Internship with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development

Film major Salma El Sayed, recently had an internship with the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development. She was the Communication and Media intern at the ministry and obtained her internship through the AUC Career Center.

Know more about El Sayed's experience, the internship and the steps she took to get it. 

Interview with El Sayed

Q: What was the name of your specific internship, and where were you placed?
A: I was a communication and media intern at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

Q: What inspired you to contact Career Services, and how did they work with you to place you?
A: I was searching for a suitable internship opportunity when I found the announcement media intern on the career web. When I tried to apply, the career web did not allow me to do so because it said that my major did not qualify me. Therefore, I sent the Career Center an email and asked them if they could apply for me using my resume. They added it, and I applied successfully. After 15 days, I received a call from the Ministry to start the first day of the internship, without an interview.

Q: What did you do during this internship? What types of tasks did you undertake? Who did you work with?
A: I was responsible for writing memos and proposals for the Minister, Hala El Saied, specifically for her upcoming events. I attended high-profile meetings with the deputy minister, the permanent undersecretary and the Egyptian ambassador in Italy. I contributed to the on-ground preparations for Egypt's award for the Governmental Distinction event. I researched and created a new template for the weekly news of the ministry, which was accredited by the Department of Communication, and I created social media designs about the ministry's recent news.

I am grateful to have worked with Menna, Gasser, Mina and Mohammed in the communication office and whom I learned a lot from. Everyone was so helpful to me and encouraged me and, most importantly, taught me new skills and information. 

Q: What was the most exciting part of this opportunity? 
A: Organizing the event to announce the winning projects of the National Initiative for Smart Green Projects for COP27 (NIGSP's Conference) held last November in the presence of the prime minister, the minister of international cooperation, the minister of social solidarity and the minister of planning and economic development. Being responsible for creating an event that ministers took part in and appearing in front of them was a unique feeling.

Another exciting part was visiting the new building of the ministry located at the New Capital. I had the opportunity to enter the minister's office and her meeting rooms. The view there was incredible! 

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from this experience?

A: 

• Being involved in the governmental system with the decision-makers
• Having great exposure to different initiatives and programs that many people don't know about
• Having the privilege of knowing about upcoming events and news before they happen
• This experience made me an extrovert and had a greater network. I engaged with the environment quickly
• This experience made me an extrovert. I engaged with the environment quickly, and my supervisors turned out to be my friends. It wasn't just an internship that ended in a month; I still go to the Ministry even now. I am grateful to the Career Center for allowing me to have this lifetime opportunity that shaped my life and exposed me to new areas.