READY FOR THE WORLD: MY REMARKABLE EXPERIENCE AS AN AMWIK INTERN
I felt like I was venturing into the unknown when I began my three-month apprenticeship with the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK). I had recently completed University and was both anxious and eager for the future. I had no idea that this journey would be a rollercoaster of growth, full of surprises, laughter and invaluable lessons. Join me as I discuss the highs and lows of my internship from the nerve-wracking interview to the triumphant Pad Drive Campaign, from being a Twitter novice to having my account flourish and connect with influential organizations like the European Union, the journey has been nothing short of exhilarating and the lifelong connections I made along the way.
The Nerve-Wracking Interview
The journey began with a nerve-wracking interview. I vividly remember sitting in the waiting area, my mind racing with doubts and uncertainty. The thought of facing seasoned professionals in the media industry felt intimidating. Despite my initial lack of confidence, I gathered my courage and walked into the interview room with a smile.
To my surprise, the interview turned out to be a warm and encouraging experience. The interviewers not only assessed my skills but also focused on understanding my passions and aspirations. It was evident that AMWIK cared about nurturing young talents and providing a supportive environment for learning and growth. A few days later, I received an email I had been eagerly waiting for, I had made it through!
The Unusual Joys of Attending Events
One aspect of my internship that always brings a smile to my face is attending events. As interns, we were privileged to participate in media events at prestigious hotels, an experience I would have never imagined in my normal days. It may sound funny, but dressing up and dining in these elegant settings made me feel like I was living in a movie. The sight of professionals confidently mingling and networking initially made me feel like an outsider, but I quickly learned that every person at these events once stood where I was. Throughout my internship, I embraced each event with curiosity and enthusiasm, savouring every moment of growth and realization that I was a part of something greater.
Motivational Mondays
Motivational Mondays at AMWIK were a beacon of inspiration and wisdom. The guest speakers invited to share their experiences breathed life into the start of each week. Their stories of overcoming challenges, celebrating successes, and persisting through failures ignited a fire within me. One memorable Monday, a renowned journalist shared her journey from being a timid beginner to a trailblazer in the media world (Pamela Mburia). Her words echoed in my mind long after she left, reminding me that greatness is often born from vulnerability and perseverance. These sessions were like a balm for the soul, reaffirming my passion for media and empowering me to reach for the stars.
New Friendships and Networking
During my internship, I had the opportunity to work closely with other talented interns. Initially, we were strangers, each with our apprehensions and ambitions. However, as we collaborated on projects and shared experiences, we forged bonds that transcended the professional sphere. We laughed together, supported each other during tough times, and celebrated our victories as a team. The good rapport we built became an essential source of strength and encouragement throughout the internship.
The Pad Drive Campaign: Making a Meaningful Impact
One of the most rewarding experiences during my internship was participating in the Pad Drive Campaign. As interns, we organized a campaign to collect and donate sanitary pads to a secondary girls’ school. The campaign aimed to address period poverty and promote menstrual hygiene among young girls. The campaign turned out to be a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering support of AMWIK and the local community. Witnessing the gratitude and joy on the girls’ faces as we distributed the sanitary pads left an indelible mark on my heart. It reinforced my belief in the power of collective action and the impact we can make when we come together for a cause.
My Twitter Transformation
Before joining AMWIK, Twitter was merely a platform I scrolled through occasionally, never considering it a place of personal or professional growth. However, from the moment I stepped foot into the company, I knew things were about to change. Learning how to craft compelling tweets, using relevant hashtags and sharing visually appealing content soon became second nature. I discovered that Twitter was more than just a social media platform; it was a space for meaningful conversations, information sharing, and an opportunity to contribute to larger discussions. Being followed by such reputable entities was not only a testament to the quality of our content but also an acknowledgement of our efforts in creating a meaningful online presence.
One particular day, my heart skipped a beat when I received a direct message notification on Twitter. To my amazement, the sender was none other than the European Union! They had come across a tweet I had posted about someone making a positive impact in their community. The EU wanted to know more about this inspiring individual and requested me to kindly help them get in touch with the person. The feeling of being noticed and acknowledged by the European Union was surreal. It was a validation of my efforts and a testament to the potential of social media to amplify meaningful stories and drive change. This encounter highlighted the immense power of a single tweet.
The Best Staff and Bosses
Throughout my internship, I was blessed to work alongside some of the most compassionate, patient and encouraging individuals. The staff and bosses at AMWIK were not just mentors but also friends who went above and beyond to guide me through the ups and downs of the media industry. They believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, offering constructive feedback and support to help me grow. Their dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality in media was truly inspiring, making me even more determined to contribute to the cause.
As my three-month internship at AMWIK draws to a close, I can’t help but feel a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. Blink, and it’s over – that’s how fast time flies when you’re immersed in a journey of growth and self-discovery. This internship has been a transformative experience, shaping me into a more confident and capable individual. From conquering nerves in the interview room to attending empowering events, learning from Motivational Mondays, making lifelong friends and spearheading the Pad Drive Campaign, this experience has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.
My journey at AMWIK taught me that stepping into the unknown can lead to the most profound growth. It showed me that a supportive and nurturing environment can bring out the best in individuals, even in a fast-paced and competitive industry like media. I would have loved to be retained and continue contributing to the organization’s mission of empowering women in media. As I venture into the future, I carry with me the memories of laughter, the warmth of friendships, and the unwavering belief in the power of women’s voices. My internship at AMWIK has not just been a professional milestone; it has been a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With newfound confidence, I am excited to embark on my next chapter, armed with the invaluable experiences and lessons from this remarkable internship.
Article by Joy Nakato, Intern , AMWIK
