Impressions from Internship

June 30, 2014

Impressions from Internship

Three-month internship at the Ministry of Justice of Kyrgyz Republic has passed very fast but it was very productive, interesting, and useful for me. As a graduate of FLEX program, I was selected for an internship in one of the ministries of the Kyrgyz Republic within the framework of FLEX “Exchanges to Internships” ACCELS’ program.

The Ministry of Justice was my first choice. I can confidently say that it was a right choice since now I realize how the internship has enriched me both professionally and personally. I interned in the Office for the development of draft of normative legal acts and examination of bills under the guidance of my supervisor Izakova Saira Temirbekovna, one of the main specialists in the office. From the beginning she has encouraged any questions not only gave orders, but also explained their essence, as the legislative process is very multifaceted. I performed a variety of tasks, ranging from copying and faxing to execution of the resolutions, answering to the letters of citizens, and writing the report of interdepartmental meetings. All this helped me to adjust to the organizational environment in a public institution.

My impressions from practice are quite ambiguous: there was an understanding that it is difficult to work as a public servant. You must not only have high qualifications and experience but also be able to keep things under control, be competent in many matters and  be stress-resistant. When dealing with many members of my Office I learned about the realities of daily life, challenges and successes of governmental authorities. It is interesting that all staff of the Office argue that the Ministry of justice is a forge of cadres, where you gain not only knowledge and skills in all areas of public administration and of public life as well.  I totally agree with them. The Ministry has given a lot of efforts and resources for the training of great specialists who are highly in demand in other government posts. It also helps other institutions involved in the legislative work of the State to carry out their duties.

Within the framework of my project together with the Ministry we have developed a workbook for departments to improve the efficiency of normative legal acts. This workbook was presented on June 26 during a meeting of the Interdepartmental commission of the Ministry of justice for an inventory of normative legal acts. ACCELS has provided a small grant for the successful implementation of this project.

I must confess that the internship has broken many of the stereotypes about working in a public institution. I was most surprised by the dedication of the staff of my Office, despite much work and little pay. Many confessed that they wish to continue to work and grow in the Ministry. However, as in all state institutions, there are problems such as employee turnover and excessive bureaucracy. Still, thanks to the work at the Ministry I have gained a clearer image of state regulatory machine from the inside. Each employee is a necessary bolt that makes a huge mechanism of the government work. The internship allowed me to feel the responsibility of management decisions.

I am sincerely grateful to ACCELS and the Ministry of justice for giving me this opportunity. Special thanks to my supervisor Izakova Saira Temirbekovna and to other experts   Elgondiev Nurlan Toktobekovich and to Kasieva Gulbairam Kasievna for their help and support.

To the future interns I wish success at the qualifying stage, a lot of energy and inspiration during the project implementation and enthusiasm during the internship. Feel free to ask questions if something is not clear or ask for help. Be eager to take initiative but do not forget about discipline. In all sincerity I wish you to become leading specialists in your fields!

Jibek Jorokulova

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