My experience as an intern at MISA Zimbabwe
ITOLD myself I wanted to intern at MISA Zimbabwe during the first semester of my second year at University after I had attended one of their workshops in Bulawayo. This was my first encounter with the organisation. The only other time was when I was looking for references for my assignments at school.
I was sitting at the back of the conference room at a press club meeting with Tabani Moyo, the current acting regional director, addressing media practitioners in Bulawayo, so eloquent, articulate and well informed.
I remember the discussion was about the role of the media during elections and there were a number of well-informed journalists present, engaging and deliberating on the role they should play during the 2018 elections.
When the meeting ended, I was hooked.
I went home and did some research on media lobby groups and the more common and active one from my searches was MISA Zimbabwe. I then scanned and skimmed through their website looking for opportunities that I could take up.
When the time for me to find attachment came, I still had it at the back of my mind that, I wanted to work for MISA. I waited and waited for an advert from the organisation communicating that they were looking for interns.
Through my university lecturers, I then applied for attachment. I was then called in for an interview and shortlisted for the internship programme. I still remember my first day at the organisation, it was Wednesday, 17 July 2019 and I was excited to have finally joined the organisation.
The first few weeks at work were difficult, not because of the staff, but because I was stepping into new terrain and did not have a clue on how to deliver on what was required of me.
I was lucky because I got a very patient and understanding supervisor, Chido Luciasi. I was amazed at how young she was, but already a beacon of knowledge. With her assistance I managed to find my footing and deliver what was required of me.
The most interesting thing about MISA Zimbabwe is the unity and family environment that exists at the office. The staff is dedicated to achieving the organisation`s objectives and they have a work ethic that I had not experienced before.
I suppose this is the reason why they are one of the most influential media lobby groups in the region.
Their internship programme is one, if not the best in the country. I know many might want to dispute this, but allow me the chance to argue my case.
Through working with individuals with a plethora of experience and knowledge in Zimbabwe’s media sector, interns at MISA Zimbabwe prove to be a cut above the rest when they leave the organisation.
This is not because they are special or anything, but it is because during their one- year working experience with the organisation, they are exposed to a vast amount of experiences and knowledge that give them competitive advantage.
For me personally, for example, I was exposed to advocacy work, social media marketing skills, graphic design, writing and public communication skills.
The programme benefited me in terms of my professional abilities, my knowledge of the media sector, its regulation and international best practices on media and free expression, grew.
The organisation under its past internship programmes has produced vibrant media activists such as Vivian Marara, the current Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations (ZACRAS) national director, and Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) chairperson.
The internship programme has a number of vital elements that help in setting a good foundation for aspiring young media and communication professionals.
Happy anniversary MISA Zimbabwe.