Launched in 2020, CSP’s internship program provides undergraduates and fresh graduates from 11 Lebanese universities under USAID’s Higher Education Capacity Development Program (HECD) the opportunity to gain professional and practical experience to start their careers and generate a temporary income. By June 2023, 53 of the 160 interns who were placed in internships across 12 USAID implementing partners in Lebanon had secured full-time jobs.

On June 27, 2023, CSP conducted its third interns feedback session, attended by 40 interns representing the 11 partner universities. The session focused on employability and included a panel discussion with four former interns who found employment and shared their experience landing a job in the country’s turbulent job market. Additionally, during the session, CSP announced the launch of its soft skills training program tailored for interns to further enhance employability, and its mentorship program where current interns are matched with previous interns who have found jobs to share experiences and provide guidance.

“The interns feedback session motivated us to work hard in our internships, especially now with the soft skills program which will support us in writing better CVs, preparing for an interview, and eventually landing a good job,” said Rita Haddad, a Chemistry graduate from the Lebanese American University (LAU), completing her internship at the USAID-funded DAWERR project.