Among the first cohort of GJU interns to join the program, five students have embarked on a transformative journey at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation. Each has contributed significantly to the foundation's mission while gaining insights that will shape their professional paths. Their experiences not only highlight the success of the dual education program but also showcase the profound impact of integrating academic learning with hands-on experience.

Rosette Haddadin: Finding Confidence Through Communication
For Rosette Haddadin, the internship at FNF was a stepping stone to discovering her true potential. She recalls a moment that left an indelible mark on her—the task of personally inviting prominent figures to the foundation's 40th-anniversary celebration. "It was a defining moment," she shares. "I had to step out of my comfort zone and communicate with individuals who hold significant positions in society. It made me realize the importance of effective communication, and I discovered a strength within myself that I hadn't fully recognized before."

Rosette's experience at FNF deepened her passion for public policy and political advocacy. It solidified her commitment to a career focused on promoting freedom and liberal values. "This internship has not only reinforced my career goals but also equipped me with the practical skills necessary to pursue them," she adds. Her contributions to the foundation, from assisting in research to organizing events, have played a crucial role in advancing FNF's mission of empowering individuals to participate actively in political processes.

Farah Al Shobaky: Discovering New Passions
Farah Al Shobaky's internship journey was a blend of project management and unexpected creative discovery. Working closely with project managers at FNF, Farah honed her organizational abilities and gained clarity on her career aspirations. "The hands-on experience in planning and executing projects was invaluable," she explains. "It empowered me to explore my full potential and confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in project management."

However, an unexpected passion for journalism and photography also emerged during her time at FNF. Farah vividly recalls her involvement in the Naumann School of Politics project, where she picked up a camera and began capturing moments of participants' learning and growth. "It was a fulfilling experience," she says. "I realized how much I enjoyed telling stories through images." This newfound passion has inspired Farah to consider a career that combines project management with visual storytelling—a unique path she had not envisioned before her internship.

Jinan Farwaji: Embracing New Experiences
For Jinan Farwaji, the internship at FNF was an opportunity to explore uncharted territory. Initially uncertain about her career path, Jinan found clarity through the diverse experiences she encountered at the foundation. From managing administrative tasks to engaging with high-profile guests at the 40th-anniversary celebration, Jinan's role was multifaceted and dynamic. "Being responsible for registration sheets at such a significant event was a new experience for me," she reflects. "It pushed me to interact with people outside my comfort zone and taught me the value of networking."

Jinan's time at FNF also involved stepping up during the EU "PAVE" Project, where she had to introduce the project's objectives to a gathered audience. Despite her initial nervousness, she learned to navigate public speaking with confidence. "This experience taught me to go beyond my comfort zone and embrace opportunities that challenge me," she says. Through her contributions, Jinan has helped the foundation advocate for its values of activism and advocacy, all while gaining valuable insights that will guide her future career choices.

Zaina Sharabi: Balancing Innovation with Tradition
Zaina Sharabi's internship at FNF was a journey of balancing innovation with the traditional frameworks of politics and policymaking. As she gained knowledge of project planning and coordination, Zaina's most memorable experience was her involvement in STEPNAU, a project where she attended workshops led by experts who lectured refugees on various topics. "Witnessing these workshops was surreal," she recalls. "It deepened my understanding of politics and the impact of policymaking on society."

One of Zaina's significant challenges was organizing her first political conference, which focused on the refugee crisis in Jordan. "It was nerve-racking," she admits. "Dealing with mayors and political figures was completely out of my comfort zone, but the success of the event taught me the value of taking big risks." Through her efforts, Zaina has contributed to FNF's goals by providing fresh insights and supporting liberal values in Jordanian society.

Esraa Albataineh: Designing for Social Change
Esraa Albataineh's internship experience at FNF was defined by her creative contributions to the foundation's mission. As a designer, Esraa played a pivotal role in making FNF's messages more engaging and accessible. "Through my design work, I communicated the foundation's values in a way that resonated with a wider audience," she explains. "It was rewarding to see how my creativity could drive social change."

Esraa's involvement in the Pizza-talk project, where participants discussed elections, pushed her to step out of her comfort zone. "I'm not usually comfortable discussing politics, but this experience taught me the importance of engaging with topics that matter," she shares. Her contributions added a fresh perspective to FNF's initiatives, helping the foundation reach and connect with more people through visually appealing and effective campaigns.

In closing, the partnership between GJU and FNF has proven to be a successful model for integrating academic learning with practical experience. Through their internships at FNF, Rosette, Farah, Jinan, Zaina, and Esraa have gained invaluable skills, discovered new passions, and contributed to the foundation's mission in meaningful ways. As these interns continue their professional journeys, they carry with them the lessons learned and the experiences that will shape their careers—testaments to the power of dual education in preparing the next generation of leaders.