Navigating the Internet Policy Landscape: A Transformative Journey with ARIN

Navigating the Internet Policy Landscape: A Transformative Journey with ARIN

Embarking on my ARIN journey as a Fellow at the ARIN 52 Public Policy and Members Meeting held in San Diego, California, last October was more than just attending an event; it became a pivotal moment in my professional and personal growth. Before the fellowship, my knowledge of ARIN’s mission and function was very basic. However, the program opened my eyes to the vital work conducted by this organization. From policy development to community engagement, ARIN plays a crucial role in shaping the future of Internet policy.

An Immersive Experience

The Fellowship Program offered a unique opportunity to meet and interact with various ARIN leaders. Engaging with Mentors, ARIN Advisory Council (AC) and Board members, ARIN President and CEO John Curran, and senior staff members proved invaluable. Pre-meeting virtual sessions led by AC members were enlightening, shedding light on community groups and actively inviting Fellows to participate. One-on-one engagements throughout the program allowed me to connect with presenters on a personal level, gaining valuable insights into their work and helping me identify how I could contribute meaningfully to the organization’s mission and goals.

Exploring the Policy Development Process (PDP)

As a professional from the technical community, my ARIN experience led me to dive deeper into the PDP. This sparked a desire to understand the complexity of the process as I came to recognize its pivotal role in shaping ARIN’s policies and the Internet.

Building off my experiences at ARIN 52, I eagerly joined the Public Policy Mailing List (PPML), which serves as a space where a wide range of policy-related subjects are discussed. ARIN’s commitment to open dialogue is evident on the PPML, fostering active and meaningful discussions among community members.

Joining a Collaborative Community

My ARIN journey, initiated with the ARIN 52 Fellowship Program, has been a rewarding exploration into the heart of an organization that plays a pivotal role in our industry. The connections made, insights gained, and active participation in policy discussions through the PPML have become integral to my professional growth.

Reflecting on my experience, I recognize that ARIN has provided me with not just an event to attend but also a community to be a part of. It’s an ever-evolving ecosystem where individuals from diverse backgrounds meet to shape the future of Internet policy. I look forward to continued engagement with ARIN and to contributing to the vibrant and collaborative community that defines this organization.

I encourage others to explore the opportunities ARIN offers. Each event and interaction are not just learning experiences but steppingstones in our collective efforts to navigate the complex landscape of Internet governance. Join me in the journey of shaping the Internet policies that will define our digital future.

 

Want to experience this ARIN Fellowship for yourself? Apply for the ARIN 53 program by this Monday, 22 January! Learn more and find the application at arin.net/fellowship.

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A photo of Waqar Ahmad
Waqar Ahmad
ARIN 52 Fellow

Waqar Ahmad is working for a telecom operator in Canada. His previous role as an Enterprise Network Planner and Technical Implementation Specialist focused on multi-vendor Network Fabric architectures and designs, developing, and utilizing Network Automation tools. He has a Master of Engineering degree from Toronto Metropolitan University and holds Project Management Professional (PMP) certification. He is a member of the Internet Society Canada Chapter and an individual community member at ICANN. Waqar recently participated in the ARIN 52 Fellowship Program that took place 28 September-26 October 2023.

Any views, positions, statements, or opinions of a guest blog post are those of the author alone and do not represent those of ARIN. ARIN does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or validity of any claims or statements, nor shall ARIN be liable for any representations, omissions, or errors contained in a guest blog post.

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