Hema, a low vision candidate - Internship experience at Mitra Jyothi

Hemavathi V
Course: M.A (Economics)
College: Kristu Jayanti College Autonomous.
Period of internship: 14th May 2018 to 14th June 2018
Internship Function: As a Front Desk Operator, also supported Digital Library, Mobility Classes and Braille Proofreading.

My Mitra Jyothi Internship

“I was impressed by the family culture at Mitra Jyothi after speaking to some of staff at Mitra Jyothi”.
As Mitra Jyothi is the famous organisation which is working for the welfare of Visually Challenge People in India, I felt that an internship at Mitra Jyothi was a great platform for me to gain deeper insights into the Social work NGOS.
Mitra Jyothi is also known for its focus on diversity as well as career development programmes for Visually Challenge which I believe provide numerous learning opportunities for the interns.

I was interested at the Receptionist and Digital Library department, during which I was assigned to a couple of major engagements and had the opportunity to put my Communication skill and computer knowledge into practice and perform the task. My job scope included the handling the calls and helping in Digital Library, Mobility Classes and prove reading in Braille Press and tasks which are normally assigned to full-time staff. I feel that it was an enriching experience to be part of Mitra Jyothi’s summer internship programme as I got to learn a lot of technical knowledge and gain valuable hands-on Receptionist experience through my engagements. I also had the chance to participate in numerous firm events to bond and forge friendships with my colleagues and fellow interns.”

What I like about my internship experience

“I like how interns are treated just like full-time associates and get assigned actual and meaningful tasks which was crucial and beneficial to me.
Challenges that I met during my internship

“Being in the Receptionist department, I handled the Calls and visitors which demanded good communication skill sets which had not been taught in the general curriculum in school.
Hence, this was challenging at that time when I was faced with a new Task which I had not seen before. However, the seniors and mentors were always ready and willing to give their advice and guidance to help me overcome these challenges.”

What I learnt from my internship

“I gained deeper insights into the NGO sector and it has helped me significantly with my career planning. I developed a better understanding of the career path of a social worker through the internship, helping me to make an informed career decision. My biggest takeaway would be the new long-term relationships and connections which I had forged with my colleagues and fellow interns at Mitra Jyothi.”

My advice for interns

#1: Always take initiative in everything that you do.

#2: Make a log of everything which you have learnt at the end of each day of internship.

#3: Talk to new people and make connections, be it managers, seniors or fellow interns.

Conclusion
I am very grateful to Mitra Jyothi team for giving me this opportunity