A Chevening scholar’s life-changing internship with EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a large international financial institution that generously partners with Chevening to support the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Bilguun, who is from Mongolia, was a 2022-23 Chevening scholar studying an MSc in International Development at the University of Edinburgh. Prior to commencing her studies in the UK, Bilguun had an extensive background in project management and community development in her home country, working with herder communities and local SMEs to improve their livelihoods and resilience in the face of an ever-changing climate.

A perfect match 

‘The EBRD internship was a perfect match for my aspirations and experience. My previous work in supporting SMEs, fostering financial inclusion, and championing digital transformation – which was the topic of my dissertation – made the EBRD internship seem uniquely tailored to my interests and expertise. Moreover, the internship presented an opportunity to stretch my capabilities beyond the direct, hands-on fieldwork I’d been accustomed to, challenging me to think on an international scale.

‘In the SME finance and development department, I had the chance to engage with strategic planning and the execution of projects across 30 countries. It also allowed me to gain insight into large-scale operation and integration of policy and strategies across diverse regions and sectors.

‘The opportunity to work within such an esteemed institution was not just a chance to apply my existing skills, but also a platform to learn, grow, and contribute in a more impactful way.’

A typical day

‘The work environment at EBRD was refreshingly different and a novel experience for me. Alongside my fellow interns, we cycled through various teams including the Star Venture Programme, communications, donor partnerships, and supply chain finance on a bi-weekly basis. This rotation allowed us to gain a 360-degree view of the SME finance and development department’s operations and impact, exposing us to a wide range of projects and strategic objectives.

‘Living near the EBRD office, I often walked to work, giving me a head start to check emails on my way and prioritise tasks for the day. Our mornings often began with meetings due to the broad geographical spread of EBRD’s operations, which extends from Morocco to Mongolia. Scheduling this early ensured participation from our colleagues in varied time zones, particularly Central Asia. Coffee was a staple of the office culture. It served as a catalyst for mid-morning energy boosts and was the perfect opportunity for informal catchups with colleagues. One of my colleagues humorously remarked that the EBRD runs on coffee, and I certainly found this to be true as I navigated a packed schedule each day.

‘Networking and relationship-building were core components of the EBRD internship experience. To maximise learning opportunities, I tried to arrange lunch meetings with different team members and leaders to discuss their roles and gather insights on ongoing projects. These were instrumental in building rapport and learning from the vast experience within the EBRD. When not networking externally, lunchtimes with the other interns offered us chances to debrief, exchange ideas, and coordinate handovers due to our rotational role system.

‘Afternoons were generally focused on project work, administrative duties, and follow-up meetings. We collaborated on reports, strategised on communication plans, or developed proposals depending on the team we were working with at the time.

‘The EBRD Young Professional Network also frequently organised events such as roundtables with senior management or informal networking events with fellow young professionals after work.’

The impact of Chevening and EBRD

‘The Chevening Scholarship transformed my life in immeasurable ways.

‘On a personal level, being a Chevening scholar allowed me to immerse myself in the rich academic and cultural landscape of the UK. This experience granted me the opportunity to step back from the relentless cycle of projects back home, providing a chance to think deeply about the nuances of international and community development—a subject I’m deeply passionate about. The friendships and networks I cultivated during this time were invaluable, connecting me with like-minded individuals from around the world who are equally driven to make a difference.

‘Professionally, both Chevening and the EBRD internship have significantly broadened my horizons. The rigorous academic program at the University of Edinburgh equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of global development challenges and key skills, which I am now applying in real-world scenarios. The EBRD internship transformed my perspective on development work. By moving from field-based project management to a strategic role where I examined large-scale operations across more than 30 countries, I gained critical insights into how such projects are conceived and executed on a global scale.

‘Currently, as a consultant for the Star Venture Programme, I leverage the skills and insights gained from both Chevening and EBRD to support innovative start-ups and harness their potential for growth across 30 countries.’

Advice for future scholars

‘To future Chevening scholars and EBRD interns, my primary advice is to embrace every opportunity. Both Chevening and EBRD offer unparalleled platforms for growth, learning, and networking, and your approach to these opportunities can significantly shape your journey.

‘Firstly, I encourage you to put yourself out there. Whether it’s participating in extracurricular activities, attending lectures, joining seminars, or engaging in discussion groups, every interaction is a chance to learn something new and expand your network. The Chevening network is vast and diverse; every city you visit in the UK presents an opportunity to meet fellow Cheveners and share your experiences both in the UK and internationally.

‘Additionally, focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The intensity of academic and professional commitments can be demanding, so it’s crucial to prioritise your health and well-being. Take time out for yourself, and engage in activities that bring you joy.

‘Lastly, cultivate resilience and adaptability. The path may be challenging, with moments of uncertainty and learning curves, but remember that these experiences are integral to your development as a leader in your field. Harness every experience as a learning opportunity, and don’t hesitate to push beyond your comfort zone. This is a time to innovate, to be bold in your aspirations, and to make a tangible impact both locally and globally.’

Find out more about how our partners are supporting scholars.