From August to December 2023, my life took a transformative turn as I embarked on an enriching internship journey at Think Africa, serving as an Assistant Project Coordinator. The introduction to this opportunity came through my cousin’s friend who resides in Helsinki. She spoke glowingly about the organization’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, participation, and collaboration within the African community in Finland.
Motivated by the prospect of contributing to a cause I deeply believed in, which also aligned with the requirements of my Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus on International Business from Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, I eagerly reached out to Think Africa. The values of the organization resonated with me, and I was thrilled at the prospect of putting my academic knowledge into practical application.
Throughout my tenure, I had the privilege of honing various skills crucial for professional growth. Analytical skills became second nature as I delved into research and dissected feedback from previous Think Africa Week events. This not only enhanced my ability to analyze data effectively but also provided valuable insights for future projects. Through the research I learnt about Think Africa, how it started, what it does and its effects to the community.
Another objective that I embarked on in my internship was to learn more about fundraising at non-profit organizations. Towards this, I supported the Fundraising team by researching and creating a list of grants that have either previously funded Think Africa’s work or have the potential to do so. I identified various grants and created a calendar for the organization that also indicates the opening and closing times of the grants, the funding limits and links to more information. This calendar was created in Monday.com which has the advantage of sending alerts to the team when a grant is about to open up. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the grant ecosystem but also taught me the importance of having centralized information that is accessible to many.
One of the unexpected skills that I improved in was communication. In tasks like organizing an event where there are multiple teams, all needing to share information in a timely manner and for me to be an effective assistant, I learned that being able to communicate effectively is essential. I found myself drafting and responding to emails, engaging in productive conversations, and learning from my supervisor. The active interactions sharpened my ability to articulate ideas clearly, fostering a more collaborative work environment. Concurrently, my writing skills underwent refinement, as clarity and precision became paramount in my day-to-day responsibilities.
The internship also provided ample opportunities to enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills. Having to make independent decisions, like drafting emails and feedback analyzing, encouraged me to trust my judgment and develop a proactive approach to problem-solving.
I was also fortunate to contribute to other Think Africa projects such as Think Career, a mentorship program aimed at connecting mentors with mentees to provide guidance on career, school life, and overall life experiences for foreigners.In this project, I volunteered at the group in-person sessions. This allowed me to network and listen to experienced speakers on building a career in Finland. Information I needed to hear before I graduate. Another noteworthy initiative I participated in was the Virtual Lounge, where individuals came together to share their experiences and forge meaningful connections.
As I reflect on my internship at Think Africa, I am filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences, skills gained, and the chance to be part of an organization that champions positive change within communities. This journey has not only shaped my professional trajectory but has also left an indelible mark on my understanding of the power of inclusivity, participation, and collaboration in fostering impactful community engagement.
Written by: Miriam Kahura, student at SeAMK, pursuing a degree in Business Administration with a focus on International Business. Connect with Miriam on LinkedIn
