Let me show you behind the scenes of policy and public services—a journey that shaped my growth, purpose, and professional identity.

 “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” – John C. Maxwell

There are moments in life when you come across something that lights a fire within you—something that speaks to your values, your vision, and your silent ambitions. For me, that moment came when I first discovered Somali Public Agenda (SPA) on LinkedIn. I was immediately drawn to the quality and clarity of their research, the relevance of their policy papers, and the critical way they scrutinized real policy issues. In that instant, I knew I didn’t just want to admire their work from afar—I wanted to be part of it.

But dreams, especially in Somalia where access and opportunity aren’t always equally distributed, often remain just that—dreams. I had no insider connection, no mentor to introduce me, and no prior experience to make me stand out. But what I did have was courage. So, in August 2024, I took a chance and sent a message to SPA via LinkedIn. I introduced myself, explained my background and interests, and most importantly, expressed my deep desire to do an internship at SPA.

To my surprise, I received a kind response. They informed me that internship applications would open in December 2024, and that I would be placed on their waiting list. Hope returned. As December approached, I was filled with excitement, waiting for the opportunity. Although I wasn’t contacted, I didn’t allow disappointment to stop me. Instead, I used that waiting period for personal growth—building my skills and preparing myself so that if the opportunity ever arrived, I would be ready to make the most of it.

Later, I found out that four interns had already been selected—the usual number SPA has the capacity to accommodate each year—and I wasn’t among them. Still, I remained hopeful. Then came March 2025, and with it, a plot twist that changed everything.

Ibrahim Osman, the SPA Learning Lab Director and Communications Coordinator, reached out to me. One of the interns had left early for another opportunity, and he asked if I was still interested. I said YES immediately, my heart racing with excitement. He told me I could start in May 2025—and just like that, my dream turned into reality.

When I arrived at SPA’s office on May 4th, 2025, I felt nervous but determined. I was warmly welcomed by Idil Omar, the Human Resources and Administration Officer, who gave me a tour of the offices, explained SPA’s culture, and introduced me to my responsibilities. Her kindness made me feel like I belonged from the very first hour.

Over the following days, I was personally guided through different departments: Qamar Osman from the Procurement and Logistics Department generously shared her knowledge; Hafsa explained the work of the cashier department; Aweis Ahmed, the Director of the SPA Policy Lab, explained how policy briefs are developed and how their work supports evidence-based decision-making; Mohamed Adam, from the SPA Forums, helped me understand how SPA organizes and manages public dialogues and forums; Farhia Mohamud, from the Research Department, gave me a clear overview of how their research is structured and shared lessons from her own experience as a researcher; Ibrahim Osman, the SPA Learning Lab Director and Communications Coordinator, guided me through the available learning resources, including free courses, and mentored me closely—especially through our shared work in the SPA Library.

One of the most meaningful aspects of SPA is that it is a women-friendly environment. The operations team is entirely female, and every corner of the organization feels like a place where women’s voices are not only welcomed but uplifted. As a young woman trying to navigate a professional path in Somalia, that meant everything to me.

Through the SPA Learning Lab, I had access to free, high-quality online training. I took several courses—Mastering Note-Taking, Project Management, Climate Change and Inequality, and more—which sharpened both my technical and soft skills. Meanwhile, I carried out various responsibilities: writing minutes of the weekly and research meetings, doing transcription work, assisting the operations team, helping manage the books in the SPA Library, and more.

SPA also hosts monthly book presentations, where staff and interns voluntarily present a book of their choice. I stepped up and presented a book during my second month. That experience helped me grow in public speaking, build confidence, and engage in meaningful dialogue with colleagues.

If I had to describe my internship in one word, it would be transformational. I didn’t just gain professional experience—I grew as a person. I discovered what it means to work in a purpose-driven organization, surrounded by people who genuinely care about social change.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Sending that message on LinkedIn was my first step—and I’m so glad I took it.

To conclude, I want to say: from the most junior team member to the Executive Director (Mahad Wasuge), everyone at SPA played a role in making my internship deeply meaningful. I don’t have a single person to give special thanks to, because the entire SPA team welcomed me warmly and supported me throughout. I truly learned and benefited so much from every one of them. Thank you all for the trust, the guidance, the knowledge, and above all, for showing me what professional excellence and community impact truly look like.

Sumaya Muhumed