Internships are a stepping stone into one’s career, as they provide an opportunity for growth and to garner experience.
Former intern and aspiring human resources professional Mary-Kathleen McKenzie (24) is encouraging interns across the country to treat internship and graduate programmes with utmost respect and dedication, as every experience, no matter how minor it seems, contributes to one’s growth.
McKenzie was part of Sanlam Namibia’s internship programme.
“Take internships seriously – they are a stepping stone to your future. An internship is a great opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop essential skills and build connections in your field. It is where you begin to bridge the gap between theory and practice, and that knowledge is invaluable,” She told Youth Corner.
She said interns and prospective ones should be curious and eager to learn, even when the tasks seem small or routine.
“Most importantly, treat your internship as if it is your first job. Please show up on time, be professional, and give it your best effort. The impression you make during your internship can open doors for future opportunities, whether it’s a job offer, a recommendation, or valuable mentorship,” she shared.
She said being part of the internship programme was a meaningful experience, a chance to step out of the classroom and truly experience what working in the Human Resource (HR) field is like.
“Before, I only had an idea of what HR involved, but I now have a comprehensive understanding of the day-to-day operations within an HR department. Working in the Sanlam space taught me some invaluable lessons that I will carry with me throughout my career,” she said.
Beyond that, McKenzie believes the programme gives her a chance to build important skills like communication, problem-solving and teamwork, something that confirmed her passion for HR, aiding in preparing for the next steps in her career.
Sanlam Namibia introduced its first official internship programme in 2020. The programme is aimed at aiding students who are required to complete their Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). This also serves as an opportunity to support the development of young talent, and contribute to their professional growth.
The first intake of interns for 2025 is expected to start from 1 March 2025 until 31 May 2025 for a period of three months. The second cohort of interns is from August to October.
Since the introduction of the programme, a total of 97 interns completed their internship.
Sanlam Namibia’s Senior HR Business Partner Selma Shilunga, said from the 97 interns, 16 were appointed permanently and 16 were appointed temporarily, leading to 32 interns being appointed as permanent/fixed-term employees by the leading financial services company.
“The end-goal of the internship programme is to assist students to complete their WIL and graduate, while equipping them with practical skills and experience that will enhance their employability, and prepare them for future career opportunities,” she said.
Shilunga indicated that Sanlam has identified specific fields within the operation scope of the organisation, taking into consideration the potential growth for interns in those areas. These fields include actuarial science, human resources, marketing and communications, accounting, and other relevant departments.
She added: “The importance of such a programme lies in its ability to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. Internships provide students with hands-on experience, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.”
For Sanlam, the internship programme offers several benefits, including the opportunity to identify and nurture future talent, enhance the company’s reputation as an employer of choice, and contribute to the overall development of the community by supporting education and training initiatives.
-psiririka@nepc.com.na