Comply with Benedicta Ohene’s journey as an intern for the Neighborhood Staff at HOT and the teachings she discovered throughout her time within the group.
I can’t imagine my internship is over! It seems like simply yesterday I used to be beginning out, feeling nervous and not sure of myself. However because of the superb group on the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Staff, I’ve discovered a lot and grown a lot as an individual. I began the internship in October 2022. It was initially supposed to finish in Could 2023, however I received an extension for 2 extra months. Isn’t it superb?
I interned with the HOT Neighborhood Staff with the target of serving to them in a wide range of methods, together with however not restricted to conducting analysis, gathering data, and aiding within the group and execution of occasions, conferences, and workshops.
“Thanks” looks like an understatement to specific my overwhelming gratitude for the unbelievable internship alternative bestowed upon me. From the second I stepped into this vibrant group, I knew I used to be among the many finest individuals I’ve ever had the privilege to be round. The love and care they lengthen to at least one one other create an environment of heat and camaraderie that made me really feel like I used to be a part of one thing really particular.
Among the many many beneficial classes I’ve taken to coronary heart from our catch-ups, one stands out prominently – the significance of acknowledging and celebrating my very own achievements, irrespective of how small they could appear. Earlier than becoming a member of this group, I struggled to acknowledge my very own accomplishments and infrequently brushed them apart as insignificant. Nevertheless, their encouragement and help taught me the importance of appreciating my progress and valuing each step I take towards my targets.
Equally transformative was their emphasis on the facility of searching for assist when wanted. Admitting my vulnerabilities and asking for help was one thing I had all the time discovered troublesome. However with their steering, I discovered the braveness to achieve out for help, realizing that it was not an indication of weak spot however a testomony to the power of our shared bond.
As my internship got here to an finish, I spotted how a lot I appreciated each second I spent with this nice group. “All the things that has a starting has an finish,” as they are saying, but I couldn’t assist however need for extra time. Particularly, Arnalie Vicario (my supervisor) made an indelible impression on me. Her generosity, steering, and unfailing help moved my coronary heart in methods phrases can’t specific.
Photograph from the final one-on-one with my supervisor, Arnalie Vicario
I liken this group to a closely-knit household, the place every member performs an important position in uplifting each other and fostering development. Their sense of unity and dedication to one another’s enchancment is nothing in need of inspiring. I really feel blessed to have been part of this powerhouse of collaboration – the neighborhood working group that actually lives as much as its identify. The varied backgrounds and experience of the group have been a testomony to the group’s dedication to inclusivity.
If I have been a talented author, I’d fill volumes of books with tales of the experiences and classes I gained throughout my internship. However alas, as I sometimes battle to place my ideas into phrases, I’ll merely say that this journey has been extra profound and impactful than I may have ever imagined.
As I step away from this unbelievable chapter of my life, I carry with me a coronary heart brimming with gratitude and the information that the bonds shaped right here will stay etched in my soul endlessly. To my expensive group, my heartfelt thanks for being the beacon of sunshine throughout this enriching internship. You might be all a testomony to the fantastic thing about human connection, and I’ll endlessly treasure the reminiscences and the expansion you’ve nurtured in me.
Contributions and Accomplishments
Throughout my time as an intern, I had the privilege of partaking in a variety of tasks and duties, contributing to the expansion and growth of our neighborhood.
- One of many highlights of my internship was my involvement in organizing webinars. Collaborating intently with the group, I performed a key position in guaranteeing the profitable execution of those occasions, from coordinating schedules and audio system to serving to with technical points and establishing ticketing pages utilizing Eventbrite. I gained firsthand expertise in occasion administration and group, sharpening my means to deal with a number of duties successfully.
- Making eye-catching posters for pre- and post-webinar periods, in addition to varied coaching occasions utilizing Canva, was one other space the place I had a major affect. These photos improved the effectiveness of our messages by serving as each academic instruments and artistic components. By creating these posters, I used to be ready to make use of my design skills to convey essential data in a visually interesting approach.
- Other than that, occasionally, I up to date our OSM wiki web page with the latest occasions and particulars. To make sure that the individuals in our neighborhood all the time had entry to correct and present data, this endeavor wanted diligent consideration to element. I improved my organizing skills throughout this course of and gained a greater appreciation for the importance of sustaining the foreign money of digital sources.
- I discovered serving to translate essential paperwork utilizing DeepL translator to be a very rewarding part of my internship. The significance of environment friendly communication throughout language obstacles was reaffirmed by this work, which additionally gave me new insights into the neighborhood’s international attain. Contributing to a bigger viewers’s entry to data was extremely fulfilling.
- One of many roles that allowed me to step right into a leadership place was chairing or internet hosting our * Neighborhood Working Group conferences. Efficient communication and good interpersonal abilities have been wanted to steer subjects, encourage collaboration, and ensure conferences went off with out a hitch. This expertise gave me a newfound appreciation for the position of a facilitator in driving productive discussions.
Instance of webinar periods
In reflection, I can say that every of those contributions has not solely benefited our neighborhood however has additionally been essential to my growth, each personally and professionally. They’ve helped and taught me to know the worth of robust teamwork, consideration to element, inventive problem-solving, and good communication. As I transfer ahead, I carry these experiences with me, able to deal with new challenges and proceed making significant contributions in my journey forward.
In abstract
Successes
There have been many successes, however my prime three are as follows:
- Having a tremendous, inspiring mentor, pal, and massive sissy as a supervisor who made every little thing really easy for me – day by day was like a celebration speaking to you. Thanks for all the time being there
- Having to work with such superb neighborhood group members who had everybody at coronary heart
- Finishing the internship efficiently
Blockers/Challenges:
Regardless of the triumph, there’ll all the time be some difficulties.
- One main subject or roadblock for me was web connectivity, which brought on me to be late for some duties.
Learnings:
- Abilities Enhancement: Throughout my internship, I had the possibility to use and broaden my abilities and information gained by way of studying. Engaged on real-world tasks uncovered me to sensible challenges, which enhanced my competency in associated abilities, resembling graphic design and software program instruments, resembling Canva. I discovered easy methods to use Eventbrite.
- Cross-Purposeful Collaboration: I discovered the significance of efficient communication and collaboration throughout departments. Participating with colleagues from numerous backgrounds and roles enriched my understanding of how totally different groups contribute to the general success of the group, particularly with the group of webinars.
- Time administration: Balancing varied tasks and duties taught me vital time administration abilities. I regularly discovered to prioritize duties, fulfill deadlines, and keep productive whereas coping with unanticipated issues.
- Skilled Improvement: Taking part in group conferences, workshops, and firm occasions uncovered me to an expert setting. It allowed me to domesticate important mushy abilities, resembling public talking, teamwork, crucial considering, and adaptableness.
What I beloved most:
- One-on-one periods
- Icebreaker questions
Screenshot of a Neighborhood Working Group session
I wish to specific my sincerest gratitude to my supervisor, Arnalie Vicario, Pete Masters (Neighborhood Staff Lead), the neighborhood group, and the complete Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Staff (HOT). Thanks as soon as once more for the enriching alternative.
Lengthy Dwell the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Staff (HOT)
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