Abhinab Shakya Pradhan, INTA Class of 2025
Where and with whom did you do your internship?
I completed my internship in the Secretariat of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in Kathmandu, Nepal. I worked in the Economic, Trade, and Finance (ETF) Division under the supervision of Director Bhavesh R. Trivedi (India).
What were your primary responsibilities?
I worked on research to examine Nepal’s export relationship with Bangladesh and India. The focus was to investigate the trade barriers, especially non-trade ones, that impact access to the two neighboring States. I analyzed the past and ongoing bilateral events between Nepal-India and Nepal-Bangladesh. The political instability in Nepal has significantly affected the country’s production capacity. Additionally, due to the challenges in negotiating better and favorable trade policies and a lack of technological advancement, several factories that were thriving previously have faced downturns while some have collapsed. My research aimed to comprehend the trade barriers hindering Nepalese stakeholders from entering the markets of Bangladesh and India and underscored the importance of stabilizing the political sector and the government.
Which of your previous classes or learning experiences were most useful to you during the internship
The economic classes I took with Dr. Mu were very helpful. Involvement in various student organizations and seminars organized by the Mosbacher Institute and Scowcroft Institute really helped me develop my leadership, communication skills, and knowledge base.
What were the highlights or most important learning opportunities from your internship experience?
I worked under a decorated diplomat while studying my country’s economic potential and possibilities. The interactions with him and diplomats from other South Asian countries were extremely rewarding and full of insights. I had the opportunity to discuss my report with the General Secretary of SAARC, Mr. Md. Golam Sarwar. Following our discussion, he offered me the chance to meet with the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal. It was an incredible opportunity for me and an absolute highlight of my overall experience to exchange dialogue with Amb. Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury along with First Secretary Mr. Mohammad Humayun Kabir. regarding the outlook of Nepalese stakeholders towards the Bangladeshi Market and the NTBs while learning about the Bangladeshi perspective towards the Nepalese Market and the obstacles. We talked about the importance and the need for bilateral and trilateral talks between Nepal-Bangladesh-India to enhance the connectivity of the region that respects the national interests of all three.
Another highlight of my internship was the day-to-day exchanges with other interns from other SAARC member States. I spent most of my time searching for articles, reports, and books, taking notes, analyzing the information, and working on the report. Although these tasks were tedious, they were essential parts of my internship. And the opportunity to interact with other brilliant minds that were part of the internship program revitalized me.
Do you have any advice for first year Bush School students who may be applying for an internship for this summer?
Start early! Make a list of organizations/ agencies you want to work for in the future and see if they have internship programs and start networking with current officers and existing/ past interns. There are a lot of resources available in the Bush School so please seek support. You should apply to as many internships as possible. There is a lot to learn and planning for and going to interviews helps!
