Dear counselor,

I always hear people attributing their success to people they call ‘mentors’. Please help me understand who a mentor is and whether my performance in class will improve if I get one. How can I identify a good mentor?

Becka

Industrial training, often referred to as internship, is simply the acquisition of practical skills and the actual knowledge regarding the industry relating to a profession one pursues. As a student in a higher institution of learning, you are privileged to work in the field of your profession with any company or organisation, especially during the holidays, to bridge the gap between the knowledge you obtain theoretically in class and the skills obtained practically in the field with your supervisors. Although not mandatory to your course, the values of developing stronger links with industries in the current economic climate plus the consolidation of well integrated professional practices is key to developing employability prospects and intellectual skills as well as acquiring personal attributes and knowledge about how organisations work.    

Internship offers enormous benefits to the student which include; instilling good qualities of integrity, responsibility and self confidence. All ethical values, safety practices plus the spirit of teamwork and good working relationship between employers and employees are all discovered by the student during this time. The career benefits of sitting at home during such a long holiday can be far less favourable in comparison with the overwhelming advantages of familiarising with the world of work and reflecting constructively on issues related to skills development and application of theory to practice.

Internship is essential for your exposure to real work life and to equip you with necessary skills and   integration of professional practice. Don’t miss out.

YOU DEBATE

Olga Ishimwe, student: 

An internship gives you working experience while still in school, and it is such experience that paves way to your professional life after school. This is through exposing you to the outside world, thus laying a good foundation to your future life.

Peter Mugabo, student:

Definitely, your friends are on the right track. Doing an internship is one way to spend your long holiday productively. Resting will never end, but the experience and skills gained are paramount. Embrace it.

St. Prince Nkusi, student:

You might not see the value of gaining work experience through internship today, but it boosts your CV. A good CV not only favours you in the job market, but also gives you an edge when applying for scholarships. It’s worth a try.

Eric Gatangaza, student:

You can still do an internship and rest as well; it’s all about time management. This is an opportunity you should not take for granted. There is a lot to gain from the internship; for instance, skills and knowledge, professional links, exposure and know-how. All these are essential things in life.