International Project　【France】
International Energy Agency
Daniel del Barrio Álvarez　[D3]
(Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering)

　
The internship at the International Energy Agency has been a wonderful experience. Working with and learning from top-class experts on energy technologies and global policies had a great positive impact on my professional development.
　
I had the chance of joining the team working on the “Energy Technologies Perspectives 2016: Towards Sustainable Urban Energy Systems” publication. My main task was to work on the chapter concerning Mexico. From that position I was able to interact with different units of the organization, getting to know many different types of work the IEA does, and how those are coordinated and finally integrated into a comprehensive publication. In addition, cooperating with policy makers, experts, and researchers from other organizations was always meaningful. Other activities involved supporting the organization of IEA seminars, as well as research about different issues related to energy policies.
　
From my supervisor to all the staff of the organization, everybody was always very supportive, and I can only have good words for them. Besides, frequent gatherings with other interns, at lunch time and after work, was a very important part of what made my stay at IEA and in Paris extremely enjoyable.
　
A word of advice to fellow GSDM students: in order to get the most of the experience, it is important to be ready and willing to get involved and to participate. Being always attentive to what happens around you is extremely important. Also moving around in the organization to know other tasks and, if possible, get involved in a variety of them, is a good strategy which will pay off in the end. Showing commitment and ability to deliver results in time is a more critical feature that you need to display more promptly than in academia (as someone mentioned, in the “real world” you do not have “the privilege of perfection”).
　
In terms of challenges, I would advise to prepare all logistical aspects well in advance, and never hesitate to ask for support (finding an accommodation in Paris might not be as simple as it could seem).
　
To conclude, I would recommend this type of internship to any student. I would advise you to take time to find the place that perfectly fits your interests, and where consequently you can contribute the most, although such search can be quite frustrating. But after all, it is all about having the appropriate attitude.