Gaining practical skills on the job while juggling school work as a student is an art that many interns have to master for them to thrive.
Business consultant Linda Pahula has advised interns and prospective young workers to master the art of multitasking, and ensure they balance their academics and work when necessary.
She was an Information Technology intern at Sanlam in 2022 before being employed full -ime at the company.
Development practitioner Bernardus Steven Harageib spoke about the essence of transferrable skills, saying interns should invest in themselves and learn as many skills as possible.
“The job market is not going to stay the same. This is about solving problems, and we are learning skills from our jobs and these skills can also come from academics,” he said.
He said interns must be confident enough to take up leadership roles, adapt and navigate through the workspace.
“Come with a positive attitude to work, smile, and don’t look like your problems, 80% of your work should be on time, make a mental note to finish assigned projects,” he urged.
The general manager of the Brand and People at Sanlam, Evans Simataa said it is important for interns to find a purpose and navigate through their programmes smoothly.
He added that there is a need for future generations to be financially secure and responsible.
“It is important to tie in the theory with the practical knowledge you will enquire while you are here. You are in touch with so many specialists here,. It is up to you to get new knowledge, but also open up new opportunities for you. Open your eyes and see those opportunities,” stated Simataa.
He said interns should not let the opportunities crumble in front of them, but seize them.
“You have the opportunity to shine, make us not regret taking you in. There are interns whose contracts were terminated even before the three months of internship had ended,” he said on the work ethics of interns.
Thandi Hoffman, who was once an intern at Sanlam, said she made sure she gave her best.
The client service provider added that the Sanlam internship made her stronger.
“Make the most of it and create memories, make the impact so that we can see you in the corridors,” she said.
Sanlam Namibia introduced its official internship programme in 2020. The programme helps students to complete their work-integrated learning (WIL). It also serves as an opportunity to support the development of young talent, and contribute to their professional growth.
The first three-month intake of interns for 2025 will start on 3 March 2025 until 31 May 2025. The second cohort of interns is from August to October.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na