Ethiopian student experience sharing meeting highlights transformative internships  

On October 11, 2024, a Student Experience Sharing Meeting took place at Rori Hotel in Hawassa, bringing together nine Hawassa University students—eight who interned in the Netherlands and one who completed an internship in Ethiopia. Organized by the MOBILISE project team, the event featured participants from Hawassa University, the Ministry of Labour and Skills, and local businesses, including Klaver Flowers and Green Mark Herb.   

After opening remarks from Dr. Tarekegn and Dr. Huub Mudde, the students shared their transformative internship experiences, focusing on critical lessons learned. They emphasized the importance of soft skills, reflecting on how the intensive engagement during their internships initially challenged them but ultimately fostered a strong sense of commitment and dedication to their work. Many noted that observing the hard work and diligence of company owners instilled a powerful work ethic, while practical life skills like cooking and time management enhanced their independence.   

The students also recognized the value of starting small and scaling up, noting that several companies they worked with began as small farms and grew into significant enterprises. They appreciated the friendly and respectful work environments, which encouraged collaboration and open communication. Key soft skills identified included teamwork, discipline, and professional integrity, all of which they believe are essential for future success.   

In their recommendations, the students urged local companies and universities to cultivate an open, inclusive environment to facilitate collaboration. They advocated for practical learning opportunities, such as internships, and suggested enhancements to pre-departure training, including hands-on experiences with local businesses.   

Feedback from academic staff highlighted the noticeable growth in the students’ confidence and professionalism compared to their peers. Participants agreed on the importance of sharing these experiences widely to inform future cohorts and improve the program. Dr. Mudde underscored the necessity of further sessions to amplify these lessons among fellow students.