Young Professional Internships Program

🚨 Final Call: Applications Close Tomorrow!

Thinking about entrepreneurship? Here’s your opportunity to turn curiosity into action!

The YPIP Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator brings you a practical, one-day workshop where you’ll explore business opportunities, learn to understand customer needs, and discover how to bring ideas to life with guidance from a U.S. technology commercialization expert and serial entrepreneur.

📍Locations & Dates:
Nukus | October 25
Fergana | October 27
Bukhara | October 29

⏰ Applications close tomorrow, October 18, at 23:59!

🔗 Apply before the deadline: https://forms.gle/xuEAYyGTVKvV2Rz58

📩Questions: [email protected]

Your next idea could be the start of something bigger. Take the first step today!

⏳ Only 2 Days Left to Apply!

Have a business idea you’d like to explore? Curious about how startups turn ideas into real opportunities?

The YPIP Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator is your chance to learn, experiment, and build practical entrepreneurial skills through a one-day interactive workshop led by a U.S. technology commercialization expert and serial entrepreneur.

📍Locations & Dates:
Nukus — October 25
Fergana — October 27
Bukhara — October 29

💡 Explore business ideas, understand customer needs, and learn to pitch with confidence.

🗓 Application deadline: 23:59, October 18, 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/xuEAYyGTVKvV2Rz58
📩 Questions: [email protected]

⏳ 3 Days Left to Apply!

The YPIP Regional Entrepreneurship Accelerator is open to university students in Nukus, Fergana, and Bukhara who are interested in entrepreneurship, startups, and business.

Join a one-day interactive workshop led by Erik Azulay, a U.S. technology commercialization expert and serial entrepreneur, to explore business ideas, understand customer needs, strengthen your leadership skills, and learn how to pitch your ideas confidently.

📅 Dates & Locations:
📍 Nukus — October 25, 2026
📍 Fergana — October 27, 2026
📍 Bukhara — October 29, 2026

Don’t miss the opportunity to develop your entrepreneurial skills and take the first step toward bringing your ideas to life!

🗓 Application deadline: 23:59, October 18, 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://forms.gle/xuEAYyGTVKvV2Rz58
📩 Questions: [email protected]

We’re excited to bring back our YPIP Alumni Stories series! 🎓

Meet Lazizakhon Saydaliyeva, a YPIP 2025 alumna!

During YPIP, she completed her internship as a Project Manager Intern at Telecomsoft. She has since begun pursuing MSc in Economics at the University of Bonn, Germany, as a DAAD ERP scholarship recipient.

Reflecting on her experience, she shares:
“Being part of the YPIP community makes me feel special.”

The knowledge and skills Lazizakhon gained through YPIP continue to support her professional growth and accompany her as she takes on new academic and career opportunities.

We’re proud to celebrate our alumni’s achievements and see how they continue to grow and pursue new opportunities!

📌 Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the YPIP alumni community.

#YPIP_alumni #YPIP #AlumniStories

🍂 YPIP Alumni Autumn Meetup Highlights

On September 27, 50 YPIP alumni gathered at the Tashkent Botanical Garden for a cozy autumn meetup, bringing everyone together to reconnect, learn, and build new connections.

With the latest cohort officially joining the alumni community, the meetup began with an interactive networking session. Alumni from different cohorts got to know one another, shared their professional experiences, and connected with fellow program graduates.

The main session, “Operations Management for Work Optimization,” was led by 2021 YPIP alumna Nigora Jabborova, who explored how AI and operational approaches can help improve workflows, streamline processes, and support more efficient ways of working.

The meetup wrapped up with pizza, relaxed conversations, and additional networking, giving alumni more opportunities to strengthen connections across cohorts.

📌 YPIP is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

🎓🇺🇸🇺🇿 Celebrating the sixth cohort of the Young Professional Internships Program!

108 young professionals from 35 universities across Uzbekistan completed 12-week internships at 44 local and international organizations, gaining hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional skills. More than half received opportunities to continue with their host organizations.

U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick and U.S. Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli joined the August 29 celebration to congratulate the graduates.

🎶 The U.S. Air Forces Central (AFCENT) Band brought the celebration to a close with a live performance.

📌 YPIP is funded by the U.S. Embassy Tashkent and implemented by American Councils for International Education.

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Ro’ziniso’s Internship Journey

Meet Ro’ziniso Olimjonova , a Marketing Intern at ERGO Edu!

🌱 During her internship, Ro’ziniso improved her marketing, communication, and teamwork skills. She also learned how to create strategic content, manage tasks professionally, and adapt to a real work environment.

✨ Most importantly, the experience helped her become more responsible, organized, and confident in her abilities.

🎬 Here’s a glimpse of Ro’ziniso’s YPIP experience!

#YPIP2026 #YPIPInternDiaries

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Robiya’s Internship Journey

Meet Robiya Khasanova, an International Relations & Business Development Intern at Uzbekistan Creative Association!

During her YPIP internship, Robiya is gaining hands-on experience in project management, international relations, business development, research, content creation, marketing, and professional communication.

🌱 Beyond the skills she has developed, one of her biggest takeaways so far has been that curiosity, adaptability, and supportive mentors can help you grow quickly, even when you’re stepping into a completely new field.

Take a look at Robiya’s Intern Diary and see her YPIP experience through her eyes! ✨

#YPIP2026 #YPIPInternDiaries

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Mock Interviews”

On August 12 and 13, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Mock Interviews,” led by Adrian Erlinger, Director of AI Strategy at Data Strategy Lab. The workshop focused on helping participants communicate their skills and experiences clearly and confidently during job interviews.

Through hands-on mock interviews, peer feedback, and practical exercises, participants learned how to turn their academic, internship, work, and volunteering experiences into concise and credible examples. Using the STAR + Reflection framework, they practiced responding to common behavioral interview questions while highlighting their individual contributions, results, and lessons learned.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding what recruiters and hiring managers evaluate at different stages of the interview process
🔹 Using the STAR + Reflection framework to structure clear, specific, and compelling answers
🔹 Practicing common interview questions focused on problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and learning from feedback
🔹 Giving and receiving constructive peer feedback to strengthen interview responses and build confidence

ℹ️ Adrian Erlinger is a global innovation and international development leader and Fulbright Scholar with experience working across more than 12 countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. As Director of AI Strategy at Data Strategy Lab, he supports digital transformation and economic growth across different sectors. Throughout his career, Adrian has worked with governments, private-sector organizations, nonprofits, universities, and startups to advance innovation and professional development globally.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the https://t.me/USAUzbekistan and implemented by https://t.me/ACCELS

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Special Legal Regimes for Uzbekistan’s IT Sector”

On August 6 and 7, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended a professional development session on special legal regimes for Uzbekistan’s IT sector, led by Dr. Umid Aripjanov, Partner at CENTIL Law Firm. The session focused on the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding IT Park and Enterprise Uzbekistan and their role in supporting the country’s growing digital economy.

Through practical explanations, legal examples, and discussions, participants explored how special legal regimes work and what they mean for IT businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals in Uzbekistan. They also examined how Uzbekistan’s approach to the digital sector is evolving, including the opportunities and potential challenges ahead.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding the IT Park legal regime, including residency requirements, tax incentives, obligations, and benefits for IT companies
🔹 Exploring Enterprise Uzbekistan and its emerging common-law framework for foreign technology companies and investors
🔹 Comparing the two regimes and understanding how they support Uzbekistan’s broader digital development and export goals
🔹 Discussing the strengths, risks, and future outlook of Uzbekistan’s evolving legal environment for the IT sector

ℹ️ Dr. Umid Aripjanov is a Partner at CENTIL Law Firm with more than 25 years of legal experience across Central Asia. He has advised public authorities, international financial institutions, and investors on major projects across the energy, mining, infrastructure, finance, and public utilities sectors. Dr. Aripjanov holds a Ph.D. in Law and an LL.M. in U.S. Legal Studies from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he studied as a Muskie Fellow.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the https://t.me/USAUzbekistan and implemented by https://t.me/ACCELS

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Public Speaking and Confidence Building”

On August 3 and 4, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Public Speaking and Confidence Building,” led by Dr. Nathan Bedsole, Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Director of Forensics (Speech & Debate) at Georgia College & State University.

Through practical exercises, speaking activities, and discussions, participants explored how confidence can be developed through practice and learned techniques for becoming more effective and engaging communicators. The session encouraged participants to approach public speaking as a skill that grows through experience rather than something that requires confidence from the start.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding the audience and adapting a speech to their needs, expectations, and context
🔹 Structuring speech content effectively with clear introductions, main points, transitions, and conclusions
🔹 Strengthening vocal and physical delivery through tone, pace, volume, gestures, and presence
🔹 Practicing impromptu speaking and persuasive techniques for delivering effective pitches

ℹ️ Dr. Nathan Bedsole is an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric and Director of Forensics at Georgia College & State University, where he teaches, coaches, and conducts research on speech and communication. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado Boulder and his bachelor's and master's degrees from Wake Forest University. His work focuses on helping students become more confident and thoughtful communicators while exploring the connections between rhetoric, psychology, and voice.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the https://t.me/USAUzbekistan and implemented by https://t.me/ACCELS

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Marketing 101”

On July 28 and 29, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Marketing 101,” led by Erik Azulay, Technology Commercialization Expert and Serial Entrepreneur.

Through practical exercises, examples, and discussions, participants explored the fundamentals of marketing and learned that effective marketing goes far beyond advertising. The session introduced participants to key frameworks for understanding customers, identifying target markets, positioning products, and developing an effective marketing strategy.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding the 5 C’s of marketing: Company, Customers, Competitors, Context, and Collaborators
🔹 Applying Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning (STP) to identify and reach the right customers
🔹 Evaluating customer segments and market size to identify attractive opportunities
🔹 Building the marketing mix through the 4 P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion

ℹ️ Erik Azulay is a technology commercialization expert and serial entrepreneur with extensive international experience in entrepreneurship, business incubation, and market development. He has started and sold two companies and has more than 15 years of experience managing international projects across over 10 countries. Erik holds a Master’s degree in Technology Commercialization and has worked extensively to support entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems around the world.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the https://t.me/USAUzbekistan and implemented by https://t.me/ACCELS

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “How to Build & Run a Small Business in Uzbekistan”

On July 23 and 24, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “How to Build & Run a Small Business in Uzbekistan,” led by Abdul Sharopov, Managing Partner at Sarmo Ventures & Sarmo Labs.

Through practical examples, participants explored how to identify promising business opportunities, understand their target customers, test ideas in the market, and turn an initial concept into a revenue-generating business. The session emphasized starting small, speaking directly with potential customers, and validating an idea before investing significant resources into it.

Participants explored:
🔹 Identifying business opportunities and choosing customers who can actually pay
🔹 Using personal networks, experience, and existing connections as an advantage when starting a business
🔹 Finding opportunities in overlooked industries and solving real customer problems
🔹 Exploring different funding options, including bootstrapping, grants, incubators, pre-seed investment, and bank financing

ℹ️ Abdul Sharopov is the Managing Partner of Sarmo Ventures & Sarmo Labs and an experienced venture capital and startup professional. He has led more than 30 startup investments across Central Asia and founded Sarmo Labs, which has tested and launched more than 20 startups. His experience also includes working with Plug and Play and venture investment organizations internationally. Abdul is a Yale-NUS alumnus with a background in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics.

📌 Young Professional Internships Program is funded by the https://t.me/USAUzbekistan and implemented by https://t.me/ACCELS

Welcome to the Final Show 🎬

And just like that, it’s time to say goodbye to YPIP 2026.

What a summer it’s been. 💙

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Saidaposhsho’s Internship Journey

Meet Saidaposhsho Azizova, an intern at the Center for Lifelong Learning at the American University of Technology (AUT)!

🔍 During her internship, Saidaposhsho worked on a variety of projects, with a particular focus on running Preparatory Courses and contributing to the Teach for Uzbekistan program. Through these experiences, she gained hands-on insight into educational program development and delivery, while supporting learners along their academic journeys.

🌱 Beyond the day-to-day work, the internship gave Saidaposhsho an opportunity to learn how to manage educational initiatives, collaborate with a dedicated team, and better understand the impact of lifelong learning on diverse communities.

For her, it has been one of the most valuable parts of her internship so far.

🎬 Take a look at Saidaposhsho’s Intern Diary and follow her YPIP journey!

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Gulmira’s Internship Journey

Meet Gulmira Rajapova, a Science, Education and Innovation (SEI) Intern at the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency!

🔍 During her internship, Gulmira has taken on a diverse range of tasks, from data analysis to technical writing. This variety has given her the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone, develop new skills, and gain a better understanding of how she works and approaches different tasks.

🌱 For Gulmira, the experience has been a chance to grow both professionally and personally, strengthening the soft skills that shape how she works with others while building the technical skills she needs to turn ideas into results.

🎬 Take a look at Gulmira’s Intern Diary and follow her YPIP journey!

YPIP 2026 Field Trips: Exploring American and American-Affiliated Organizations 🇺🇸🇺🇿

Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) participants recently visited organizations advancing connections between Uzbekistan and the United States in education, business, and professional development.

At American University of Technology, American Corner Tashkent, EPAM Systems, Coca-Cola Uzbekistan, and JW Marriott Hotel Tashkent, participants gained firsthand insight into how American companies operate in Uzbekistan, including their approaches to professional practices, organizational culture, career pathways, and innovation.

The field trips gave these young professionals experience a closer look at different work environments and career opportunities while connecting what they are learning through YPIP with real-world examples.

Watch highlights from the visits. 🎥

YPIP 2026 Field Trips: Exploring Industries Across Uzbekistan

Throughout August, YPIP participants visited companies and organizations across a range of industries as part of the program’s experiential learning activities.

🔎 The field trips allowed participants to step outside their own internship placements and gain firsthand exposure to Uzbekistan’s diverse professional landscape. Through company tours, presentations, and conversations with professionals, they learned how different sectors operate, explored career pathways, and gained a better understanding of the skills needed across industries.

🏢 Participants visited TBC Uzbekistan, UzAtom, Texnopark, ACWA’s Riverside Project, and UzAuto Motors Powertrain, exploring fields including fintech, energy, manufacturing, and automotive production.

💡These experiences helped participants broaden their understanding of the opportunities available in Uzbekistan and consider career paths beyond their current areas of experience.

Here are some highlights from the visits. 🎥

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Sam Travel’s Interns

Meet Rustam, Farangiz, Madina, and Mumtoza, four YPIP participants who spent their internships at Sam Travel!

🌍 Throughout their internships, each of them had a chance to turn what they had learned into practical experience. Rustam worked with real tour package cases and learned to make important decisions, while Farangiz, who started as a beginner-level developer, created a contract database for the company with the support and resources provided by her team.

🤝 For Madina, the experience was about putting her university knowledge into practice through teamwork and the trust she received from Sam Travel. Mumtoza, who had previously interned at a Visa Center, gained more hands-on experience and responsibility, growing into a professional visa specialist.

🌱 Beyond their individual roles, the internship gave them an opportunity to learn from their colleagues, take on real responsibilities, and grow through experience.

🎬 Take a look at their Intern Diaries and follow their YPIP journeys at Sam Travel!

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session: “Strategic Thinking in Action”

On August 20 and 21, YPIP 2026 participants attended their final professional development session, “Strategic Thinking in Action,” led by Professor Alisher Faizullaev, scholar, diplomat, and negotiation expert.

The session focused on developing a more strategic approach to decision-making and planning.

Participants explored:
🔹 Thinking beyond immediate goals and considering the bigger picture
🔹 Planning ahead and anticipating possible outcomes
🔹 Evaluating different options before making decisions
🔹 Adapting strategies to changing circumstances
🔹 Learning from unsuccessful approaches and using them to improve future decisions

Through interactive activities and team-based challenges, participants put these principles into practice, working together to develop strategies, make decisions, and adapt their approaches. The activities were followed by reflection and discussion on what made a strategy effective and how strategic thinking can be applied in professional settings.

📌 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: “Career Development for Young Professionals”

On August 17 and 18, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Career Development for Young Professionals,” led by Mokhinur Inomova, entrepreneur, career influencer, and HR expert.

Participants explored:
🔹 Building genuine and mutually beneficial professional relationships
🔹 Strengthening their professional presence on LinkedIn and through portfolios
🔹 Taking initiative and building stronger relationships in the workplace

🎤 During the “Elevator Pitch” activity, participants worked in pairs to prepare a 30-second introduction focused on what makes them unique, the value they can offer, and a specific call to action. They also practiced transforming general descriptions of their experiences into impact-driven statements using the Action Verb + Task + Result formula, helping them communicate their contributions more effectively to potential employers.

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

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Dildora’s Internship Journey

Meet Dildora Alijonova, a Public Relations Intern at the Science Olympiad Center!

🔍 During her YPIP internship, Dildora was part of the media team for IChO 2026, the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad held in Tashkent. She worked on scripts, voiceovers, interview questions, and social media content, while also contributing to the official reportbook.

🌱 More than the work itself, the experience gave Dildora a chance to learn how to work as part of a team, connect with people from different backgrounds, and see what goes on behind the scenes of a large international event.

For her, it has been one of the most valuable parts of her internship so far.

🎬 Take a look at Dildora’s Intern Diary and follow her YPIP journey!

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Sevinch’s Internship Journey

Meet Sevinch Abdunazarova, a Marketing Intern at Iman!

💡 During her internship, Sevinch had the opportunity to experience marketing beyond university textbooks by contributing to real projects, creating content, collaborating with a team, meeting deadlines, and seeing ideas turn into real outcomes.

🌱 Along the way, both the successes and challenges helped her gain new skills, discover new perspectives, and develop a clearer understanding of the professional directions she would like to explore next.

🎬 Take a look at Sevinch’s Intern Diary and see her YPIP experience through her eyes!

#YPIP2026 #YPIPInternDiaries

🗣 Highlights from the Professional Development Session of YPIP 2026: “Personal Branding”

On July 20 and August 14, participants of the Young Professional Internships Program (YPIP) attended an interactive professional development session, “Personal Branding,” led by Jakhongir Azimov, journalist and Director of the Mass Media Foundation.

Participants explored:
🔹 Understanding what personal branding means and how to approach it
🔹 Communicating the purpose and value behind what they do
🔹 The role of values and legacy in building a personal brand
🔹 Communicating their professional story clearly and authentically

✍️ As part of the session, participants wrote and presented their own personal pitches, received feedback, and revised them to make their messages clearer and more effective. The exercise encouraged them to think more intentionally about how they present their experience, values, and the impact of their work.

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

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Nigora’s Internship Journey

Meet Nigora Razzokova, a YPIP participant who interned at American University of Technology (AUT)!

💼 During her internship, Nigora supported administrative projects, prepared official documents, and even published her own research article. She also initiated the AUT Interns Podcast, where she had the opportunity to interview the Rector of the university.

🌱 But for Nigora, the internship was about more than the work itself. It was about learning from her supervisor, collaborating with colleagues, and making memories with fellow interns.

One of the biggest takeaways she’s leaving with is that the best opportunities give you not only valuable experience, but also a lifelong network.

🎬 Take a look at Nigora’s Intern Diary and follow her YPIP journey!

✍️ YPIP Intern Diaries: Feruza’s Internship Journey

Meet Feruza Nazirova, a Research Intern at Ergo Analytics!

🔍 Throughout her internship, Feruza stepped deeper into the world of research, strengthening her analytical skills and gaining hands-on experience with academic writing and data analysis. She also had the opportunity to contribute to the organization of a Research Summer School project, giving her practical insight into how research initiatives are developed and carried out.

🌱 The experience not only expanded Feruza’s research skills but also strengthened her confidence and encouraged her to continue exploring a future career in the field.

🎬 Take a look at Feruza’s Intern Diary and follow her YPIP journey!

#YPIP2026 #YPIPInternDiaries

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

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

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