Welcoming delegates with a lyric from Minnesotan, Bob Dylan, International Internship Network founder and convention organiser, Matt Byrnes, set a reflective tone: “Are available in… I’ll offer you shelter from the storm.”
“We’re within the midst of a storm in post-secondary training,” defined Byrnes, who believes that IIC can provide colleagues a refuge from the onsalught on latest coverage selections which can be impacting worldwide training globally.
“IIC fosters an atmosphere of tranquillity and confidence, the place attendees discover examine overseas options and partnerships that profit their establishments and college students,” he mentioned.
Attendees from throughout the globe gathered to interact in classes that ranged from employer web site visits to targeted panels and social receptions. Delegates included worldwide internship suppliers, college, authorities representatives, employers, and college students.
Central to this system was the convention’s annual debate. This yr’s sq. off was entitled ‘Man vs Machine’ and tackled questions surrounding AI’s function in internship design and supply. Moderated by The PIE‘s Maureen Manning, the session featured Kate Moore, principal and co-founder of the International Profession Middle (GCC), Balaji Krishnan, vice provost on the College of Memphis, Greg Holz, assistant director for world engagement on the Univerity of Central Missouri, and Rishab Malhotra, founder and CEO of AIDO.
The panellists introduced various views, from AI ethics and company supervision to startup innovation and campus life. They debated how expertise can assist fairly than supplant the human expertise in relation to worldwide expeiences.
Krishnan emphasised the significance of moral frameworks in guiding AI improvement, warning in opposition to unchecked reliance on algorithmic instruments with out human oversight. Malhotra famous that whereas synthetic intelligence can optimise logistics and placement processes, it can’t replicate human empathy or intercultural sensitivity – qualities central to world internships. In the meantime, Holz provided a perspective from the company aspect, suggesting that when used thoughtfully, AI can streamline operations and liberate supervisors to supply extra significant mentorships. Moore closed by framing expertise as an enabler fairly than a alternative; a instrument, not a trainer.
These discussions mirrored a core concern echoed all through the convention: learn how to keep the integrity and goal of internships whereas leveraging digital instruments to scale entry and influence.
Byrnes commented on the relevance of the convention’s course: “IIC’s deal with the way forward for internships and expertise is on level. At a time when academia is pivoting to arrange college students for the way AI is reworking the office, IIC attendees return to their campuses with way more data about rising applied sciences and the way they’ll evolve internship packages to satisfy the wants of their college students.”
The occasion additionally highlighted the necessary function of presidency partnerships in advancing work-integrated studying. International Experience Canada (IEC), one of many central companions of the convention, said: “We congratulate IIC for its function as a number one organisation in advancing dialogue and partnerships on worldwide experiential training, work-integrated studying and internships, and as considered one of IEC’s latest recognised organisation companions.”
tech data alone will not be sufficient. We should assist college students to assume critically, navigate complexity, and adapt with agility
Maria Angeles Fernandes Lopez, Universidad de Camilo Jose Cela
All through the three-day occasion, many delegates indicated to the PIE that it’s not a query of whether or not expertise will form the way forward for internships, however fairly how to make sure that these instruments improve, not eclipse, the human dimensions of studying: mentorship, reflection, and cross-cultural understanding.
“tech data alone will not be sufficient. We should assist college students to assume critically, navigate complexity, and adapt with agility,” asserted Maria Angeles Fernandes Lopez, vice rector at Universidad de Camilo Jose Cela, the host establishment for the IIC in 2026. On the passing of the torch ceremony on the conclusion of the convention, Byrnes and Lopez indicated their hope to construct on the momentum and dialogue sparked in Minneapolis on the intersection between expertise and humanity.
