The University of Westminster’s International Organization for Migration (IOM) Internship Programme has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Employability International Impact category of the PIEoneer Awards, which honours organisations that are actively improving the potential employability outcomes for their international students.
Now in its fifth year, Westminster’s partnership with the United Nation’s (UN) IOM has grown into a flagship global mobility initiative, offering international and home students the opportunity to undertake specialist internships across IOM offices worldwide. Recent cohorts have been placed in locations including Austria, Senegal, Switzerland, Tunisia, Botswana, Costa Rica, Burundi, Jordan and Greece, contributing to projects that reflect IOM’s operational breadth.
The programme provides hands‑on experience in areas such as migration governance, humanitarian and crisis response, health programming, climate‑related initiatives, project coordination, communications and policy research. Interns receive structured professional development, mentoring from IOM experts and exposure to the realities of working within a major international organisation.
Since its launch, the initiative has supported a growing number of students across multiple countries, with many progressing into roles in NGOs, intergovernmental organisations, government departments and international development agencies. Several interns have gone on to secure positions within their teams at IOM, demonstrating the programme’s strong employability impact.
The initiative is supported through the University’s outward mobility funding and philanthropic contributions, ensuring students from all backgrounds can access international career pathways. It forms a key part of Westminster’s commitment to widening participation in global mobility and strengthening students’ future‑focused employability.
The award ceremony will take place on 4 September at London's historic Guildhall.
Jean-Charles Munongo, a Diplomacy and Global Politics MA student, who is now a consultant at the IOM Headquarters in Geneva following his internship, said: “It is a professional experience like no other! To be at the heart of an international organisation like the IOM is a privilege. From meeting with fellow interns to exchanging ideas with the Director General and representatives of permanent missions, this transition from theory to practice has been smooth, empowering and inspiring.”
Mariam Kutkut, an Arabic and Global Communication BA Honours student who now works full-time as a Communication Officer in IOM Romania after successfully completing her internship, said: “The internship was instrumental in preparing me for my role today, giving me a solid foundation in key areas that are highly relevant to my current work, particularly labour migration in Romania and emergency response in the context of the Ukraine crisis.”
About this recognition, Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad, Director of Employability and Project Lead at the University, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a testament to the programme’s transformative impact and pioneering approach. Since 2022, it has provided our students with hundreds of months of internship experience at a leading UN organisation, equipping them with exceptional professional development opportunities that can shape their future careers. Nearly 30% of participants have gone on to secure employment with UN-IOM, while others have joined international NGOs and related organisations. The programme demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships, innovative funding and institutional commitment in creating lasting career opportunities for our students and graduates.”
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University, added: “I am so proud to see the IOM Internship Programme recognised on the global stage through this PIEoneer Awards nomination! This achievement reflects the transformative impact the programme has on our students’ lives and international careers. It is only possible because of the generosity of donors such as alumnus Ken Subraj, whose support funds the stipends for talented Westminster students from all backgrounds to access life-changing international opportunities with the UN and develop the skills, experience and networks needed to thrive in global careers.”
Providing opportunities of real-life work experiences is a key part of the University of Westminster's Zone29 career and entrepreneurial support offering.
The internship programme directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
For more information regarding the International Organization for Migration Internship Programme, contact Dr Sahar Taghdisi Rad.
To find out more about the programme, and how to support, visit the University’s Donate website.
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