Islamabad, June 17, 2026: Interns and mentors participating in the PUAN National Internship Program 2026 from Islamabad, North AJK, South AJK, Gilgit, and Baltistan regions came together on Wednesday, June 17, for an interactive meet-up and networking session aimed at fostering professional growth, peer learning, and stronger alumni connections.

The session was moderated by Marta Aparicio, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Islamabad who facilitated an engaging and informal discussion among participants. The meet-up provided an opportunity for interns and mentors to introduce themselves, share their educational backgrounds, discuss their areas of expertise, and reflect on their experiences during the internship program so far.

Throughout the conversation, interns shared insights into their internship journeys, highlighting the skills they have developed, the projects they are working on, and the lessons they have learned through hands-on experience. Mentors, meanwhile, offered valuable professional perspectives and guidance drawn from their own careers.

A key theme of the discussion was the application of academic knowledge in real-world settings. Interns spoke about how they are translating theoretical concepts learned in classrooms into practical solutions and professional competencies, while mentors emphasized the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, and continuous learning in today’s dynamic workplace.

The interactive nature of the session encouraged participants to exchange ideas, learn from one another’s experiences, and build meaningful professional relationships across regions and disciplines. The discussion also highlighted the important role mentorship plays in supporting young professionals as they navigate career pathways and develop workplace skills.

The meet-up forms part of the PUAN National Internship Program 2026, a three-month initiative running from June 1 to August 31, 2026, that connects emerging alumni professionals with experienced mentors from across Pakistan. By bringing together interns and mentors from diverse backgrounds and regions, the session reinforced PUAN’s commitment to fostering collaboration, leadership development, and knowledge sharing within the Pakistan-U.S. alumni community.

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