This week marked the conclusion of my enriching journey as a communications assistant during my internship at a city golf club in Nairobi. This experience has been nothing short of a thrilling roller coaster ride.
Internships serve as valuable pathways to future employment opportunities.
They offer a chance to explore different career fields and accumulate crucial work experience.
However, compensating interns is essential, as it supports students with limited financial resources, prevents employee exploitation, and respects the value of their time.
Having had the privilege of interning at three other esteemed organizations, I can unequivocally affirm that my immediate former employer stands as an unparalleled beacon of excellence.
In an era characterized by economic challenges, it is a rarity to find an employer that not only provides three square meals a day – encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner – but also extends the generosity of complimentary transportation for its interns.
Moreover, the invaluable monthly stipend served as a lifebuoy, enabling me to navigate through the tumultuous waters of economic uncertainty.
For students who depend on loans such as HELB and other bursaries to finance their education, unpaid internships and industrial attachments may result in even greater debt.
Given the significant financial investment in tuition, comrades cannot afford to allocate additional time without remuneration.
Unpaid internships place an additional burden on students, as they are essentially working pro bono.
While the long hours and physical demands may be challenging, internships still provide valuable insights into the responsibilities associated with the role.
The exposure I have gained in these four months is immeasurable. It has not only honed my professional acumen but also broadened my perspective on the dynamic realm of corporate communications.
College and varsity students are required to complete at least one internship before graduating, and some may even require them for college credit.
Even though student industrial placements are not jobs, they are simulations for individuals to assess their suitability for a particular profession.
Ultimately, paying interns is a crucial step towards creating a fair and equitable work environment, ensuring that fresh graduates and students on industrial placements from all backgrounds have equal access to valuable learning experiences.
By Ooro George
Iam a journalist, art critic, digital stories, and cross-cultural curator.
Mobile: +254704478565
Twitter: @OoroGeorge
My Portfolio: https://www.
Mathare Area 4,
Nairobi, Kenya.
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