Internships offer a critical bridge between academics and the professional world. For interns, they are provided with invaluable hands-on experience, hone
essential skills, and open doors to potential career paths. By participating in real-world projects, interns gain confidence, learn to navigate workplace dynamics, and discover their aptitudes. From an economic standpoint, internships contribute to a more skilled and adaptable talent pool. Organisations can identify promising individuals before they even graduate, potentially nurturing future leaders and innovators. Interns often bring fresh perspectives and technological fluency, fostering creativity and innovation within organizations.
John Brian is a 24 year old intern with Africa Public Health Foundation (APHF) supporting the operations department. The first intern to be recruited, we have seen him grow and be part of the team since 2023. He holds a Degree in Economics and Statistics, having graduated from University of Embu, with a subsequent Financial Modeling and Evaluation Analyst certificate from Corporate Finance Institute (ALX Africa). We talked to him about his experience so far:
- What has been your experience working with APHF?
The APHF Family, as I like to call it, has been full of conditions supporting my growth. I seamlessly integrated into the team not just because the team was more than welcoming, but because I knew I wanted to be part of the team.
- What skills and knowledge have you gained?
Composure and balance are some of the skills I have gained and put into practice. APHF being an international organization, I interact with people from all walks of life and with that exposure, I have learnt to take it all in and still deliver, because I already know what the team expects of me.
Being in the operations department, I have been taught and now can independently conduct procurement processes as well as support in administrative tasks, of course being guided by my colleagues. I have also gained knowledge of just how one activity that I may engage in, magnifies to that whole project being supported several countries away. Nothing comes close to that.
- What has been your highlight so far?
Between July and August last year, there was an Africa CDC program training being organized and I was asked to step in and support as some of my colleagues were away on leave. I was tense at first, but what drove me through was knowing I could count on my team members. The people around me have brought out strong abilities in me, and for that I am always grateful.
- What challenges have you experienced and what would you recommend improving it?
Learning opportunities for interns. Some department-specific manuals can be curated just to help onboard the interns.
- Is there a career that stands out for you in APHF you would like to pursue?
Absolutely. I would like to be in the operations department because I will get to understand the mechanics of the whole foundation. I also got to engage some of the Governing Council members and a career in Public Health seems a proper fit for me, given that I always wanted to be a doctor. From wanting to cater for individuals health to now catering for the continents health.
