Our Global Internship Program saw its strongest year in 2025, with 8,876 applications from 133 economies. We selected 42 interns, including 22 women, from 21 economies.
AIIB maintains an intentional approach to offering opportunities to young talents. Our internship program runs from June/July to September and aims to provide candidates with exposure to international development work. We view the Global Internship Program as both a talent pipeline and an inspiration for students worldwide, offering a first-hand look at how infrastructure financing can deliver positive global impact.
Our interns are not observers. They are active contributors to AIIB’s work. Everyone receives a project-based assignment with clear timelines and deliverables. At the end of the internship, participants present their outcomes to their host departments. This structure ensures that every internship is practical, time-bound and impactful. It enables interns to strengthen their technical knowledge as well as develop essential professional skills. The program nurtures a new generation of international development professionals, many of whom may pursue careers in multilateral development banks.
As Asma Shaikh, Director General, Human Resources Department, put it: “We believe that young people carry the ideas and energy that shape the future of infrastructure and development. Our Global Internship Program in 2025 reflects both growth in numbers and depth of diversity. It is our mission to ensure that interns leave inspired, equipped and connected—ready to pursue impact in their fields and perhaps with AIIB someday.”
What Our Interns Have to Say
Aleksandar Nenov, Bulgaria — Intern, Project and Corporate Finance Department
My internship experience has been both professionally and personally enriching. On the professional side, it has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the Bank and my team while also enhancing my competencies in infrastructure finance. The program provided me with valuable opportunities to exchange insights with other departments and learn from the diverse professional backgrounds of my peers. The open culture and approachability of many of the senior staff have also been key to shaping my experience and fostering a positive learning environment. Personally, the opportunity to explore Beijing and immerse myself in Chinese culture was invaluable, as I had little prior experience in the region and I am happy to be able to call some locals my friends now. This experience has significantly strengthened my commercial awareness and solidified my aspirations to pursue a career in infrastructure finance.
Leticia Maria Puttlitz Boll, Brazil — Intern, Office of the Treasurer
What a positive and rewarding experience. At the Office of the Treasurer, I contributed to a project exploring the use of artificial intelligence in portfolio management, which allowed me to learn a lot about both technology and operations in a global organization. Being based at AIIB’s headquarters in Beijing made the experience even richer as I was able to enjoy the city’s culture, history and daily life while working in an international and collaborative environment. Living in Beijing was a unique and transformative experience. Being so far from Brazil gave me the chance to immerse myself in a completely new culture and appreciate the richness of everyday life in a city full of traditions and modernity. I also had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from all over the world and build friendships. Professionally, I gained practical skills and exposure to projects with a real global impact. This internship has strengthened my confidence and reinforced my interest in building a career that combines technology and international development, with a focus on generating positive impact globally.
Siti Karin Thalia Mirza, Indonesia — Intern, Sustainability and Fiduciary Solutions Department
My internship has been incredibly enriching. From day one, I was welcomed by a talented and diverse team who were generous in sharing their knowledge. Even within a relatively short period, I had the privilege of engaging in insightful conversations and building networks that will inspire me for years to come. The experience allowed me to both deepen my passion and career aspirations and at the same time challenge myself to explore entirely new perspectives. I was able to engage in dynamic discussions with people from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment that encouraged curiosity and collaboration. I not only developed technical knowledge but also essential professional skills. Coming from a non-finance background, I found the exposure particularly eye-opening, gaining firsthand insight into how a global financing institution delivers “Infrastructure for Tomorrow.” This internship was a unique combination of exploration, hard work, excitement, and joy, leaving me with wonderful memories, and a deep appreciation for teamwork in a global, mission-driven organization. And, of course, experiencing the beauty of Beijing made the entire journey even more memorable.
The Global Internship Program has proven to be a powerful platform for young talents seeking exposure to international development and infrastructure finance, combining learning, cultural exchange, and professional growth. Applications for the 2026 Summer Internship Program will open in the first quarter of 2026. If you are enrolled in a master’s or PhD program and want to spend your summer making a meaningful contribution to global development, we encourage you to apply.
For universities interested in engaging with AIIB to introduce graduate students to young talent opportunities, please contact Brian Hipolito at brian.hipolito@aiib.org.
