WATERTOWN — Interns ages 18 to 23 from around the world spent eight weeks in Boston this summer, as part of the inaugural Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) program here.
The program allowed students to explore fields in STEM, medicine, business, journalism, education and more.
The AGBU program includes opportunities to see the city of Boston, as the students live in the dormatories of Northeastern University (NEU) downtown. The program allowed students to walk the Freedom Trail, go whale watching at the seaport, tour numerous Armenian and American museums, etc.
Considering the nature of an internship, the students were not only able to find experience in a professional setting, but were also able to form lasting connections that will allow them to foster their budding careers. These interns not only form new connections with their employers and fellow employees, but also with interns in the AGBU program who are interested in different careers. This allows the students to explore different aspects of the professional field, while also learning how different fields interact.
The interns were also able to meet many professionals in various industries, forming great business connections with a vast network of people. Interns were given many opportunities to meet with AGBU Young Professionals throughout the program. Interacting with professionals in the field in which one studies gives the interns a sneak peek into the real world they wish to enter.
The interns spoke very highly of the program. One of the interns, Julia Samuelian interned as a research assistant, professor’s assistant, and ancient Armenian coin decipherer at Harvard University. She discussed how the program affected her. “I love to be involved with the Armenian community,” she said, “and this program has made me even more determined to be involved.”