My Zone internship opportunity opens door to the future

My Zone offers opportunities of growth such as internships, job shadowing, work integrated learning (WIL) internships for university students, training opportunities and bursaries for the editorial members that are part of the My Zone school projects.

The bursary focuses on areas of digital marketing, journalism and television production.

Bursaries are open for all Namibians who have an interest in journalism and media as a whole.

Hinauarue Rijatua, who was a bursary recipient in 2020, graduated from the University of Namibia in April 2024 with her honours degree in media studies, majoring in public relations and advertising. She is currently a part of the 2024 internship programme.

“Receiving the bursary from My Zone meant that I was able to follow my dreams and take the financial stress off my parents,” Rijatua said.

Opening doors to the future

Another bursary recipient, now a senior journalist at Republikein newspaper, Kristien Booysen, received her bursary in 2015 to study communications at North West University in South Africa.

She later applied for another bursary in 2019 to pursue her honours degree in Afrikaans and Dutch.

Booysen joined Republikein as a full-time journalist after graduating.

“This bursary allowed me to take my studies further, which would not have been possible to do on my own,” Booysen said.

Intense training

One of the most intensive training and development programmes on offer is their three-year internship programme, where young people are trained in different areas by industry experts.

“The three years focus on identifying your strengths and weaknesses within a working environment," Octavia Tsibes, the executive director of Namibia Media Academy (NMA), explained.

Tsibes added that the focus areas of the internship include reporting, photography and videography, presenting, project management, television production, financial management, marketing and social media management.

This training is also offered to editorial members of the My Zone school project during the annual Media Roadshow, where over 600 learners are invited to attend.

According to Tsibes, the only requirement to become eligible for the internship programme is that applicants should be 18 years or older, have a grade 11 with 28 points or above, and have a driver's licence.

Furthermore, Tsibes said it is very important to integrate the theoretical knowledge learners and students obtain in school in the workplace to ensure that they are fully equipped to succeed in any working environment.

“Practical experience is important in any career before or after a qualification,” said Tsibes.

Making dreams come true

My Zone intern, Michaiyla Hansen, joined the my Zone team at the beginning of 2024 as the multimedia operator and said this has been one of the most diverse and interesting experiences of her life.

“One thing my internship has taught me is to work on my multitasking abilities and my time management skills. These are both qualities that will benefit me in the future,” Hansen said.

Rita Kakelo, who recently completed her internship at My Zone, has been appointed as a journalist at Republikein, fulfilling her dream of becoming a crime reporter.

“Being a part of the My Zone internship programme was a rewarding experience, and it has prepared me for my new role at the Republikein,” said Kakelo.