This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
As a fourth-year communication student on internship at a private institution in Nairobi, you're facing a dilemma. Your supervisor asked you to take over the role of an office assistant who resigned four weeks ago, and the recruitment process for a replacement has yet to begin. You're worried that this might affect your learning, but your supervisor convinced you to take on the task.
It's a privilege to have secured an internship, and it's essential to complete the program to graduate. However, workplace circumstances like this can disrupt your plans and test your patience. It's an opportunity to demonstrate what you've learned and showcase your skills.
Being asked to step in for a colleague is a demonstration of faith by your supervisor, indicating that you have the potential to hold the fort while the organization looks for a replacement. As an office assistant, you'll interact with various departments, improving your planning and interaction skills.
With your communication skills already equipped, you'll be able to handle different personalities and make a positive impact in this new role. Many people have come a long way to get to where they are, and their performance in their first roles gave their organizations the confidence to trust them with more senior roles.
A colleague who had a Bachelor of Economics degree was transferred from the Finance department and reassigned to supervise administrative staff. He executed the role so well that he was eventually promoted to supervise the entire finance department. His positive attitude changed the tides, and his career thrived.
It's possible that your supervisor is testing your attitude. I'd advise you to stay, but negotiate for time to learn the communication element as per your attachment requirements.
— Jane Muiruri - Senior HR Manager, Nation Media Group
