#experiences for month one

Lessons learned for me is that we all have something to learn from each other. As interns, we've each done different courses, and interacting with one another has been amazing. We get the chance to share our knowledge and apply it to our projects.

Another valuable experience has been with our supervisors. Although they are our bosses, they never boss us around. Instead, they lead us and teach us. God bless them. Despite being juniors in the organization, our supervisors treat us as equals and in fact that cuts around every colleague many are doctors and PhD holders. They share educational materials with us to help us improve, and we, in turn, apply this knowledge to our projects.

The only challenge I encountered was finding a suitable place to sit, but my supervisor quickly resolved this by showing me a place I could use.

#IamAPHRC

During my first month as a graphic design intern at the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), I focused on developing visual content and interactivity to the virtual learning academy. The onboarding process introduced me to the organization's mission and team. Key tasks involved creating infographics, illustrations, slides, and interactive media using Adobe Creative Suite and ispring suite.

Challenges faced:

• Learning New Software: Mastering iSpring and adapting designs for virtual learning purposes.
• Technical Constraints: Ensuring compatibility across devices and meeting accessibility standards.
• Dealing with technical issues like my laptop breaking down.

Lessons Learned:

• Software Proficiency: Improved skills in iSpring Suite.
• Effective Communication: Enhanced ability to convey design ideas and integrate feedback.
• Time Management: Developed strategies for prioritizing tasks and maintaining organization.
• User Experience: Prioritized simplicity and clarity to enhance learning outcomes.
• Valuable insights from my supervisor in terms of how to enhance the interactivity in the course work for the virtual learning academy.

Generally, this period has significantly enhanced my technical abilities and approach to instructional design.

Since i came to APHRC under the Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) Project, I have undergone a very wonderful learning experience. First, by being given opportunity to participate in different stages and activities of the projects such as in reviewing both qualitative and data collection tools, Reviewing the project protocol, and making adjustments on the project working plan (Ghant chart). This enabled me to interact and learn more from the diversities as the organization is endowed. Im looking forward to participate actively in the next and most exciting stages of the project.

I have equally faced technical challenge of my computer laptop failing to restart.

My first month at APHRC as a research intern, attached to the Care Economy Africa Project, exposed me to different methods and approaches on how the research is carried out. By attending a number of research presentations, I was able to familiarize with new methods and some new  statistical models applied. As a Statistician with keen interest in research and data analysis, I found out that research work needs alot of reading and knowledge in social sciences and other related topics i.e in health sector. This pushed me to get informed on various topics around research work related to the population dynamics, urbanization and aging. I faced few challenges on handling large data sets, learning new software(Nesstar), finding mentors and getting to know the right path to follow through research and analysis, but through the guidance of Gloria (my supervisor), Ann, Bonface, Hillary and Danniel I was able to navigate through well and I'm working towards achieving more. The interactions are fruitful, learning from each other, staff willingness to help each other and sharing of experiences has been the best part for me. I hope to interact, learn more, be able to achieve all my objectives and continue contributing to research work. APHRC provides an better environment for personal and professional growth, allows one to show their strenght, embrace weaknesses and  have a flexible mindset.

My experience at APHRC has been great so far. As a research intern supporting the IDRC 6 project, I have been involved in research-related activities including data collection, data analysis, and reviewing data collection tools. Some of the key lessons I have learnt include analyzing data using excel and how to perform data charting for desk reviews. The research presentations I have attended have also been so informative, and have further increased my desire of pursuing a PhD. Lastly, the only challenge I believe I have encountered so far is the internet going down while I am in an online meeting. Nevertheless, APHRC is a great institution to work in, and I am proud to be part of it.

Greetings,

I have great experience so far and above all I have learnt many skills in regards to research. I have attended three trainings that have given me skills in data documentation, MEL portal data entry and writing different sections of a scientific paper. A part from this I have established a rich network with many APHRC staff and through them learned many good things about APHRC and how the center is playing a vital role in transforming lives through research.

So far this is the greatest opportunity to learn, experience and grow. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity.

I received a warm welcome from my supervisor with a full-course meal lunch at ULWAZI. Also HD unit welcomed interns warmly and we felt at home, with lots of helping hands at our disposal. It was indeed an exciting month with lots of expectations and goals in my mind.  After 2 weeks I realized that the objectives I had put down for my internship were met by week 3 of my internship; -To get a supportive and collaborative team - A conducive work environment where I can thrive. This took a point of departure from my initial objectives to the actual acquisition of skills, expertise, and networking skills. at this juncture, I revised my objectives with my supervisor with lots of emphasis laid on skills acquisition.  Henceforth, I hope to work towards achieving them.

Lessons Learned

• APHRC has many acronyms in use; it is up to you to figure them out or you will be lost in every meeting and communication put forth. for instance, (TBC)-To Be Confirmed.
• Your supervisor becomes a focal point of reference in your first month. He/she plays a pivotal role in the first month, be it by being added to WhatsApp groups, theme emails,  common meetings, and general updates on what works and when to be in the office.
• It is important to get one friend from the old staff to help you through. it might be within your theme or outside the theme.