BISP Internship Programme: Youth’s Professional Development

The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Internship Programme is designed with a vision to provide additional human resources to strengthen the BISP. The programme aims to offer short-term, supervised work experiences related to a student’s specific field of study or career aspirations. This initiative combines practical work experience with structured learning to achieve the objectives of the BISP Secretariat.

Key Objectives

The BISP Internship Programme has several key objectives:

1. Promotion and Advocacy:
   • Objective: Promote BISP’s work within the youth community and create advocates from a wide cross-section of society.
   • Example: After completing their internships, participants can share their positive experiences, advocating for BISP’s initiatives and contributing to a broader understanding of its impact.
2. Understanding Challenges:
   • Objective: Provide insight into the challenges confronting sister organizations and how the BISP Secretariat collaborates with its members to overcome these challenges.
   • Example: Interns will learn about the operational hurdles faced by BISP and witness firsthand how these are managed, providing them with a holistic view of organizational operations.
3. Talent Development:
   • Objective: Attract and develop a future talent pool.
   • Example: By engaging with bright, young minds, BISP aims to nurture future leaders and professionals who can contribute to the public sector.
4. Professional Experience:
   • Objective: Provide interns with the opportunity to gain work experience in various areas of the BISP Secretariat’s activities.
   • Example: Interns may work in different departments, such as project management, data analysis, or public relations, gaining a diverse set of skills and experiences.
5. Career Preparation:
   • Objective: Offer students and fresh graduates a chance for professional development and prepare them for careers in public sector organizations.
   • Example: Through practical tasks and responsibilities, interns will build their resumes and prepare for future job opportunities.
6. Network Creation:
   • Objective: Create a network of advocates for public sector organizations.
   • Example: Interns will connect with professionals and peers, building a network that can support their career growth and advocate for public sector initiatives.
7. International Recognition:
   • Objective: Aspire towards having BISP’s Internship Programme recognized internationally and coordinated internally as a flagship initiative.
   • Example: The programme’s success can serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide, highlighting BISP’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

Guidelines for the Internship Programme

Application Scope

The guidelines apply to all interns in the BISP Secretariat. The internship programme is distinct from other forms of short-term attachments, such as contractual or temporary positions.

Internship Conditions

• Duration: Internships will last between 3 to 6 months, with interns required to maintain an 80% attendance rate.
• Remuneration: Interns will receive a fixed stipend of PKR 10,000 per month.
• Eligibility: Applicants must have a 16-year HEC recognized degree or equivalent/diploma (3 years after Matric/F.Sc) with a minimum of 50% marks or a 2.5 CGPA. The age limit is 22 to 30 years at the time of application.
• Encouragement for Diversity: Female candidates, madrassah graduates, disabled applicants (2% quota), and minorities (5% quota) are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedure

• Advertisement: Internship opportunities will be posted on the BISP Secretariat’s website.
• Application: Prospective interns must complete an online application form and, if required, provide a letter from their sponsoring institution.
• Selection Process: Applications will be reviewed thoroughly, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after selection. An internship selection panel will shortlist and select suitable interns.

Obligations of Interns

• Active Participation: Interns should fully participate in the learning experience and work closely with their assigned manager.
• Professional Conduct: Interns must maintain professional behavior and uphold the organization’s image.
• Confidentiality: Interns are required to keep all information confidential and sign a confidentiality agreement before starting.
• Evaluation and Reporting: Interns must complete an evaluation and report on their assignment at the end of the internship.

Obligations of the Secretariat

• Support and Supervision: Provide a conducive working environment, requisite equipment, and supervision to ensure a positive experience for interns.
• Stipend and Certification: Pay the monthly stipend and issue a certificate/experience letter upon successful completion of the internship.
• Performance Review: Regularly review interns’ performance and provide feedback.

Learning Outcomes

Interns are expected to achieve specific learning outcomes:

1. Organizational Understanding: Explain the purpose of the organization in relation to their area of research.
   • Assessment: Description in the placement report of the context and purpose of the organization.
2. Analyzing Organizational Changes: Explain and analyze changes within the organization.
   • Assessment: Description and analysis of organizational change, identification of opportunities and challenges.
3. Best Practices: Critically analyze what constitutes best practices at the organizational level.
   • Assessment: Use of examples to support views, analysis of such practices, and links between practice and theory.
4. Leadership Reflection: Reflect upon the role of leadership within the organization.
   • Assessment: Observation of leadership in organizations and reflection upon personal leadership qualities.
5. Communication Skills: Communicate the experience of the placement briefly and clearly to various audiences.
   • Assessment: Evidence in writing of accuracy and fluency in internship reports.
6. Personal Reflection: Reflect upon personal experiences during the placement.
   • Assessment: Articulation of personal reflections, values, and feelings about the BISP Secretariat.

Conclusion

The BISP Internship Programme is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering youth through professional development. By offering practical work experience and structured learning, the programme prepares students and fresh graduates for careers in the public sector. It also creates a network of advocates and future leaders who understand and support the goals of BISP. Through this internship, participants not only gain valuable skills and experience but also contribute to the betterment of society by supporting one of Pakistan’s key social safety net programmes.