NAIMA MWATSAHU’s Post

👋 Hello LinkedIn connections! I’m beyond excited to share that I received my Program Participant Badge from Virtual Internships this morning! 🎉 This is a major milestone as I progress through the Career Bridge Program and I can’t wait to start my internship soon. 🚀 The program includes 50 courses designed to sharpen key professional skills, and I’m proud to say I’ve completed 27 courses so far! Here’s a snapshot of what I’ve accomplished: ✅ Pre-Internship Courses: ▶ Defined my career goals 🏆, refined my CV/Resume 📄, nailed interview preparation and learned effective time management ⏳. ▶ Highlights include "Nailing the Interview," "Professional Development Basics," and "Managing Internship Expectations." ✅ During the Internship Courses: ▶ Focused on leadership, teamwork 🤝, intercultural fluency 🌍, and adapting to virtual success 💻. ▶ Developed skills like "Staying Motivated" and "Pivoting Skills" to thrive in a remote work environment. This journey has been both rewarding and insightful and I’m eager to continue building on these skills as I move forward in the program and embark on my internship experience. A huge thank you to Virtual Internships for providing such an incredible platform and resources to help me grow both personally and professionally. I’m excited to continue this journey, apply these skills in real-world scenarios and make the most of the opportunities ahead. The best is yet to come! 🌟 #CareerBridge #VirtualInternships #AstonUniversity #professionaldevelopment #Networking

Bridging the Gap: Preparing Graduates for Industry with Virtual Internships The "Preparing Graduates for Industry: Bridging the Gap with Virtual Internship" program is designed to enhance the employability of graduates by providing valuable industry experience through virtual internships. Key Objectives: - Practical Skills: Gain hands-on experience in real-world projects, applying academic knowledge to solve practical problems. - Industry Exposure: Familiarize with industry standards, tools, and workplace dynamics. - Employability: Boost resumes, confidence, and interview readiness. - Career Exploration: Explore various career paths and industries to make informed decisions. - Networking: Build professional relationships and connections within the industry. - Continuous Learning: Access online courses, webinars, and workshops for ongoing skill enhancement. - Soft Skills: Develop communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving abilities. - Remote Work Experience: Prepare for the evolving job market with virtual collaboration and digital tools. - Entrepreneurial Mindset: Encourage creative thinking, risk-taking, and business acumen. This comprehensive program bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience, ensuring graduates are industry-ready and capable of making significant contributions to their fields. #VirtualInternships #GraduateEmployability #IndustryReady #CareerDevelopment #ContinuousLearning

🚀 Join me next week as I moderate the panel: "How Remote Internships Impact Growing Businesses" 🚀 🗓️ Date: 3rd October 2024 ⏰ Time: 3pm BST / 10AM EDT We all know internships have a tremendous impact—especially for learners, who gain critical hands-on experience that courses or industry-led projects alone can’t provide. Remote internships take learners right into the heart of today’s dynamic workplaces, developing adaptable, proactive, and highly skilled talent. But let’s not forget the employer side! For growing businesses, internships are a key tool to build brand recognition, establish strong talent pipelines, and contribute to the future of education. In a time where labor shortages and technological advancements are transforming the workforce, internships offer a unique advantage in attracting and developing future talent. Here’s the reality: demand far outweighs supply. The BHEF reports that while 8.2 million learners wanted internships, only 3.6 million secured one, leaving a gap of 4.6 million opportunities in the US alone! In this panel, I’ll be speaking with three employers who have successfully navigated the challenges of hiring interns, tapping into a global talent pool to drive company growth and future-proof their hiring strategies. Don’t miss out on their valuable insights! Join Mojdeh D. of Schooly, Nico Labuschagne of OneMob, William R. Patterson of PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association alongside Virtual Internships next Thursday! #Internships #RemoteWork #TalentDevelopment #FutureOfWork #GrowingBusinesses

5 Ways to Spend Summer Vacation Productively and Kick-Start Your Career. 🌞 ✨ Summer vacation is the perfect time for students to get ahead and set the stage for a successful career. Here are five ways to make the most of your summer: Internships and part-time jobs: gain real-world experience in your field of interest. Internships and part-time jobs provide valuable insights and help build a professional network. 💼🔗 Online courses and certifications: enhance your skills with online courses. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer certifications that can make your resume stand out. 📚🎓 Volunteer work: volunteering helps you develop soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Plus, it's a great way to give back to your community. 🤝🌍 Networking events and workshops: Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops. Networking with professionals and peers can open doors to future opportunities and mentorship. 🗣️🤝 Personal projects and portfolios: work on personal projects related to your field. Creating a portfolio showcases your skills and demonstrates your passion and dedication to potential employers. 📁💡 Make this summer count by investing in your future. Whether it's through gaining experience, learning new skills, or building your network, every effort you put in now will pay off in your career journey. 🚀🌟 #CareerGoals #SummerProductivity #StudentLife #Internships #OnlineLearning #Volunteering #Networking #PersonalProjects #CareerDevelopment #FutureSuccess

📢 Develop Your Skills This Summer! Skill development during your summer months can contribute to landing #internships or #jobopportunities during your college and post-graduate years. Here are ways you can hone your skills this summer: 1. Internships or Externships: Gain practical experience and industry exposure by working for a company in your field of interest. 2. Volunteering: Develop skills and contribute to the community by volunteering for non-profit organizations or causes you care about. 3. Free Online Courses: Enhance your knowledge and skillset in specific areas by taking courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, LinkedIn Learning, etc. 4. Networking: Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet professionals and learn about the latest trends in your field. 5. Certifications: Obtain certifications relevant to your field to boost your resume and prove your expertise. 6. Research Projects: Participate in or initiate research projects relevant to your academic or professional interests. 7. Job Shadowing: Spend time shadowing a professional in your field to gain insight into daily responsibilities and work culture. 8. Part-time Job: Work a part-time job to improve soft skills like communication, teamwork, and time management. 9. Skill Development: Learn new skills (e.g., coding, graphic design, public speaking, writing) that can make you more versatile and attractive to employers. 10. Entrepreneurial Ventures: Start a small business or a project to learn first-hand about entrepreneurship and business management. 11. Reading and Self-study: Read books and articles related to your field to deepen your understanding and stay updated with current trends. 12. Language Learning: Spend time learning a new language, which can enhance your resume and open up international opportunities. 13. Portfolio Development: For creative fields, work on building or improving your professional portfolio with your best work. 14. Personal Branding: Develop your personal brand by starting a blog, creating a professional website, or being active on professional social platforms like LinkedIn. 15. Career Counseling: Utilize career counseling services at your university or elsewhere to refine your resume, practice interviews, and create a career plan.   

What Can You Do to Bridge the Gap? 1. Invest in Your Skills: Beyond your coursework, look for opportunities to upskill. Online courses, certifications, and internships are great ways to learn new tools and technologies that are in demand. 2. Build a Diverse Skill Set: Employers want well-rounded candidates. In addition to your major, develop skills in areas like communication, critical thinking, and collaboration—qualities that will make you stand out in any job. 3. Leverage Internships and Work Experience: Real-world experience is crucial. Internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer opportunities allow you to apply what you've learned in school and gain valuable industry insights. 4. Network and Seek Mentorship: Building relationships with professionals in your field can give you insight into the skills and experiences employers are looking for. Mentors can also guide you on how to navigate the transition from student to employee. 🔑 The Bottom Line: While the workforce gap presents challenges, it also offers students a chance to shape their careers. By investing in the right skills, gaining hands-on experience, and being open to learning, you can position yourself to fill the gap and succeed in the workforce of tomorrow. How are you preparing for the workforce? Share your strategies and any helpful resources you’ve discovered in the comments! 💬 #CareerPreparation #StudentSuccess #WorkforceDevelopment #Skills #Internships #Networking #FutureOfWork #CareerGrowth #StudentLeadership #Learning #JobOpportunities

Ready to Launch Your Career? 🚀 Internships: Your Secret Weapon Tired of textbooks and theoretical knowledge? 📚 Internships are your ticket to real-world success! 🌎 • Purpose: An internship is a temporary work experience designed to provide practical experience in a specific field.  • Participants: Internships are typically undertaken by students or recent graduates. Benefits: Internships offer opportunities to:  • Apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting. • Develop professional skills. • Explore potential career paths. • Compensation: Internships are often unpaid, but can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities. Why internships matter: • Gain practical experience: Apply classroom learning to real-life projects. • Develop essential skills: Hone soft skills employers crave. • Explore career paths: Discover your passion and interests. • Build your network: Connect with industry professionals. • Enhance your resume: Make it stand out from the crowd. • Increase job prospects: Land full-time roles. Finding the right internship: • Leverage university resources: Career services offices are your go-to. • Network with faculty and alumni: Seek advice and connections. • Utilize online platforms: Explore LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor. • Consider industry-specific organizations: Find opportunities in your field. Making the most of your internship: • Be proactive: Take initiative and ask questions. • Learn from mistakes: Grow from challenges. • Build relationships: Network with colleagues and mentors. • Document your experiences: Keep a journal to track your progress. Remember: An internship is about learning, growing, and building your career. #internship #career #student #job #opportunity #skills #network #success

Navigating through college can be tough. And most students' first tough choice after getting into DU would most probably be of "What societies should I opt for?" and the worry that "if they'll chose me or not?" Well, as of today, most societies have already completed their recruitment procedures. Here is what you need to do now, if you got into your dream societies and also if you didn't: ✨✨For those who have plenty on their plate: Remember, the decision was yours and it's manageable too. Just believe in yourself, keep a track of all the tasks you're given, not only societies but also academic and attempt one at a time. Give equal time to each one of your commitments on regular intervals and you're good to go.😉 ✨✨For those, who couldn't make it in all the societies they wanted, but do have a few: Great! Your hardwork has paid off, keep going! 🥳 If you think you can manage more and don't want to be left behind, you can look for remote internships through internshala, or courses from Coursera and other platforms. ✨✨For those, who did fall behind this time. it's perfectly normal and I still believes in you. You have the most time to pursue your dream internship, before anyone else or courses that might add value to your CV already! So, what are you waiting for? Go get started! 💪🏻

Unlock the secrets of thriving in virtual internships. Explore tips and strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of professional growth.

Internships have long been a critical stepping stone to post-graduation employment. However, the reality is sobering: while over 55% of students engaged in internships or co-ops a decade ago, that figure has dropped to 48% and continues to decline. Last week, in on our webinar, "How Remote Internships Impact Growing Businesses," we we addressed this concerning trend and emphasized the importance of adapting our internship offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s students. We brought together three companies, all with different remote internship experiences, to tell their story of how their business saw significant impacts from mentoring remote interns. 🌍 Remote internships can play a crucial role in reversing the internship deficit and declining trend by providing flexible, accessible opportunities that resonate with the preferences of modern learners. 🔗 If you missed our live webinar last week, you can register and watch the recording here: https://lnkd.in/gHwGXB8r #FutureOfWork #RemoteInternships #StudentEngagement #Webinar #InternshipGap