Sociology student awarded UN internship in Indonesia

Student Cindy Colondam, who is due to start her second year studying Sociology, has been working as an intern for the United Nations (UN) as part of their UN Global Pulse initiative in Jakarta, Indonesia over the summer.

UN Global Pulse is an innovative initiative by the United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon focusing on big data and how it presents opportunities for sustainable development and humanitarian action. The main office is headquartered in New York and there are Pulse Lab branches in Kampala, Uganda as well as in Jakarta.

Pulse Lab Jakarta is a joint partnership between United Nations and the Indonesian Ministry of National Development and Planning (Bappenas). Bringing together UN experts, the private sector, the Indonesian government and many non-governmental organisations to research and adopt new approaches to social development through big data sources and real-time analytics.

Cindy said: "As my background is Sociology, I helped out with the Research team’s data collection and reports on pressing issues such as food security and poverty, I also contributed to developing strategic partnerships between Pulse Lab Jakarta and other bodies and write blog posts relating to Pulse Lab Jakarta’s current focuses. Furthermore, I helped out in hackathon events such as HackJak (Hack Jakarta) 2015 and got to meet amazing bright individuals who will change the world someday.

"I have not only expanded my horizons but I have also made great connections during my time interning for the UN, which will definitely benefit me in the future. Not to mention, I have also enhanced my research skills, I learned to take more initiative and I now have a newfound appreciation for Big Data and what it can contribute to sustainability."