I first wanted to be a journalist because of South Africa, so the first journalist story I covered at university was about Oscar Pretorius. It was such an interesting story, not just because of what happened but also because he was one of my personal heroes. I really love sports, and I learned a lot about South Africa in University and decided I could get two things I’m interested in by interning here in Cape Town. I couldn’t say no to that opportunity!
I wanted experience in a news room. I wanted an insight into the relationships and networking involved in the news room, and how everything works.
I got more than I expected! I basically got a real journalist job visiting sites, meeting and interviewing local people, and writing many stories weekly. I learned on the job going out and doing things instead of just shadowing someone.
No. I had no supervision but plenty of guidance, but in that I learned a lot. It taught me to be more independent and at the end of the day we come and do internships to learn.
Yes, I got a lot of responsibilities! I did the job of an actual reporter. I wouldn’t describe my time here as an internship, I’d rather describe it as very hands on work experience- which is much better than just shadowing someone!
Yes, one of the reasons I came here was for the challenge, because I’ve done many other things in my life that I hadn’t felt adequately challenged in. From my very first day at The Cape Argus I felt challenged!
Yes! There was one paper where I got a whole page to myself! I had many articles published during my time working for the newspaper.
Yes, one of the reasons I came here was for the challenge, because I’ve done many other things in my life that I hadn’t felt adequately challenged in. From my very first day at The Cape Argus I felt challenged!
Everyone fears being somewhere new and being alone. I think I was worried about getting through the first week of my internship and realizing I didn’t like it.
I don’t have fears now! My internship taught me that I do have fears every day, but you just keep a positive attitude and move forward.
Its small! But the diversity in this city is huge! I think Cape Town is a lot like home, but if you really spend time in the city, for a longer time, you come to see that it is so much more diverse.
Yeah! There’s something for everyone!
Yeah! There’s something for everyone!
It was good! You guys have always been there when we need you. But you have not been overbearing. If we need to talk its always really easy to set up a meeting and you always respond very quickly. So yeah its been great!
The organising of everything before I got here was so well done and easy. I also liked the Social Events that Bridging Gaps organised, so that even if you aren’t the type to go out much, the events give you an opportunity to meet everyone at your own pace. Another thing is how available you always were for if there was an emergency or if we need to talk about something. But hands down the best feature is the actual organising, things were just so easy.
Yeah! There’s something for everyone!
I think what ever way you put it, it’s a lot of money. You do wonder is it going to be worth paying this amount?
I very quickly learned that its all about the service. People need to realise as I did, that so much goes into finding good accommodation, good internships and also having the someone available all the time if I need help with something. I don’t think I would have been able to find all this on my own. It was very worth it. It is expensive, but you won’t have an experience as great as this if you don’t pay for it.
I’d tell them that you will have a great time. You can have a great time in Cape Town on your own, but through Bridging Gaps, you’re going to meet so many more people, you’re going to have people a phone call away if you need help, you’ll also have people who have a knowledge of what its like to live in Cape Town, and what its like to intern here. So, if this is what you need to do for your career I’d recommend it!
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