Internship Experience at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva (Déo KABANGA)

My internship in the Statistics Department at the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Geneva was one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional life so far.

During the internship, I worked closely with specialists involved in the review and development of international statistical standards. One of my key contributions was supporting a draft report that examined the availability, quality, and comparability of Work-Based Learning (WBL) statistics across African countries. I also reviewed selected household survey questionnaires and edited Stata processing syntax to generate variables related to vocational education, skills development, and work-based learning, ensuring their consistency and relevance for inclusion in survey datasets.

In addition, I assisted with the preparation of a draft report outlining the conceptual framework for statistics on work-based learning. This work was complemented by my involvement in developing practical data-collection tools for WBL. I prepared summaries of data and metadata on vocational education, skills, and work-based learning, which were used in analytical reports, data-collection materials, and communication outputs. I also contributed to the development of instructions for completing the Labour Force Survey (LFS) module on work-based learning, which helped deepen my understanding of survey design and implementation.

Through these activities, I gained a solid understanding of the ILO’s institutional environment, departmental workflows, and the key concepts and definitions used in measuring work-based learning. I also learned how WBL-related questions are covered in national Labour Force Surveys across Africa. These experiences strengthened my analytical thinking and provided me with practical skills that I shall continue to carry forward with confidence into the next stage of my careerIt was a period of intense learning, growth, and discovery both technically and personally. Beyond developing skills in research, data, and policy, I gained first-hand insight into how global decisions are shaped, challenged, and ultimately improved through evidence and collaboration.

I am deeply grateful to the entire ILO community, and especially to the Statistics Department, for the supportive and welcoming environment. I want to express my sincere thanks to my supervisor, Ms. Valentina, for her guidance, trust, and encouragement throughout the internship, as well as for the informal coffee conversations that often turned into valuable moments of reflection and progress.

Finally, I would like to thank Professor Keiichi Ogawa, my academic supervisor, whose encouragement inspired me to pursue this internship and whose academic support continued throughout my time in Geneva.

Authored by Déo KABANGA (Doctoral Student)