Short experiences can sometimes produce the longest-lasting lessons. My journey with Somali Public Agenda (SPA) began before my formal internship in January 2026. I had previously engaged with the organization through forums it organized. These early interactions deepened my understanding of governance, politics, and public service in Somalia and sparked my interest in SPA’s work. As a Political Science student, I was particularly drawn to the organization because its mission aligns with my academic background and long-term goals in public policy and governance.

The opportunity to join the SPA Internship Program came through my classmate, Manha Ahmed. Toward the end of 2025, she informed me about the 2026 internship intake and encouraged me to apply. I completed a competitive selection process that included writing assessments, practical tasks, and an interview. On December 30, 2025, I received confirmation that I had been selected. I also had the distinction of being the first intern among the four selected for 2026 to officially begin the program on January 1, 2026.

My internship activities began on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with a comprehensive orientation led by Idil Omar, SPA Human Resources Department Manager. She introduced me to SPA’s structure, departments, policies, and internal regulations. One aspect that immediately stood out was the organization’s strong emphasis on discipline and time management. SPA enforces a policy requiring anyone who arrives late to meetings to pay a financial penalty, regardless of position.

Initially, I found this difficult to imagine in practice, but by January 14–15, 2026, during the SPA Annual Retreat, I observed how consistently and fairly this rule is applied. On the same day, I also received guidance from Ibrahim Osman, SPA Learning Lab Director. His reassurance that I would receive support whenever needed helped me approach the internship with confidence and adapt more easily to the work environment.

Although the internship lasted only three months, it was an intensive period of learning. Through the SPA Learning Lab and personal effort, I completed several courses, including Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding, Project Management Fundamentals, Microsoft 365 Fundamentals, Introduction to Climate and Social Justice, and Mastering Note-Taking. I also began studying Methods and Statistics in Social Science. These opportunities strengthened both my academic knowledge and practical skills.

SPA promotes a strong culture of continuous learning. The organization provides access to resources, mentorship, and a professional environment that supports intellectual growth. This made it easier to develop my skills and build confidence.

In addition to theoretical learning, I gained practical experience through various responsibilities. My work included supporting research activities, assisting with report writing, collecting data, participating in policy discussions, translating documents, providing administrative support, and taking minutes during meetings. I also interacted with multiple departments across the organization, which broadened my understanding of how policy research institutions operate.

During my internship, I also completed a four-week blog writing course that combined theory, practical exercises, and mentorship from experienced writers. As part of the course, we had special mentorship sessions with experienced bloggers, including Mahad Wasuge, who shared insights from his twelve years of blogging experience. During the course, I wrote a personal story titled “The Hidden Sorrow That Life Brought to Light,” reflecting on the loss of my father and how that experience has shaped my life and perspective.

Before joining SPA, I expected my role to focus mainly on research, based on my earlier exposure to the organization. However, the experience was more diverse than I had anticipated. One of the most memorable moments was the SPA Annual Retreat held on January 14–15, 2026. This event brought together all departments to review achievements, discuss challenges, and present plans for the upcoming year. It also reinforced the organization’s five-year strategic plan.

The retreat created a strong collaborative learning environment. Staff from different departments shared insights and experiences, allowing for knowledge exchange and a better understanding of the organization’s work. This strengthened teamwork and improved awareness of activities across departments. During these sessions, I gained deeper insight into different units, particularly the SPA Policy Lab, led by Aweis Ahmed. Before the internship, I had not expected to encounter a department like this. The SPA Policy Lab’s work—connecting research, policy analysis, and public service design—demonstrated how policies can be developed in practical and innovative ways to respond to societal needs.

I was also impressed by SPA’s work culture, which is based on respect, collaboration, and support. Teamwork is reflected in how colleagues share knowledge and responsibilities. The diversity of departments, the SPA Learning Lab, and access to a well-resourced library all contributed to a productive and engaging environment. Another valuable experience was participating in book presentation sessions. During one session, Sadia Ma’ow, Finance Department Manager, presented The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. The ideas discussed resonated with my own reflections at the time. These sessions reflect SPA’s commitment to collective learning, where staff regularly share knowledge gained from reading.

On March 31, 2026, my internship came to an end. Despite its short duration, it was a meaningful and transformative experience. It strengthened my interest in research, public policy, and governance while equipping me with practical skills and professional insight.

I extend my sincere appreciation to the entire SPA team for their support and mentorship throughout my internship. I am especially grateful to Mahad Wasuge (Executive Director), Farhan Isak Yusuf (Deputy Executive Director and Research Director), and Aweis Ahmed (SPA Policy Lab Director). I also thank Idil Omar, Qamar Osman, Sadia Ma’ow, Hafsa Abdirahman, Ruweido Shidane, Ibrahim Jibril, Farhia Mohamud, Ibrahim Osman, Abukar Abdiwahab, Maryan, Abdulkadir, Abdirizak Mohamud, Abdirahman, Ibrahim, and Abdirizak for their guidance and collaboration. Their support made this experience both valuable and memorable.

I am also grateful to Manha Ahmed for informing me about this opportunity and encouraging me to apply. This internship was more than a short-term experience; it was an important step in my academic and professional journey. The knowledge, skills, and insights I gained will continue to guide my future work in public policy and governance.

Abdiaziz Hussein Mohamed