Abdelrahman “Abdel” Taha | Internship Spotlight

Abdelrahman “Abdel” Taha, INTA Class of 2022

1. Where and with whom did you do your internship?
   I worked for the World Bank during the summer. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I worked completely remotely for the entire period.
2. What were your primary responsibilities?
   My main responsibility was to contribute to a study by the World Bank’s Poverty & Equity Global Practice on female labor participation in major apparel exporting countries. The study explored the role of exporting apparel in facilitating the transition from jobs to careers for women. As part of my work, I studied data from seven different countries, including their major domestic laws that affect women’s career prospects. Additionally, I had the opportunity to work on other tasks including a webinar on trade and integration in Global Value Chains (GVCs), and grant proposal research.
3. Which of your previous classes or learning experiences were most useful to you during the internship?
   Almost all Bush school courses emphasize critical thinking and research and writing skills, so, in a way, all my Bush courses were useful during my internship. Perhaps the most directly relevant courses were Quantitative Methods I and II, which prepared me to undertake the required quantitative tasks. Another course that was particularly helpful was International Trade Policy with Dr. Robertson, which introduced me to international trade theory and practice and further familiarized me with economic research.
4. What were the highlights or most important learning opportunities from your internship experience?
   The regular team meetings were great learning opportunities in and of themselves. I had the opportunity not only to learn about the work of the World Bank from the inside, but also to learn more about economic research in general, from applying for funding to editing stages. If I have to choose one highlight, it would be helping with organizing an event on trade integration post-COVID in North Africa, particularly in Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. The event included renowned scholars and experts, representatives from the World Bank and other international organizations, and high-level officials, who discussed trade integration challenges in the region, particularly with regard to employment, in light of the COVID crisis.
5. Do you have any advice for first year Bush School students who may be applying for an internship for this summer?
   Make use of the great resources you have at the Bush School and the Mosbacher Institute, in particular. Everyone at the Mosbacher Institute will want you to have a successful experience, so make sure to reach out and take advantage of the Institute’s wide network. However, it is ultimately your responsibility to secure a position, so make sure you apply early and to different places. Moreover, invest in your quantitative skills, either by making the most of the required quantitative methods courses or by taking more data-intensive classes. This will surely prove useful during your trade internship