I was asked by a Computer Science student from Tunisia 🇹🇳 how she could secure an international internship. Here’s the advice I shared:

1. Narrow Your Focus
   Start by defining your field of interest or technology. Determine the markets you’re targeting. Identify the type of stakeholders you want to engage with.
   • (1) Field: AI, eCommerce, FinTech, AgriTech, Blockchain, etc.
   • (2) Market: MEA, Europe, US, etc.
   • (3) Stakeholder: Startup, Corporate, Investor, Ecosystem.
2. Make a List
   Write down all the companies that you respect or admire within your chosen group. Don’t limit yourself—include as many as you can think of.
3. Leverage LinkedIn
   Go on LinkedIn, follow these companies, and check if any of your contacts are already working there.
4. Reach Out
   Contact your LinkedIn connections to ask if their company offers internships and who the right person is to talk to. Be sure to ask if you can mention their name when reaching out.
5. Gain Diverse Experience
   Try to complete at least 2-3 internships in different companies or industries. Make a meaningful impact, and you might be able to turn it into a permanent role.

Show Proactive Value
Demonstrate your value upfront by creating something that stands out (e.g., a relevant project or proposal) and send it to the CEO, HR, or whoever is responsible for the internship program. This will help you rise above other candidates. If the company doesn’t have an internship program, it could even inspire them to start one.