3 minute read
My Journey With the HRTMU As an Intern
By Yvette Martha Nankunda , HR Intern, HRTM Unit/RSCE
I am Yvette Martha Nankunda, a 24-year-old who hails from the western region of Uganda; but born and raised in Entebbe. My education background has been a twirl between the western and central region of Uganda. The highest peak of my education is a bachelor’s degree in the field of Arts with Education (Literature and English language) attained from Makerere University.
To be honest it never occurred to me that I would have the opportunity to work at the United Nations, not even once did I ever imagine it. I imagined it to be completely out of my reach. Shortly after I graduated from university, I saw a link advertising an internship with the UN in my Entebbe ‘backyard’ and thought to myself “they can only reject my application”; and I gave the application in Inspira, the best shot. The position I was applying for, was Intern HRTM (Human Resource Talent Management) in RSCE.
The Job Advert outlined competencies that were befitting my areas of specialty, as obtained in my bachelor’s degree and the little internship exposure I had earlier participated in at Merryland High School and St. Joseph’s Centenary Secondary School. Once my application had been submitted, my first shock was being called for an interview. To prepare for the interview, I did my best with little hope of success. Once the good news of my selection as an intern at the RSCE with the HRTMU had been delivered to me by email, you can imagine how overwhelmed, shocked, elated, and stunned, I was.
For me the RSCE has been a totally new and rewarding experience, since it has contributed significant knowledge, skills, and exposure to new cultures and work ethic. There has been no room for regrets as every day I gained and learned something new. I have learnt diverse ways to approaching a problem; truly many ways to “skin a cat”! During my internship with RSCE, I have seen improvements in professional life, areas like my writing skills, research skills, coordination and planning and interpersonal skills. I have therefore gained tremendous exposure which will benefit me wherever I will go.
The RSCE is a community with diverse personal and professional cultures, and I have managed to blend in successfully. I have resolved to take from here, the best practices and habits for future success. As my internship ends, some of the important virtues in a workplace that I will walk away with include demonstrating: politeness, kindness, and respect for all irrespective of position or status, a culture of genuinely celebrating a colleague’s success as a team, the collaboration/teamwork and mentorship. I appreciate the support of the leaders/managers at RSCE towards the whole staff (and interns). I found this to be surprising, yet I came to find this is the expected normal and minimum standard.
I truly hope I will find an opportunity to join this inspirational place and team on a permanent basis. Hiring Managers looking at you!!! When my time is up, I will miss this unique environment.
