Internship Seminar “Data Protection and Interviewing”

On the 23rd of February, the Institute of Baltic Studies hosted a lecture on data protection and interviewing. The event was organised as part of the practical internship course for women with an immigrant background as part of a broader international EU-funded initiative “Central Baltic Mentoring for Immigrant Women seeking Employment” (CeMeWE).

Kristjan Kaldur, a programme manager at the Institute of Baltic Studies, (together with Nastja Pertšjonok, analyst at the Institute of Baltic Studies) led a session introducing a guide to conducting interviews and addressing effective interviewing techniques. Participants had a chance to discuss key steps and practical considerations before and during the interview. The first part of the lecture also highlighted common mistakes and how to avoid them, followed by a discussion where participants shared their own experiences in interview practices. The session also included an overview of the use of paper-based and digital tools needed for technical preparation during the interviewing process.

The second part of the lecture further explored data protection strategies and the importance of confidentiality. The interns were instructed on what constitutes confidential information and how to ensure confidentiality when handling sensitive information or interacting with individuals in vulnerable contexts. Following questions related to the proper use of materials after the internship, the lecture also examined the management of interviewees’ personal information, including files, recordings, and transcripts, to prevent and mitigate the risks of sensitive data exposure.

The event was organised as part of the Central Baltic Mentoring for Migrant Women seeking Employment (CeMeWe) project funded by INTERREG, which aims to strengthen employment opportunities and support professional development of migrant women in the Central Baltic region.