RAA’s Post

I was invited to be in the VIP Top 50 with Clyde & Co! Today marks the last day of Bright Network IEUK 2024, and I got off to a great start this morning when I was chosen as one of the VIP Top 50 to participate in an exclusive session with Clyde & Co. First, I want to extend my gratitude to Bright Network for organizing the IEUK internship experience. This opportunity allowed me to acquire numerous new skills and listen to guest speakers, such as PwC, Kennedys, Mishcon de Reya LLP & British Airways share their insights. My Takeaways: Internship Opportunities: I discovered a wide range of positions I hadn’t previously considered. I found internships that align perfectly with my interests, as well as those outside my usual scope that offer incredible learning experiences. Application Process & Career Advice: The Q&A session provided valuable information about the application process and personalized career guidance. The advice given was insightful and relevant to our individual career paths. My Thoughts: The VIP Top 50 session gave me a deep understanding of Clyde & Co's career pathways and the qualities they value. I am excited to apply these insights to other sectors and look forward to joining and excelling in graduate schemes at companies I aspire to work with.

How to develop exceptional employees - From Intern to Employee: My Journey with Internship Success, Nolwazi Lubisi As a rural youth, I used to struggle with self-confidence. I avoided speaking with people in high positions or asking for opportunities, especially those from different backgrounds or cultures. My mindset was fixed, and I believed I couldn’t succeed in certain environments or situations. But everything changed when I joined the Structured Internship Program at Internship Success with a Generic Management L4 Qualification from Ehlanzeni TVET College. Through a 2-day Work Readiness Induction, mentorship, coaching, and training based on Industrial Psychology and Neuroscience, I learned the value of having a growth mindset, GRIT and perseverance. During the program, I rotated through different departments at Spar, learning everything from packing shelves, counting stock, and checking expiry dates to engaging with customers and working as a cashier. Each task taught me valuable skills, including teamwork, attention to detail, and customer service. Now, I’m confident and open to challenges. I can engage with people at all levels, from diverse backgrounds, without fear or hesitation. The program not only taught me professional skills but also helped me discover my self-worth and passion for growth. To anyone feeling stuck or limited by their own mindset: growth is possible. It starts with taking that first step toward change, and I’m living proof of what’s possible with the right support and guidance. After my time at Spar, I moved to Tops and continued to grow by applying the same principles in a new environment. When my internship ended, I landed an interview at Oasis. They asked me to demonstrate my abilities by working with their clients for an hour in one of their stores. I treated each customer the way I was trained, and the interviewer was so impressed that they congratulated me, — and on the spot I got the job! Thanks to Internship Success, I’ve not only gained practical skills but also the confidence to take on challenges and thrive in a professional environment. If you believe in empowering young professionals like me, join us - Internship Success! Whether as a funder for intern stipends or a host employer, you’ll help train interns to become exceptional employees who add real value to your company. #InternshipSuccess #SkillsDevelopment #Empowerment #GrowthMindset #Employability #FutureWorkforce #CorporateSocialInvestment

🔴 Why I Left a High-Profile Internship Leaving a prestigious internship wasn’t easy, especially after putting in my best daily effort. But I realized no big name is worth sacrificing my dignity. Despite working tirelessly to deliver my best, I found myself in an environment where interns were undervalued and expected to perform at expert levels without fair compensation or recognition. Meanwhile, some paid for the job appeared disengaged, leaving us interns to shoulder the stress alone. This journey taught me an invaluable lesson: self-respect comes first. No matter how big the opportunity is, your value and well-being should never be compromised. To all interns navigating similar situations stand up for yourself. Walk away if you must. You deserve respect and recognition for your hard work. #SelfRespectFirst #InternshipLessons #ValueYourself #CareerJourney

🎙 Internships done right: Maarten Brand’s formula for success What’s the key to nailing your employer branding, recruitment, onboarding, and retention? Internships! Too many businesses overlook the power of a well-run internship program—and in today’s job market, that’s a huge mistake. Enter Maarten Brand🔥, Internship Expert at Censes Education and author of the nominated best-seller "The Big Book on Internships." With over 20 years of experience saving the world from lousy internships, Maarten knows how to transform them into a company’s greatest asset. At Onboard Amsterdam, Maarten will dive into his ‘Internship Cycle,’ exploring how to elevate each step of the internship journey, turning lackluster placements into electrifying experiences. Here’s a hint: it’s not about flashy perks; it’s about intentionally shaping an inspiring vibe through smart choices. 👉Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from the expert  https://lnkd.in/dDNRPUEf

How to develop exceptional employees - From Intern to Employee: My Journey with Internship Success, Nolwazi Lubisi As a rural youth, I used to struggle with self-confidence. I avoided speaking with people in high positions or asking for opportunities, especially those from different backgrounds or cultures. My mindset was fixed, and I believed I couldn’t succeed in certain environments or situations. But everything changed when I joined the Structured Internship Program at Internship Success with a Generic Management L4 Qualification from Ehlanzeni TVET College. Through a 2-day Work Readiness Induction, mentorship, coaching, and training based on Industrial Psychology and Neuroscience, I learned the value of having a growth mindset, GRIT and perseverance. During the program, I rotated through different departments at Spar, learning everything from packing shelves, counting stock, and checking expiry dates to engaging with customers and working as a cashier. Each task taught me valuable skills, including teamwork, attention to detail, and customer service. Now, I’m confident and open to challenges. I can engage with people at all levels, from diverse backgrounds, without fear or hesitation. The program not only taught me professional skills but also helped me discover my self-worth and passion for growth. To anyone feeling stuck or limited by their own mindset: growth is possible. It starts with taking that first step toward change, and I’m living proof of what’s possible with the right support and guidance. After my time at Spar, I moved to Tops and continued to grow by applying the same principles in a new environment. When my internship ended, I landed an interview at Oasis. They asked me to demonstrate my abilities by working with their clients for an hour in one of their stores. I treated each customer the way I was trained, and the interviewer was so impressed that they congratulated me, — and on the spot I got the job! Thanks to Internship Success, I’ve not only gained practical skills but also the confidence to take on challenges and thrive in a professional environment. If you believe in empowering young professionals like me, join us - Internship Success! Whether as a funder for intern stipends or a host employer, you’ll help train interns to become exceptional employees who add real value to your company. hashtag #InternshipSuccess hashtag #SkillsDevelopment hashtag #Empowerment hashtag #GrowthMindset hashtag #Employability hashtag #FutureWorkforce hashtag #CorporateSocialInvestment

Here are some key takeaways from meeting Kay G.: First, it’s essential to identify the driving force behind your goals and achievements. I prefer to describe this as a "driving force" rather than simply "motivation," as it suggests a sense of continuity. This driving force is what gets you to work, encourages you to hit the gym, and pushes you to engage with the world. It should stem from your own proactive decisions to move closer to your goals, whether in the short term or the long term. Secondly, consider the energy and community that accompany your drive. Surrounding yourself with wise and positive individuals is crucial. I learned that the Future Today Institute, despite being a more concise team, possesses immense power and energy. The empathy, transparency, and vibrant energy shared among team members create an environment that fosters creativity and strategic thinking. Thirdly, it’s important to recognize that the resources at your disposal are not merely pathways to your goals. Instead, they provide the tools necessary for experimentation, making mistakes, and trial and error. This approach allows you to engage with your work practically and professionally while presenting your ideas to other professionals or potential clients and receiving valuable feedback. Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to Kay, the HR Director at the Future Today Institute, for her uplifting words during this challenging time in my life. As an international student, I won’t sugarcoat it—job hunting in the U.S. is a significant challenge, and I know many domestic undergraduates share similar struggles. I'm committed to putting myself and my work out there, leveraging my strengths in Corporate Strategy and Business Development. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Melanie Subin and Helina Andargie for connecting us, as well as my professor at Parsons School of Design, Dave Mastronardi, who initially encouraged me to look into the Future Today Institute.

Piece of advice for those interning right now! When I landed my internship opportunity during the school year, I was totally unaware of the Canadian work culture. And above all, my internship fell just at the midst of the global pandemic. One piece of advice if I have to give to my fellow aspiring HR professionals or other professionals from other domains who are right now doing their internships: 'Look out for opportunities' don't just say what next, rather look for opportunities/projects where you can contribute. 'Ask for feedback!' Make sure you take full advantage of this amazing opportunity. Ask for feedback on how you can improve and with what tools. 'Connect with more and more people in the company, to build lasting relationships'. 'Get to know the company's culture, values and principles' so they see the value you represent and how they align with it. 

Internships are valuable - how can we make them more enticing and equitable? *Share the value of what can be learned. It's not about making coffee and copies, though that myth still persists. Help students catch the vision. *Instill the expectation early, so that people have time to plan. This is especially important for students balancing delicate financial situations. *Pay them (when possible) so that the applicant pool is open to everyone, not just the ones who can afford it. *Build partnerships and pathways with a variety of institutions and degree levels. Skilled workers are needed at every level, so let's build them up!

🎉 Celebrating National Intern Day! 🎉 Today, we shine a spotlight on Kennedy, who started as an intern and has now been hired by SHRA! 🌟 Kennedy’s journey exemplifies the incredible value interns bring to our organizations. As HR consultants, we know that successful intern programs are key to discovering and nurturing talent. Here are some best practices for creating impactful intern programs: Invest in Development: Offer comprehensive mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help interns like Kennedy grow and succeed. Foster Inclusivity: Ensure a welcoming environment where interns feel valued, respected, and included in all team activities and decision-making processes. Recognize Contributions: Celebrate the hard work and achievements of interns, acknowledging their significant impact on your organization. Kennedy’s success story is a testament to the importance of investing in our interns. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the future leaders they are! 🌍✨ #NationalInternDay #HRConsultants #Internships #ProfessionalDevelopment #Inclusion #SuccessStory #FutureLeaders

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