MY INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE Paul Ayambila My first degree programme in Integrated Development Studies (IDS) aimed at effectively combining theory

with community-participatory dimensions. Its paramount goal was to grapple with environmental problems and socio-economic deprivations that affect Northern Ghana in particular, and other regions across the country. In order to apply what I learnt, I applied and was successfully chosen to be a field research intern at West Africa Civil Society Institute within the Institute's Next Generation Internship Program. My first week at WACSI consisted of technical and administrative procedures, such as establishing an email account. However, from the second week on, I started working on the e-civil society directory project. Undertaking an internship provided me a better perspective on civil society organizations, thanks to the knowledge and practical skills I acquired both at the WACSI office and in the field. I attended workshops that enhanced my awareness of the importance of policy research to civil societies and local communities. I explored how to analyze policies as well as the differences between traditional research and applied policy research. I acquired skills to develop and plan effective policies for positive change and communicate policy advice to decision makers. I have also learned about effective networking and how to mobilize and persuade public support behind advocacy initiatives. I further strengthened my personal work ethic and clarified my career interests and career goals. I acquired skills of disseminating information to and from meetings and official seminars, retrieving data from various agencies and coordinating data entry processes. I also learned how to engage with policy makers at different levels of decisionmaking and skills of training community level institutions. When I finally got to the field to collect data on Ghanaian CSO actors for an e-directory, my practical field aspirations in the academia were actualized; the experience was comparable to conducting a dissertation. The experience at WACSI greatly helped me to realize the importance of networking and professional contacts, which may potentially act as a reference for another company and assist me in securing full-time employment. I have had the opportunity to meet and make friends with the various regional, district and municipal directors when conducting the exercise in all the ten regions of Ghana. These contacts have not only widened my network, but also made me to appreciate different cultures across the regional and districts boundaries of my native country. I have enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere in WACSI and the wonderful people I have worked with. I am grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the valuable experiences that continue to influence my professional direction.