On June 11, 2025, the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) officially launched its traditional "Summer Internship Program." This initiative plays a significant role in strengthening the Fund's future talent pipeline and preparing young specialists. This year, 22 students were selected to participate in the program out of 1,800 applicants who successfully completed several selection stages.

During the opening ceremony, Rena Khalikova, Senior Specialist at the Human Resources Department, welcomed the interns and provided comprehensive details about the program’s objectives, planned activities, and expectations.

Ayna Jahandarova, Deputy Director of the Human Resources Department, emphasized the special importance of the Summer Internship Program within SOFAZ's strategy for developing human capital and wished the participants success in their professional journeys. Rashad Rzayev, Head of the Alternative Investments Risk Management Division of the Risk Management Department, shared valuable insights and personal experiences gained at SOFAZ, offering practical advice for professional and personal growth.

Subsequently, Elnara Huseynova, Lead Specialist at the Strategic Communication Division, presented an overview of SOFAZ’s historical development, mission, objectives, and key operational directions. Nigar Azizova, Portfolio Manager at the Equities and Alternative Investments Division of the Investment Department, delivered a detailed presentation on SOFAZ's investment activities, strategic asset allocation, and the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles into the Fund’s investment portfolio.

Program mentors, in their addresses, assured continuous support to the interns over the upcoming eight weeks and extended their best wishes for success.

Mustafa Ahmadov, a former participant of the internship program who currently works as a Software Administrator at SOFAZ’s Information Systems and Digital Operations Department, mentioned the critical role the internship played in his professional development and shared his experiences with the new interns.

Over the next two months, the participants will gain practical experience and develop essential skills by actively engaging in various departments, including Investments, Investment Operations, Risk Management, Human Resources, Accounting, Legal, Information Systems and Digital Operations, and Information Security.