Mwange Mwange
Virtual Internship at Robotist / Nuwona
Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance
University of Lusaka
September 2 - November 29, 2024
At work
I am incredibly thankful to B360 for the opportunity to join the Virtual Internship Program with Robotist Group and Nuwona as a Digital Marketing Intern, which began with a kickoff call on September 2nd 2024. Transitioning from my background in economics to digital marketing, it has been a remarkable and enriching journey, one that exceeded all my expectations.
Working with these innovative startup companies was an eye-opening experience that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. In the initial weeks, I was tasked with creating articles, infographics, banners, newsletters, and even working on website development tasks I had never done before. The challenges were daunting, but the unwavering support from my mentors, Mariam, Macdavy, Chrys, and Mr. Jonathan, made all the difference. Their guidance and patience inspired me to push harder and strive for excellence until I got better at my work.
As I delved into my projects, I developed invaluable marketing skills and learned the art of crafting content that truly captures customers' attention. More than just being an intern, I embraced the role of a team player, motivating my colleagues and contributing to our collective success. This experience not only helped me foster a winning team spirit but also revealed strengths within myself and my fellow interns that we hadn't previously recognized.
The role significantly enhanced my organizational and communication skills, allowing for seamless collaboration within our virtual team. Despite working for different organizations, we supported one another, making this experience unique and deeply collaborative. It was never about competition; it was about teamwork. Together, we achieved more than we could have individually, embodying the true spirit of collaboration.
My mentor, coach and colleague
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your incredible support and guidance throughout my internship and Career Starter Week. Karen, your constant presence and unwavering support during the entire virtual internship made a world of difference to me. Your mentorship was invaluable and kept me motivated throughout the journey.
Reto and Rita, the knowledge and insights you provided during the Career Starter Week were instrumental in equipping me with the skills I needed. Your dedication and effort were truly appreciated. Sabina, your teachings on emotional intelligence were transformative. You acted as a mother figure during this period, and your lessons have had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally.
To my mentors at Robotist Group and Nuwona Mariam, Mac Davy, Chrys, and Mr. Jonathan your guidance helped me uncover my hidden talents in marketing. You enhanced my skills in article writing, research, infographics, newsletters, and banners, pushing me to grow in ways I never imagined.
To my colleagues, your camaraderie and collaboration have made this journey even more special. Working together, we supported each other through challenges and celebrated our successes, making this experience truly unique and enriching. Thank you all for believing in me and for the incredible support. This journey has been enriching and unforgettable because of each of you.
Highlights and challenges during the Swiss internship
The highlight of my internship has been gaining new skills and knowledge. I've made valuable connections and expanded my network, which will be beneficial in the future. Working with colleagues in Switzerland and Senegal opened my mind to different work cultures. The autonomy of working remotely from Zambia made this internship a success. During the course of my internship, I had the opportunity to learn basics of French made the internship even more meaningful. On top of that, we also taught them how to speak Bemba, enriching our cultural exchange.
However, there were challenges too. A significant one was when my close friend got a job with PWC. While I was happy for him, it was difficult to part ways after being together for over five years. This experience required us to adapt our strategies and goals as a group, but we stayed committed.
Language barriers were another issue, making communication difficult at times. Despite this, we always found common ground and began learning to speak French together, which helped us work seamlessly as a team. Internet connectivity was also a minor issue this semester, but B360's proactive approach in addressing these problems showed their dedication to supporting interns effectively.
My future plans
I plan to further my studies in the economic and finance side of my career. However, I don't want to neglect the valuable marketing skills I acquired during the internship. As an entrepreneur, I am excited to apply these marketing skills to grow my business to new heights. Having had the opportunity to work with a startup company, I believe this experience will play a significant role in developing my business. I hope to leverage these skills to contribute meaningfully to similar initiatives in the future.
Personal message
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to B360 education partnerships, Staub Kaiser Stiftung, Robotist Group/Nuwona, and all other stakeholders for making this incredible opportunity possible. Your unwavering commitment to our shared mission has profoundly impacted my life and the lives of my colleagues, igniting our determination to effect positive change.
Being a part of the transformative work at B360 education partnerships has been an honor beyond words. This experience has been a cornerstone of my personal and professional growth, and I am deeply grateful for the invaluable support you've provided.
I eagerly look forward to continuing our collaboration and making further progress together. Thank you for believing in us and for your relentless dedication to fostering our development.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Mwange Mwange
