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written by aeichener , February 18, 2007

I should be sleeping, not editing... *yawn*. But just one hint: in Kenyan English, the (usually unpaid) training employment which you strive for, is called "attachment". In ordinary British English, the thing is properly called "exploitation". YMMV.

Alexander

attachment
written by Nekessa , February 19, 2007

Estar, I cannot find any stats to back me up, but I believe a lot of companies in Kenya, take students for attachments. My sister and many of my friends, I know, have been through a number of those.

I would argue though that these internship/attachment programs are not established as they should. Interns are instead abused, (in way of being overworked, and doing little work that is related to their apprenticeship!) and with such a large flood of skilled students entering the market, it is no wonder that many interns are not hired.

The best way of developing an internship program is for universities and colleges to develop relationships with both corporations and parastatals (before they are all privatized!)

Yes, Alex you should be sleeping :), it shows! Exploitation of interns is a world-wide phenomenon. It is not uncommon to hear of interns making coffee and copies all day :).

Not just a Kenyan Problem!
written by Kamale , February 19, 2007

I normally get several enquiries if I can provide internships to students who want to get the requisite training on the job or who want to use the experience to complete their work projects.

In my organisation, time is so much of essence that the time offer any training to such an intern is never available. I had a similar request from a Kenyan in Europe who wanted an internship with either our UK principals and even with my 'intervention' with out HR department, this was still not available. I even suggested that the intern was happy to 'work' for free!!!

The other problem is that sometimes internships are used to cover staffing shortfalls as opposed to training opportunities for the interns.

I agree that the universities and colleges need to develop internship curriculums with organisations so that it is clear what an organisation intends to offer during the internship.

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written by crystal , February 19, 2007

mostly in Kenya, if you are lucky to get an internship, you probably know someone who can pull a few strings here and there. The whole internship mentality isn't as strong as it should be. Companies need fresh ideas from students (if they could listen! :wink: ) and interns need the experience....its supposed to be beneficial to both parties. And yes interns are exploited. And most times, internship = no pay whatsoever!

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written by aeichener , February 19, 2007

Established Kenyans?

Listening??

To proposals and ideas???

The only hearing aid that will make them listen is a sjambok.

Alexander

Go get it. Where d\'u reside
written by Honey , February 20, 2007

It is a dog eat dog era. You want an attachment, go get it, where you want it.

It is not just Kenya, if u dont show interest and push for what you want, you will be making coffee thru and thru. One or two people will turn you down, a third will admire your confidence.

After high school in Kenya, I had some fun time running errands in different organisatins, all multinational, yet I knew no-one. If a teacher or someone mentioned something in class, be sure to find me checking it out...thats how I knew what I really wanted to study after high school, ditching the Education career.
Very many people are willing to intern students, just show what you got.

Overseas (America) it is all over, and they love it if it is free. The last time I heard zinaitwa co-op. In addition, if you are in a proffesional career, check out your org. Associations of Chemists, Microbiologists, pharmacists, Lawyers even acting in hollywood has a site for the jobs!. Talk to people who are succeeding. Some of us have a very mediocre pool of friends. Make a point of associating yourself with acheivers.

My last connection was from a hair stylist. I walked in all sucked up whining about the unfairness of life, next thing I knew we were sharing stories. Then she offered to introduce me to her elderly neighbor couple who were in the 'vineyard am laboring in'...it has never been better.

Talk to your profs. Those people may look nerdy, but they know so much. Like Chatting and stuff, and also know how to turn down their sexual aproaches politely.

Some people say it is grades, I say it is confidence. Knock them out!

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written by Dave Nyambati , February 21, 2007

Very appropriate article Estar.

I'm not sure many Kenyan organizations fully understand the importance of internship programs. Like Nekessa and Kamale said, it's important that universities and colleges develop relationships with these organizations and highlight the benefits of such programs to all parties involved.

Also these programs should be clearly structured as learning opportunities so that both the sponsor and intern understand what is expected from them. I'm not saying interns shouldn't make coffee and copies, but this shouldn't be the extent of their responsibilities.

Good article
written by acolyte , February 23, 2007

With the job insecurity in Kenya many companies think that interns will squat in the offices and refuse to leave. While many other companies just make them messengers.
It is a sad state of affairs I tell you.

The Internship Information Dat
written by Peter Munene , February 27, 2007

Have you guys heard of this database? It was developed in Moi University, School of Information Sciences a few weeks ago to help students looking for interships.
Specifically, its indicates the proper addressing of the HR office in the organisation (or the office in charge of such matters ) and also provides insider information (from other students who have been on intership there, for example whether that organisation pays or overworks the interns).
How effective it is in real life is yet to be seen

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written by Esther , February 28, 2007

Thank you for your hint but am using American English and hence the term internship. :)