Career Development - 22 May 2025

Fighting ignorance was the most powerful theme that emerged from our 2025 internship interviews at 88ninety. As part of the process, we asked candidates a simple yet insightful question:
"If you had an unlimited budget, what project would you build?"

At first glance, this may sound like a creativity exercise — but our goal was much deeper. We wanted to understand what young people would prioritize if resources were no longer a barrier: what truly matters to them, and how they envision making an impact.

A Generation Driven by Purpose

The answers we received were diverse and inspiring. Some students spoke about fighting poverty, ending hunger, or building local industries to reduce dependency on foreign economies. These are all important goals, and they reflect a generation that is deeply aware of the social and economic challenges facing the Arab world today.

However, one theme stood out clearly above the rest: the fight against ignorance through education.

Most applicants, despite their varied backgrounds, focused on creating initiatives that would spread knowledge — whether through online learning platforms, local education centers, mentorship programs, or free access to tech education. Their vision was unified: a better future starts with better education.

Who Are These Students?

This internship was designed for Arab students currently living in Turkey, and we were proud to receive applications from a wide range of nationalities — especially Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. The students came from different academic programs and universities, but what united them was their deep sense of responsibility toward their communities and their strong belief in the power of learning.

Why Fighting Ignorance Matters in Today’s Arab World

For many students, especially those from Syria and Palestine, education is not just about personal advancement — it’s a tool for survival, dignity, and rebuilding. In regions affected by war, displacement, or political instability, access to quality education has often been disrupted or denied.

Yet what we saw in these students was determination. Despite the challenges, they are focused on learning, building, and leading. They want to be the ones who develop the tools their communities need — and they are willing to work hard to get there.

Not Waiting for Change — But Becoming It

What inspired us most was not just the answers, but the mindset behind them. These young people are not waiting for the world to change. They’re asking, “What can I do right now, with what I have?” And they’re using every opportunity to grow, contribute, and inspire others.

At 88ninety, we’ve always believed that tech can be a force for good — but seeing this belief come to life in our interviews was something else. It reminded us why we invest in young talent and why we center our internship program around mentorship, growth, and real-world impact.

Looking Ahead

As we finalize our selection and prepare to welcome a new cohort of interns, we carry with us the spirit of these conversations. We’re not just building skills — we’re building futures.

To the students who applied and shared their dreams with us:
You reminded us what matters most. And we’re honored to be part of your journey.