For many young graduates, the prospect of embarking on an internship can be daunting and is often regarded as one of their biggest concerns.
This apprehension stems from the pervasive emphasis on work experience, which many graduates believe puts them at a disadvantage when seeking employment. Numerous employers explicitly require candidates to have substantial prior work experience to be considered for positions within their organizations.
While young graduates acknowledge the importance of pursuing internships to gain valuable work experience, a growing number are choosing alternative paths, such as content creation or entrepreneurship, to circumvent the perceived challenges of internships.
In all honesty, starting at the bottom of the professional ladder is rarely enjoyable, and the demands and pressures associated with internships are far from appealing.
Many describe this phase as daunting.
Bridget Adhiambo, a 20-year-old recent intern at a media organization, says her experience while undertaking an internship was full of pain.
“I am grateful that I endured the three-month internship, but honestly, it was an experience that has left me with no desire to undertake another one.
“It was a horrific three months filled with constant pressure. Many of the supervisors seemed unconcerned about how we commuted to work or whether we had proper meals. The struggle of arranging transportation to work, only to face relentless pressure, was overwhelmingly stressful,” Adhiambo highlighted.
“As much as I value the importance of gaining work experience, the lack of empathy from some supervisors was shocking. I wonder if they would appreciate their own children being treated in the same manner,” she added.
On the other hand, Davis Ocheng, a 21-year-old who recently completed an internship at an organization, shares his frustration. ‘
“One of the things that truly irked me during my internship was being constantly reminded that I am a GenZ. It felt as if being a GenZ was a crime, and my supervisor had low expectations of me, which eventually wore me down,” Ochieng shared with Nairobi News.
“I genuinely sought to gain work experience, but being young should not be a disadvantage. I wish employers would recognize that we are young but possess skills that can genuinely benefit their organizations.”
While some organizations do offer stipends to interns, the majority do not feel obliged to provide compensation.
Consequently, many interns endure challenges throughout the internship period. Upon completion, they often distance themselves from the corporate world due to the stress endured during their internships.
While recognizing the value of gaining work experience, it’s essential to acknowledge that the economic hardships facing nations also affect young individuals who yearn for recognition and appreciation as valuable contributors.
