Invest SVG Inaugural SSSIP closes on a High
Like every good thing, the curtains came down on the Invest SVG’s Secondary School Summer Internship Programme (SSSIP) on Friday 5th August. The SSSIP was held over a period of four weeks. It brought together four (4) interns chosen from the senior classes of the nation’s secondary schools and employees of Invest SVG working mainly in the Business Facilitation, Export Development, Marketing and Research Departments.
The SSSIP initially conceptualized by the Marketing Department aimed at highlighting the roles and responsibilities of Invest SVG to the nation’s youths. It also sought to give the selected students hands on experiences in the world of work. In essence, the programme tried to create greater awareness of Invest SVG among school-aged children, facilitate intellectual, personal and professional development of the interns.
Throughout the four weeks, July 11th – August 5th, the students were exposed to a number of on the job experiences or requirements. During the closing ceremony to mark the culmination of the inaugural SSSIP the students shared their experiences, the challenges faced, lessons learned and their hopes for the future.
Shaquille Shortte of the Thomas Saunders Secondary School an intern in the Business Facilitation Department gave a thorough report of his tenure. According to Shaquille, he wanted to learn more about Invest SVG, its roles and how it functions. Secondly, he was very curious about what the world of work has to offer. In his words, “I was not disappointed. I learned to create an enquiries database, develop a project proposal and work plan, and gathered critical insights into work etiquette.” In his presentation he insisted that the experience was indeed worthwhile and that he will be a mouthpiece for Invest SVG at his school. He was followed by Nikita Phillips.
Wearing a bright smile and full of confidence, Nikita Phillips of the Bishops College Kingstown articulated her reasons for participating in the programme and the lessons she gleaned from doing so. She explained that she wanted to build her self-confidence and gain valuable work experience. Nikita was quick to point out that Shanna Browne, head of the Export Development Department, amiable personality helped to put her at ease. “While here, I was able to familiarize myself with Microsoft PowerPoint, do a business budget, ask questions and share ideas and most importantly, learn the value of patience.”
For Marketing Department intern, Lisa Hussain, the time at Invest SVG was well spent. “Today, I leave here knowing what I want to do with my life. I am going to become an entrepreneur like my grandfather,” echoed Lisa. She further proclaimed that her expectations were met. “Prior to coming here, I thought Invest SVG was an organization that assisted only foreign companies or businesses. But I am amazed at how hard they work to make SVG a bigger better country.” Lisa’s remarks reverberated positively with her peers.
In reflecting on her time serving as an intern at Invest SVG, Shariel Bowman was very concise. “I came here to mainly gain hands on knowledge about the world of work.” Shariel highlighted that her research skills were enhanced and that her use of the internet as a research tool was more effective. In particular, she thanked Angenella Young for her patience, guidance and respect shown to her during her internship. To emphasise her gratitude, Shariel read a poem she wrote.
Acting Marketing Manager of Invest SVG, Tonya Fraser, expressed her sincerest gratitude to all the interns. She stated that although the number of application responses did not meet the company’s expectations, the quality performances from the selected candidates more than compensated. Tonya went on to say that the programme will be reviewed with the view to improve and expand on it in the coming year. The closing ceremony came to happy ending when the interns collected their stipend for the period.
Invest SVG is grateful to all who assisted in any way to make the programme a success. The Ministry of Education, the principals and teachers of all the secondary schools, the students, parents, persons who made presentations and the media were identified as noteworthy partners.
Goodbye Poem: by Shariel
When we first walked through the doors
Of Invest SVG
We didn't know what was in-store
And we couldn't wait to see
We met and we said 'Hi'
Then … we said 'Hi' again
Starting this new experience
With lots of fun and grins
One day – two days – three days passed by
The work piled in, the stress began
And we wondered
'Was this such a great plan?'
We decided that we would try to pull through
And yes we did with great friends like you
At times it was hard – we gotta admit
But hey – we're now socially and educationally fit
Sometimes we thought
'These four week can't done!'
And now it has
But we wish it never will
Don't worry; this end is not 'the' end
It just means you've brought us through one obstacle in life
And the others
they’re yet to come
We'll never forget you
And we'll always appreciate
What you have done for us
And just so you know – YOU DID GREAT!
Invest SVG SSSIP Interns 2011
Research and Information Development Intern
Shariel Bowman (Mountain View Acedemy)
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Export Development Intern
Nikita Phillips-Abbott (Bishop's College Kingstown)
Business Facilitation Intern
Shaquille Shortte (Thomas Saunders Secdary)
Marketing Intern
Lisa Hussain (West St George Secondary)
Invest SVG Secondary Schools’ Summer Internship Programme (SSSIP)
Welcome to the Invest SVG pilot programme, the Secondary Schools’ Summer Internship Programme (SSSIP), in association with the Ministry of Education. This programme is open to fourth and fifth form students only across St. Vincent and the Grenadines and will provide a four week work internship for four deserving students, each in one of four key departments within Invest SVG, namely Business Facilitation, Export Development, Research, and Marketing.
· The deadline for all applications is Friday, June 10th, 2011.
· The internship period is July 11th – August 5th, 2011.
· Successful interns will be expected to participate in post internship promotional activities (see handbook for details).
The SSSIP Handbook explains the programme and our expectations. It should also cover your expectations; however, contact Invest SVG with any questions you may have.
Invest SVG looks forward to welcoming you!