The internship with Mahabahu has contributed to my professional skills & personal growth

The internship with Mahabahu has contributed to my professional skills & personal growth

PARIMITA MAHANTA

On the 1st of July, my team and I embarked on our first internship journey with Mahabahu.

Mahabahu is an online magazine that features a collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts, blending cultural heritage with modern thinking. Although the internship lasted just one month, the experiences and lessons we gained were invaluable.

From the outset, our mentors, including our Kakali Das ma’am, Anjan Sarma sir and Sanjeev Sarma sir, provided us with exceptional guidance on conducting and taking interviews. They patiently corrected our numerous mistakes and helped us improve our skills. Their support and encouragement made the learning process both productive and enjoyable.

The journey began with a comprehensive orientation session where our mentors shared their expertise on how to conduct interviews professionally and effectively. We learned about preparing for interviews, formulating questions, and engaging with interviewees. This initial phase was crucial in building our confidence and setting the foundation for the tasks ahead.

One of the most exciting aspects of our internship was conducting field surveys and interviews. We ventured into various communities, interacting with people from different backgrounds. This hands-on experience allowed us to gather diverse perspectives and stories. Our first interview took place on the 5th of July with Assam Startup – The Nest.

The Nest is the first ambitious initiative of the Government of Assam under the Industries and Commerce Department, aimed at creating a startup ecosystem in Assam. This initiative encourages youths and entrepreneurs to become job creators. The interview provided us with a profound understanding of the startup culture in Assam and the efforts being made to nurture entrepreneurial talent.

Our second interview was on the 11th of July with the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI). This organization manages infrastructure and offers technology assessment and project management services in the North East Region. The interview with STPI was enlightening, as we learned about the technological advancements and support systems available for startups and IT businesses in the region.

Our third major task involved individual field surveys, where each member of our team was assigned a different flyover in Guwahati to conduct research. This part of the internship was the most exciting for me. I met a variety of people and listened to their unique perspectives and experiences. This task not only enhanced my interviewing skills but also provided me with a deeper understanding of the diverse thoughts and concerns of the local population.

After collecting data from the field surveys and interviews, we focused on compiling and writing reports. This process involved organizing the data and drafting reports. The iterative process of writing and revising helped us develop strong analytical and writing skills. In addition to writing reports on our field surveys, we were also tasked with writing articles on various topics assigned by our mentors.

Some of the articles I wrote during my internship include TMT Project, Mamata Banerjee Sounds Alarm Over Teesta Water Crisis, Secular Remedy: On the Muslim Woman, Maintenance, and Court Verdict, Improving Flood Situation in Assam, India’s Hidden Gem: Manas National Park.

Throughout the internship, we encountered various challenges, but with the support of our mentors, we learned how to tackle them effectively. Personally, as an introvert, the thought of engaging with strangers and conducting interviews was daunting. I had always struggled with initiating conversations and connecting with people outside my immediate circle.

However, this internship pushed me out of my comfort zone in the most constructive way possible. Conducting field surveys was particularly transformative. Being assigned to different flyovers in Guwahati meant meeting a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This task required not just interviewing skills, but also empathy and the ability to connect with people on a personal level.

Each interaction enriched my understanding of the community and its unique concerns. Additionally, the teamwork and collaboration among us were key to overcoming challenges. We supported each other, shared ideas, and worked together to solve problems. This sense of camaraderie made the experience more enjoyable and less stressful. In addition to professional skills, this internship significantly contributed to my personal growth and confidence.

The ability to step out of my introverted shell and engage meaningfully with others was a milestone in my personal development. I learned that with the right guidance and a supportive environment, it is possible to overcome personal limitations and achieve remarkable growth.

Reflecting on our one-month journey with Mahabahu, I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow in such a supportive environment. This internship has significantly impacted my career aspirations and personal development. Moving forward, I am excited to apply the skills and knowledge gained during this internship to future endeavors.

A heartfelt thank you to our mentors and the Mahabahu team for their unwavering support and encouragement. This experience will always hold a special place in my heart.

30-07-2024

Parimita Mahanta is a student of the Communication & Journalism Department, Gauhati University.

Mahabahu.com is an Online Magazine with collection of premium Assamese and English articles and posts with cultural base and modern thinking.  You can send your articles to editor@mahabahu.com / editor@mahabahoo.com (For Assamese article, Unicode font is necessary) Images from different sources.