Internship opportunities and how to secure them

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Internships are often a stepping stone to professional success. For Yvette Talwana, a student at Uganda Christian University, her first internship opportunity came through a simple advertisement.

She explains that the opportunity was shared by one of her lecturers, and despite her initial doubts, she decided to give it a shot.

"I thought that it was going to have to be through connections. So, I tried my best to see if I knew anyone who worked at Vision Group, but I was not in luck," says Talwana. "But I am happy I got in because most of my friends relied on connections for opportunities elsewhere. For me, it was just the application."

Talwana’s luck came through persistence. While she had faced rejections from other organisations, the internship at Vision Group came through a straightforward application process.

"Before I had tried other organisations, I never heard back. I applied online, but nothing worked out. The internship I got was the only successful one," she shares.

Internships, especially in Uganda, tend to open in May, and Yvette admits that it was a tough time to secure a placement.

"Most companies only accept interns in May. In January, there were not many openings, so I was nervous. I had even considered applying to UBC because many of my friends were being accepted there."

Despite the challenges, Talwana reflects positively on her internship experience.

"I would say it was all I could ever hope for in terms of practical learning. I got to see how it actually feels to be doing fieldwork, and I worked with media professionals. It was a great way to connect the theory we learn in class with the practical world."

Her experience was transformative. "I had always known about internships from movies, and I had an older sister who had gone through the process. She prepared me, saying, 'You are going to do an internship, so get ready.' I was waiting for my turn," Talwana says.

Another inspiring story comes from Agatha Christie Akello, a graduate who writes on the Makerere University Endowment Fund website.

She describes her experience attending seminars organised in partnership with the university. These seminars exposed her to many influential professionals, including motivational speakers.

One of these seminars led to her first internship with a bank after a series of rejections. "I wrote my number down on a piece of paper for an HR officer, got invited for an interview, and the rest is history," Akello recalls.

Her story underscores an important lesson that you don't need “connections” to find a placement. She encourages students to apply themselves.

"As internship season approaches, it's easy to panic, especially when you have no prospects. But organisations value ambitious interns who are eager to learn," she says.

Reflecting on her own internship, Akello also offers practical advice for navigating the internship experience.

She advises interns to dress appropriately and be punctual; network; and "be intentional about building relationships with your colleagues. It's not about bootlicking but about establishing connections that can help you in the future," she shares. And avoid office romance and prioritize your professional growth."