Tawanda Mpepoimba
Virtual Internship at B360 education partnerships
Bachelor Student in Economics and Finance
University of Lusaka
August 21 - October 31, 2023
At work
September 4th, 2023 marked the beginning of my journey as a research intern at B360 education partnerships. I had the privilege of working directly under the guidance of esteemed founder and president, Sabina Balmer, on a project aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of programs such as the Career Starter Week for university graduates. This involved designing a questionnaire, interviewing, and meticulously analyzing data to derive meaningful insights. Through this research project, I gained invaluable qualitative research skills and a deeper appreciation for the transformative capability of targeted educational programs. Besides my primary research responsibilities, I also took on supplementary administrative tasks for the organization. This included coordinating internal communications and fostering collaboration among fellow virtual interns. This role allowed me to develop essential organizational and communication skills, contributing to the seamless operation of our virtual team.
My team, mentors and coaches
I cannot overstate the profound impact of Sabina Balmer's mentorship throughout this undertaking. Her support and dedication to my research have been both enlightening and motivating. We had regular calls and check-ins every morning and that helped me to stay on track and made it easier to carry out my tasks, knowing that she was available whenever I needed her help. Sybille Amhof and Taylor Rohner also ensured that I had a smooth integration into the organization, and the support and regular check-up calls from Karen Muller and Rita Becker played a huge part in making the virtual internship an enriching experience. My fellow virtual interns at B360 education partnerships provided a supportive and collaborative environment and I will always cherish the fond memories from the office space I shared with them.
highlights and lowlights
One of the most notable highlights of this internship was the opportunity to work on a qualitative research project. The autonomy and trust extended to me fostered a sense of ownership and personal growth. Additionally, I learned so much about Swiss culture through the virtual cultural exchange sessions with different guests who shared facts about Switzerland and the lifestyle that Swiss people live. Furthermore, I forged a lasting relationship with a group of brilliant young individuals in a professional environment. However, as a virtual intern, I encountered the challenge of adapting to a remote work environment. This caused a focus on effective time management and proactive communication, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in a professional setting. In addition, poor internet reception would always affect scheduled virtual meetings and the flow of proceedings.
MY future plans
This internship has solidified my passion for research and data analysis. I am enthusiastic about pursuing further opportunities in this domain and applying the skills and knowledge gained at B360 education partnerships to contribute meaningfully to similar initiatives in the future.
Personal message
I extend my deepest gratitude to each of you, our valued stakeholders, for your unwavering support. Your commitment to our shared mission fuels our determination to effect positive change. It has been an honour to be a part of the transformative work taking place at B360 education partnerships, and I look forward to continued collaboration and progress. Thank you for your invaluable support.