By Ann Kigondu
While searching for internship opportunities, I came across an advertisement for an internship at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC). Like any eager job seeker, I wanted to learn more about the organization before submitting my application.
During my search, I discovered several of the Center’s projects, but the DREAMS project stood out the most. Curious to learn more, I dug deeper, watching YouTube videos and reading about its objectives. What resonated with me most were the engaging video graphics that clearly explained the project’s mission. It was my first real encounter with DREAMS, and the more I learned, the more excited I became about the possibility of contributing to such impactful work.
Beyond DREAMS, I was inspired by APHRC’s broader efforts, particularly in HIV prevention and care, and their commitment to addressing pressing social and health challenges across Africa. The idea of joining an organization making such a tangible difference deeply motivated me, and I knew I had to apply for the internship.
Prior to my internship at APHRC, I had experience in data collection, analysis, and community engagement; as such, the APHRC internship was a new challenge that I was eager to face head-on. I expected to learn and actively participate in the conceptualization and implementation of a research project, including data analysis, and dissemination of results to the communities we serve. Ambitious as I was, I quickly realized that my experience was inadequate in some areas; however, my team was very supportive of my professional transformation. Through the project, I have gained invaluable insights and skills that have shaped my professional growth and personal outlook, for which I am incredibly grateful. As a young professional, this experience was not without its lessons:
Lesson 1: You Don’t Know What You Don’t Know.
It was humbling to realize that my prior experience in data collection—using Google Forms, basic questionnaires for data collection, and Excel for data analysis—would not be sufficient to navigate APHRC’s work. I began working with larger datasets, advanced software, and intricate methodologies that were beyond anything I had encountered. Google became my best friend, and my curiosity paid off, as I am now multifaceted and familiar with many aspects of data collection and analysis.
Lesson 2: There’s No Shame in Asking for Help
One of the best parts of my internship was the team I worked with. From the beginning, my supervisor at the Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases (ERID) unit encouraged me to always ask for help whenever I needed it; he did not expect me to know everything. What truly mattered was my willingness to learn. I was never judged for not having an answer; instead, I was guided through challenges, taught how to use new tools, and mentored on best practices.
Lesson 3: Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
This internship has stretched me far outside of my comfort zone. APHRC has taught me not to shy away from discomfort. Instead, I have learnt to embrace the challenge of learning new things every day, and gained the confidence to tackle challenges head-on. Because of this, I can truly say that I am better now than I was before, and, most importantly, I have learned to be patient with myself during the learning process.
Lesson 4: APHRC Inspires You to Dream Bigger
One thing that stands out about APHRC is how it encourages everyone, including interns, to think beyond the present. It is almost a natural transition for interns to begin thinking about their next steps once they join the Center. Some of my peers plan to pursue master’s degrees or PhDs, while others dive deeper into specialized research areas. At a personal level, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Global Health to deepen my expertise in designing and implementing studies and contribute meaningfully to mental health research and the broader health field.
Lesson 5: The value of constructive feedback
It would be remiss of me not to mention how constructive feedback played a huge role in helping me refine my skills. My colleagues offered both honest and supportive guidance, which helped me navigate challenges more effectively. By learning to embrace feedback with an open mind, I discovered that growth often comes from confronting weaknesses and turning them into strengths.