LocationsThe UNDP-funded internship programmes in a variety of fields, launched last year, will continue supporting young adults, reaching over 320 participants throughout 2025 in Dushanbe and Khujand.
Participants of the UNDP-funded internship programme at eight private sector companies in Tajikistan
UNDP Tajikistan
Since September 2 024, 243 young adults have joined the programme, with 65 already completing their internships. And here’s the real success story: 55 of them -32 women and 23 men - have landed jobs.
These internships aren’t just about getting coffee or making copies. Participants dive into real work, gaining practical skills in banking, marketing, IT, HR, and the service industry. They work alongside industry experts, learning on the job and building the confidence they need to thrive in today’s competitive job market.
UNDP Tajikistan has made this possible by teaming up with eight of the country’s leading private sector companies, including major banks and training centres for graduates of universities.
The three-month internship allows each intern to learn and adapt to the new working environment, implement their theoretical understanding gained from the university education to the real work experience with the host institutions, accelerate their learning journey, build networks, learn, and sharpen their technical skills while learning additional soft skills required for the job market.
As the programme grows, more young Tajiks will get the chance to turn internships into careers - one opportunity at a time.
Zumrad, the youngest participant of the UNDP-funded Private Sector Internship Programme
UNDP Tajikistan
Found the Right Path in Life
At just 19, Zumrad Sadulloeva faced a challenge many young people in Tajikistan can relate to - she couldn’t attend university due to family difficulties. But instead of giving up, she searched tirelessly for ways to keep learning and growing. That’s when she found Minds Learning Centre, a place that offers additional education programmes for university students.
Zumrad started as a volunteer, helping to organize training activities. But as she got more involved, she discovered something unexpected - marketing was her true passion.
"My journey at the centre started just as they launched the internship programme," she recalls. "For the first time in my life, I realized - this is what I want to do. I must become a marketing specialist."
With guidance from Minds’ leading marketing expert, she dove into learning about customer engagement, branding, PR, and social media management. Now, she’s not only planning to deepen her expertise but also dreams of becoming a top marketing professional at the centre to promote the power of marketing among her peers.
"I also want to get my bachelor's degree in marketing. Before, I wasn’t sure if I could make it to university, but thanks to this life-changing internship, I finally feel ready. Next year, I’m going to apply," Zumrad says with confidence.
Saidmuhammad, a participant of the UNDP-funded Private Sector Internship Programme
UNDP Tajikistan
Transitioning From Maths to IT
At 24, Saidmuhammad Hikmatullozoda had already graduated from Tajik National University with a degree in mathematics and mechanics. But finding the right job? That was another story.
Everything changed when he landed an internship through the UNDP-supported programme, which eventually led to a full-time job at Avesto Group, a company leading economic projects in Tajikistan. Now, he’s their website administrator - a role that perfectly blends his analytical skills with his newfound passion for IT.
"A friend told me about this internship, and as soon as I heard IT was an option, I knew I had to apply," he says. "I had been looking for an opportunity like this for so long!"
Through the programme, Saidmuhammad learned the fundamentals of programming and website management, helping him shift from maths and mechanics to the digital world.
"I’m still a beginner, but this is just the start. Now that I have the skills, I want to go even further -learning how to develop websites from scratch and expanding my career in IT," he shares.
Mullosadriddin from Khujand, participating in the UNDP-funded Private Sector Internship Programme
UNDP Tajikistan
Even the Army Couldn’t Stand in the Way of Passion
At 24, Mullosadriddin Hasanzoda was just starting to build his career at a bank in Khujand when duty called - he had to pause his internship and serve in the army. But that didn’t stop him. The moment his military service ended, he returned to the same bank, eager to continue learning and growing.
"After the army, I couldn’t wait to get back and continue building my skills," Mullosadriddin shares. "At the bank, we received top-notch training in management, monitoring, and quality assurance. I was determined to catch up fast."
And he did. Within a month, he had not only caught up with his internship programme but also secured a position in the Compliance department.
Mullosadriddin credits the UNDP-supported internship for helping him develop the knowledge and confidence he now applies in his job every day.
"This programme didn’t just teach me skills- it gave me the self-assurance I needed to succeed," he says. "Confidence comes from knowledge, and that’s exactly what I gained here."
His story proves that no obstacle -not even a year of military service- can stand in the way of determination and passion.
Participants of the UNDP internships
UNDP Tajikistan
The stories of Zumrad, Saidmuhammad, and Mullosadriddin highlight the transformative impact of the UNDP-supported internship programme, which empowers young women and men by equipping them with essential skills, connecting them with industry professionals, and creating job opportunities for a stronger, more inclusive workforce.
In implementing this initiative UNDP is teaming up with Aga Khan Foundation Office in Tajikistan.
By Nigora Fazliddin, Communication Analyst, UNDP Tajikistan
