Let’s discover how IRM equips young professionals with leadership skills, empathy, and practical tools for community impact through hands-on learning experiences!
When I first came to IRM, I had no idea what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised when, on the very first day, our coordinator led us through fun icebreaker activities that instantly gave me confidence that my time here would be both fun and inspiring.
At IRM, I’ve learned not only from the work we do but also from the vision of experienced professionals who have spent years addressing development challenges. The mentorship they provide is priceless offering practical lessons drawn from real-world experience that extend far beyond textbooks.
Over the course of my time here, I’ve seen how IRM combines competence-building with purpose, creating an environment where future professionals are shaped to lead not only with skill but also with compassion. One of the things I deeply admire is how empathy is integrated into everything we do—whether it’s collaborating with fellow interns or supervisors showing us grace when we make mistakes. The environment encourages open communication, teamwork, and learning without fear of judgment, making every day motivating and inspiring.
Picking Up Useful, Real-World Skills
It’s been incredibly rewarding to gain skills I can actually apply. For example, I’ve learned to use Excel; something I had almost no prior knowledge of which has helped me sort and analyze data effectively.
As a finance student, I had little background in development work and no real idea of what to expect when I joined IRM. If it weren’t for this internship, I wouldn’t have had the chance to learn about other departments. Thanks to my peers, I’ve gained valuable insights into their work and developed a much better understanding of social protection, my chosen department.
I also learned that reviewing EOIs, RFPs, and RFQs is often the very first step in helping communities because getting those opportunities right means projects get funded and actually happen.
IRM doesn’t just focus on technical skills; it also guides us in navigating the corporate world. From workplace behavior to clear communication, from teamwork to people skills IRM provides a professional upgrade that complements our technical learning. By teaching these practical skills alongside empathy-building, IRM ensures that every intern walks away with the tools to succeed both professionally and personally.
Building Empathy Through Service
IRM goes beyond simply imparting skills it instills strong values. As Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Through our time at IRM, we gained a deep understanding of the Smart Schools program, which supports children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Even without working directly in the program, learning about its mission and impact has opened my eyes to the role compassion plays in sustainable development.
This taught me that true leadership goes far beyond managing tasks. As John C. Maxwell puts it, “Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” For me, leadership now means understanding people’s needs and finding meaningful, sustainable ways to address them whether in the field or behind the scenes.
The IRM Impact on My Personal Growth
One of the biggest lessons IRM taught me is that being a leader is about the journey, not just the finish line. Leadership is built on technical competence, emotional intelligence, and the courage to take initiative.
IRM gave me a safe space to try, fail, learn, and try again improving each time. I’ve grown more confident not only in my professional skills but also in my ability to navigate challenges with empathy and clarity. I’ve learned to listen deeply, ask better questions, and view problems as opportunities for creative solutions.
Another crucial part of my growth has been adaptability. Development work is dynamic—priorities shift, resources change, and unexpected challenges always arise. At IRM, I learned to roll with the punches rather than stress over changes. Whether it meant tweaking schedules, picking up new skills quickly, or supporting teammates in unfamiliar tasks, I discovered that adaptability is a form of resilience.
I also realized the importance of self-awareness in leadership. Through constructive feedback from supervisors and peers, I gained valuable insights into my strengths and areas for improvement. Instead of fearing criticism, I now welcome it as a stepping stone for growth.
IRM has shown me that my work isn’t just about personal success—it’s about creating meaningful impact. It’s not only about advancing my career but also about using my skills to make a real difference in the world. This sense of purpose is something I’ll carry with me into every role I take on in the future.
Author:
Yumna Khan
Intern – Institute of Rural Management (IRM)
Comsats University
Bachelors in Accounting and Finance