Veronica Choolwe

Virtual Internship at Robotist / Nuwona

Bachelor in Economics
University of Lusaka
September 2 - November 29, 2024

At work

Although the virtual internship officially commenced on September 2, 2024, my journey began in August, as I participated in several training courses that preceded the internship. This experience was both unique and exciting, as it provided an opportunity to apply the foundational knowledge I had acquired during my university studies.

During my time at Robotist and Nuwona, I worked as a Digital Marketing Intern which was an entirely new role for me. However, acquiring this skill was essential, especially in today’s digital age. My responsibilities included creating content aimed at enhancing brand awareness, which involved designing infographics, banners, articles, newsletters, and informative videos. I was tasked with conducting research on the services offered by the company and producing engaging, informative content for our audience.

Throughout this role, I became proficient in using various content creation tools, including Canva, WordPress, CapCut, and several others, as I used them regularly. In addition to technical skills, I also developed important soft skills, such as communication, adaptability, and teamwork. I learned to align my work with the expectations of my mentors while collaborating effectively with the team.

My mentor, coach and colleagues

I am deeply grateful for the exceptional guidance and support I received from my mentors at the company: Mariam Shiaman-Barro, Chrys Ngoma, and Marc-Davy Alioza. This experience was truly unique, as we came from different corners of the world, yet we were able to learn from one another, which was incredibly exciting. The consistent communication with my mentors, who made themselves available despite their busy schedules, played a pivotal role in my virtual internship. Their guidance made a significant impact on my journey, helping me navigate challenges and providing a safe, supportive environment where I felt comfortable expressing myself and sharing my thoughts.

In addition to my mentors, I had the privilege of being coached by Karen Mueller, one of B360 education partnerships experts. Our weekly catch-up sessions were invaluable and offered me much-needed support. Karen provided impartial, constructive feedback, which greatly contributed to my personal growth. Under her coaching, I gained significant confidence, especially in public speaking. Initially shy, I now feel much more self-assured in expressing myself which was an outcome that I consider one of the most important takeaways from this experience. The one-on-one sessions allowed Karen to tailor her guidance to my specific needs, making them even more effective.

Moreover, I had the pleasure of working alongside Mwange, and we quickly discovered that our skills complemented each other. While I excelled in creating attractive content, he was particularly talented in article writing. Additionally, the five of us virtual interns formed a cohesive team. We not only collaborated closely in our work but also bonded through team-building activities, which helped foster lasting friendships. Regardless of the company we worked for, we frequently shared knowledge and supported each other, helping one another grow professionally.

Highlights and challenges during the Swiss internship

Some of the key highlights of my internship included acquiring digital marketing skills, forging new friendships, and gaining a deeper understanding of Swiss culture. Prior to the internship, I had minimal knowledge of how digital marketing works, and I now recognize it as an essential skill in today’s digital landscape. Going into the internship, I hadn’t anticipated forming lasting friendships, but through collaboration with my colleagues and participating in team-building activities, we grew closer and issues were addressed promptly and even provided a backup power source to minimize disruptions, quickly became friends.

The cultural exchange aspect of the experience was also particularly enriching. Although I had only basic knowledge of Switzerland before, this opportunity allowed me to learn much more about the country and its culture. Additionally, I was able to expand my professional network, which proved to be incredibly valuable.

While the experience was largely positive, we did face a few challenges, such as power outages and occasional network instability issues that are not uncommon in remote work environments. However, thanks to the support of the Unilus team, we were able to overcome these obstacles swiftly. They ensured the connectivity.

My future plans

Moving forward, I am committed to furthering my education and enhancing my qualifications in ways that align with my career aspirations. I plan to continue gaining practical, hands-on experience by working with companies that reflect my personal values and principles, where I can foster meaningful personal and professional growth. While I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in the finance industry, I remain open to exploring other sectors where I can thrive, learn, and contribute whilst enjoying my work. I also look forward to getting into entrepreneurship as my goal is to work in environments that offer opportunities for both individual development and organizational success.

Personal message

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this program possible. To the stakeholders, B360 education partnerships, the University of Lusaka, Robotist, and Nuwona, I am truly thankful for this unique opportunity. The knowledge and experiences I gained throughout this journey have been invaluable, and I can confidently say that I am not the same person I was before this experience. I look forward to seeing more of these impactful collaborations and partnerships in the future. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and guidance!