We’re continuing our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Meet Malika Akhmadova, a YPIP 2024 alumna!

Malika holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (UWED) and is currently pursuing her Master’s at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). She completed her YPIP internship at ERGO Analytics in 2024, where she gained valuable practical knowledge and hands-on experience in her field.

Through the program, she strengthened her professional skills and built confidence that supported her next steps.

“After YPIP, I founded my own company, ERGO EDU, where I currently work as a Director.”

📌 Stay tuned to discover more inspiring stories!

Next in our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Meet Jamshid Farkhodov, a YPIP 2025 alumnus!

Jamshid is an economics and management graduate of the Tashkent University of Information Technologies and currently serves as Director and co-founder of Handex - Accessibility Startup. During YPIP, he had the opportunity to intern at C-Space Startup Center, where he gained valuable hands-on experience in management and the startup ecosystem.

Following the program, he achieved several important milestones, including working as a coordinator at CS// Angels School and then becoming a winner of the President Tech Award, both of which he credits to YPIP’s strong support and thoughtful company matching.

“For me, YPIP was a milestone where I took significant steps toward a professional career in entrepreneurship and startups”.

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories!

#YPIP_alumni

🌟 YPIP Alumni Meetup Highlights 🎓

On April 4, YPIP alumni came together for an engaging meetup and workshop with Sevara Ibrokhim, a UBL’22 alumna and Founder & CEO of Bukhari Creative Group.

During the session on Effective Networking Strategies, participants explored why networking matters, how to build a professional brand, and practical ways to connect and stay in touch. The session also included a pair activity where alumni practiced their elevator pitches and learned from each other.

Sevara shared insights from her own experience, showing how networking can lead to new opportunities and meaningful connections.

As always, the meetup was a great chance to reconnect, meet new alumni, and keep growing together 🤝

Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education Uzbekistan.

#YPIP #AlumniMeetup

Next in our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Meet Zebokhon Makhmudjanova, a YPIP 2024 alumna!

Zebokhon graduated with a degree in Economics with Finance from Westminster International University in Tashkent and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Intelligence and Analytics at the same institution. During YPIP, she interned at Palladium International, where she supported 56 USAID-funded business projects as a finance intern, gaining hands-on experience in financial operations and project support.

Following the program, she continued to grow professionally and was offered the role of Director at American Center Tashkent, a public diplomacy initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan implemented by American Councils for International Education.

“This program has connected me to a powerful global network and diverse career opportunities available to me at any time, anywhere in the world.”

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories!

#YPIP_alumni

Next in our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Meet Temur Isroilov, a YPIP 2021 alumnus!

While studying at the Samarkand branch of Tashkent University of Information Technologies, Temur joined YPIP to gain practical experience alongside his academic journey. Through the program, he secured an internship in Tashkent at Super Dispatch as an Android developer, where he strengthened his technical skills and learned industry best practices in a real work environment.

Following the program, Temur continued to grow in the field and is now working as a Middle+ Developer at Uzum Market, one of Uzbekistan’s leading tech companies.

"YPIP provided the foundational internship experience that launched my career in Uzbekistan's top IT companies."

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories!

#YPIP_alumni

Continuing our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Introducing Albina Kholieva, a YPIP 2024 alumna!

Albina completed her YPIP internship at the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, where she worked in the marketing department. During her internship, she gained hands-on experience in promoting Uzbekistan’s tourism potential both locally and internationally, allowing her to connect her academic interests with real-world practice.

Following the program, Albina continued her academic journey and is currently studying Sustainable Tourism and Global Challenges at the University of Glasgow as a Women in STEM program scholar. She shared that her YPIP experience played an important role in shaping her career direction and making her studies more meaningful and applied.

“YPIP gave me real-world experience, helped me build meaningful connections, and made me more confident about my future career path. The network I built continues to support and motivate me both professionally and personally.”

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories!

#YPIP_alumni

We’re continuing our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

🌟 Introducing Lazizbek Kahramonov, a YPIP 2021 alumnus!

Lazizbek joined YPIP in the summer of 2021 after his junior year at INHA University in Tashkent. He completed his internship at Novalab Tech as a Software Engineer, where he took his first step into the IT industry and continued building his career even after the internship.

Today, he works as a DevOps Engineer at Snoonu.com, Qatar’s first unicorn. He shares that YPIP played a major role in shaping his career path by providing real-world experience and connecting him with a network of outstanding and supportive individuals.

“YPIP gave me the opportunity to start my career and become part of a strong community that continues to support me. Especially in today’s rapidly evolving IT job market shaped by AI advancements, it is one of the best ways to take your first step into the industry, don’t miss your chance.”

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring alumni stories!

#YPIP_alumni

🌟 FLEX & YPIP Alumni Meetup Highlights 🎓

On April 24, alumni of the Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) program and Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) came together for a joint meetup. The session was also joined by Lisa Choate, President of American Councils for International Education.

The meetup started with an interactive ice-breaking session, where participants introduced themselves and shared how their programs shaped their personal and professional journeys.

The main workshop, led by Ulugbek Baymuradov (FLEX 2003, Stanford 2010), introduced the basics of how AI models work. Using satellite nightlight data, he demonstrated how machine learning, particularly convolutional neural networks, can analyze images to identify patterns and make predictions, such as estimating population or distinguishing regions.

By the end, participants gained a clearer, practical understanding of how AI models are built and applied using real-world data.

The event concluded with a coffee break, offering space to network, exchange ideas, and build new connections 🤝

#FLEX #YPIP #AlumniMeetup

🎉 YPIP 2026 has officially launched!

On June 5, we welcomed 120 outstanding finalists to the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) 2026 cohort in Uzbekistan.

For six years, YPIP has supported 250+ alumni in gaining real-world experience, growing professional networks, and building careers in business and STEM.

This summer, participants will intern with leading institutions like Coca-Cola Uzbekistan, Unilever, ACWA Power, and IT Park Uzbekistan.

The months ahead promise hands-on learning, mentorship, company visits, and more. We look forward to seeing all that this cohort will achieve. Welcome to the YPIP community!

#ACGlobal #YPIP2026 #WeAreYPIP #YoungProfessionals #InternshipProgram

🗣 Highlights from the First Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: "Expectations for Internship"

On June 8 and 9, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended the program’s first professional development session, "Expectations for Internship," led by Maksim Kim.

The session included interactive activities and practical discussions focused on:
🔹 Understanding company culture and workplace expectations
🔹 Building effective relationships with supervisors and colleagues
🔹 Setting clear professional goals and taking initiative
🔹 Expanding professional networks and making the most of internship opportunities

Participants also discussed common internship scenarios and explored practical strategies for responding constructively to workplace challenges.

ℹ️ Maksim Kim is the Director of the Center for Lifelong Learning (C3L) at the American University of Technology (AUT). A certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with a Master’s in Global Education Leadership, he leads continuing education initiatives, corporate training partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration. Maksim is an alumnus of the Global UGRAD Program and has previously worked at WIUT, American Councils, and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Pre-School and School Education.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: "AI as an Assistant"

On June 15 and 16, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an engaging professional development session, "AI as an Assistant," led by Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte.

The interactive session challenged participants to rethink how they use artificial intelligence—not simply as a tool for obtaining answers, but as a personal assistant for learning, skill-building, and professional growth.

Through practical activities and discussions, participants explored:
🔹 Using AI as a coach rather than a search engine
🔹 Building stronger English communication skills through guided feedback
🔹 Developing career readiness through CV improvement and professional communication
🔹 Creating realistic action plans and accountability systems with AI support
🔹 Using AI responsibly while maintaining authenticity, critical thinking, and ownership of their work

Participants also learned a practical framework for writing effective prompts and designed a 7-day challenge to help them use AI more intentionally in their academic, professional, and personal development.

ℹ️ Dr. Giuseppe Chiaramonte is an international educator, founder and editing publisher of Language Bridge Academic Journal, podcaster, and educational leader with teaching experience across Thailand, Vietnam, Kazakhstan, Karakalpakstan, the United States, and Uzbekistan. He currently serves as a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow and Visiting Professor at Uzbekistan State World Languages University. Throughout his career, Dr. Chiaramonte has trained more than 4,000 educators in areas including methodology, assessment, digital literacy, organizational innovation, and artificial intelligence.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: "Emotional Intelligence at Work"

On June 16 and 17, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, "Emotional Intelligence at Work," led by Tom Toomey.

The session introduced participants to the importance of emotional intelligence in the workplace and explored how self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management contribute to professional success. Through practical activities, workplace scenarios, role-plays, and group discussions, participants practiced recognizing emotions, responding to challenges effectively, communicating with empathy, and building positive professional relationships.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding and managing emotions in professional settings
🔹 Staying calm and effective under pressure
🔹 Developing empathy and social awareness in the workplace
🔹 Building strong professional relationships through respectful communication
🔹 Applying emotional intelligence skills to real-life workplace scenarios

Participants also reflected on daily habits that strengthen emotional intelligence, including active listening, asking thoughtful questions, using respectful language, and pausing before reacting. The session concluded with participants identifying one emotional intelligence skill they committed to strengthening throughout their internship journey.

ℹ️ Tom Toomey is a Program Manager for Short-Term and Secondary School Programs at American Councils. With more than 30 years of experience in international education, he has implemented educational exchange, English language, leadership, and work-readiness programs for youth across multiple countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the United States.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “The Art of Networking”

On June 25 and 26, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “The Art of Networking,” led by Amy Fisher Bruey, a leadership and career exploration coach.

Through interactive discussions, group activities, and practical exercises, participants explored how building genuine professional relationships can support career growth and create new opportunities. They learned how to introduce themselves confidently, communicate their ideas clearly, and adapt their approach to different professional settings.

Participants explored:
🔹 Building genuine and meaningful professional relationships
🔹 Introducing themselves with confidence
🔹 Developing a clear and engaging elevator pitch
🔹 Using body language, storytelling, and active listening effectively
🔹 Adapting their introductions to different networking situations

Participants also worked in pairs to develop and deliver their personal pitches. After receiving feedback from their peers, they revised and presented their introductions again, allowing them to recognize their progress and strengthen their communication skills.

ℹ️ Amy Fisher Bruey is a leadership and career exploration coach with extensive experience supporting young professionals in developing meaningful connections, strengthening their communication skills, and navigating their professional journeys.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Cybersecurity Basics for Professionals”

On June 30 and July 1, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Cybersecurity Basics for Professionals,” led by Saud Munawar, Chief Technology Officer at Support Functions, Inc.

Through practical explanations, live demonstrations, and interactive activities, participants explored essential cybersecurity practices for both personal and professional settings. They learned how everyday digital habits can protect sensitive information, reduce security risks, and contribute to a safer workplace.

Participants explored:
🔹 Creating strong and unique passphrases
🔹 Using password managers and multi-factor authentication
🔹 Identifying phishing emails and suspicious links
🔹 Securing email, web, and mobile activity
🔹 Protecting work devices and organizational data
🔹 Developing safe digital habits in the workplace

During live demonstrations, Mr. Munawar showed how easily weak passwords can be cracked, highlighting the importance of using long, unique passphrases and additional security measures.

ℹ️ Saud Munawar is the Chief Technology Officer at Support Functions, Inc., with more than 20 years of experience in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud services.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

💰 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “The Language of Money”

On June 11 and 29, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “The Language of Money,” led by Tamilla Kurbanova, Founder of Fintellect, FLEX alumna, and finance and investment professional.

Through practical examples, interactive discussions, and personal reflection activities, participants explored the fundamentals of financial literacy and learned how thoughtful financial decisions can support their personal and professional goals.

Participants explored:
🔹 Creating and managing a personal budget
🔹 Building healthy saving habits
🔹 Managing income and expenses responsibly
🔹 Understanding responsible debt management
🔹 Learning how compound interest works
🔹 Building an emergency fund
🔹 Setting short-term and long-term financial goals
🔹 Exploring the basics of investing and financial planning

Participants also reflected on their own spending habits and discussed practical strategies for managing their first income. The session encouraged them to make informed financial decisions and view financial literacy as a lifelong skill.

ℹ️ Tamilla Kurbanova is a FLEX 2001 alumna and a graduate of the Wharton School. With ten years of banking experience at Morgan Stanley, UBS, and Julius Baer in New York and Dubai, Tamilla is now the Co-Founder and CEO of Twelve Stars Capital and the Founder of Fintellect in Uzbekistan.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.