If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.”

Zig Ziglar

I vividly remember the day I got the Somali Public Agenda internship acceptance message. In early October 2022, Farhia Mohamud, HR and Researcher at Somali Public Agenda, welcomed me to the office. Beginning the day with a lovely introduction to the team, Farhia took me on a tour around the offices. I have to admit that I felt extremely happy to have made it as an intern in this great organization

The three months finally ended on 31 December 2022. It was a wonderful experience, and I acquired a set of skills that are preparing me for the future. As I write this reflection blog post, I recall the first week when I set two objectives for myself that I wanted to concentrate on and try to accomplish over the coming weeks. My first goal was to develop a better understanding of myself within the workplace, and the second was to build a solid network as a key for charting a new career.

They say “Home is not a place; it’s a feeling.”

From the minute I arrived at Somali Public Agenda, I felt at home. Everyone I met was friendly and welcoming. As an introvert, when I first started interning, I was super nervous to ask too many questions. Luckily, I became part of a team and each person made sure I had my questions answered.

Three months passed since I joined this incredible organization, and I still feel like it was yesterday. I was empowered, inspired, and always learning as an intern, which was a unique experience that I didn’t anticipate before I started. I learned a lot from the moment I walked in the door till the final day of my three months long internship.

During the internship, I did many different tasks. These included taking SPA meeting minutes and supporting in organizing SPA forums and events; assisting the administration and HR offices with their daily tasks; managing the SPA library’s catalog and borrowing list; gathering data; participating in the meetings of the ongoing research projects; and carrying out any other tasks I was asked to do.

From the beginning, I had to learn how to take minutes, write, translate/transcribe, conduct research, and fulfill deadlines. This is important for fresh graduates as it allows them to improve their writing skills. As an intern in an organization that conducts research extensively, I started thinking critically and at a higher level, understanding the importance of this to improving public services in our country. This experience gave me a taste of the real world.

My internship has given me a lot of insight into my skills and increased my self-confidence. It has aided me in directing my career goals and will unquestionably aid me in making future career decisions. I also gained technical knowledge in research; data collection and writing skills. I finished my internship with a toolbox that was significantly bigger than when I began. My experience has helped me get closer to my objectives, and I’m eager to see what the future holds for me!

In the golden words of Bob Proctor, a self-help author, “A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you.”

With the same important words, I would like to thank the team at SPA for the guidance and countless encouragement throughout the internship period. Specifically, I would like to thank, Farhia Mohamud, QamarOsman, and all the members of the team who offered unconditional support during my internship.

After three months of intensive training and acquiring reputable experience, I have drawn closer to the realization of my dream. I am excited about what the future has in store for me.