African Directory Services (ADS) successfully launched the ADSlive Internship Programme on the 1^st of March 2013. The internship program is a step towards addressing the work experience lack that graduates face after their qualification is complete. The internship also exists to groom and train budding professionals in the industry. Education and skill development is a core focus when it comes to the corporate social values of African Directory Services. A Director of ADS said that even though they are a small enterprise, they are doing what they can to contribute to students and workplace experience.

The ADSlive Internship Programme runs as a three month programme giving students a taste of the working world. With exposure to real projects students are able to walk away from the internship program with sharpened skills and a better grasp of what’s expected from them when they step into their careers. 

Amanda Sibiya, a student from the Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Graphic Design studying towards a Multimedia Diploma was the first intern to enter into the ADSlive Internship Programme. We sat down with Amanda to hear what she had to say about her internship experience.

Q: What are your thoughts on the ADSlive Internship Programme?

A: I enjoyed it a lot, it was really nice. I didn’t feel like it was an internship because I felt like a real employee. I got the chance to do real work and had to deal with real clients. I was responsible for the graphic design work done for my clients and I enjoyed that responsibility.

Q: Has it helped you?

A: Yes it has, drastically so. I’ve learnt so much. Even though we’ve been taught how to use Photoshop at school I’ve learnt how to improve my skills through this internship, I actually apply that knowledge in my school projects and it’s helping a lot. I’ve also learnt a great deal about work processes and how to go about starting a project from a concept to the end product.

Q: Did you find any differences between work and college?

A: Yes, when you’re in school you are in charge of your own projects, when you at work it’s different. Working with other people gives helps you improve and develop. If you usually do something a certain way and you work alone, you’ll always end up doing it that way. When you work with other people you learn different and better ways of doing things, and it improves the quality of your work

Q: Has it changed your perception of a work environment?

A: Yes, when you usually think of work you think of people dragging themselves to a place where they’re forced to do work. It was amazing to see how people can love doing their jobs and even sometimes stay later just so that they can finish their work

Q: Did you experience any difficulty working at ADS?

A: Well the easiest part was making coffee! (laughs) I’m kidding. At first I felt like there were so many concepts to grasp, it was challenging but as time went on things became easier and there was always somebody to ask for help.

Q: Would you consider working here?

A: Yes. I would definitely consider working here, it’s such a friendly environment and I’ve learnt so much. I just joined as an intern but I felt like part of the company from day one.

Amanda Sibiya’ s internship comes to a close on the 31^st of May 2013 but it’s been a pleasure having her on the ADS team and African Directory Services wishes her every success in her career. If you would like to apply for an internship with African Directory Services please send your CV to careers@adslive.co.za.

African Directory Services would also like to encourage other companies out there to give young graduates the opportunity to gain experience in the working environment and make a difference in their lives and careers. No matter the size of your company, there’s always something that you can do to make a difference and help our recent graduates get on the way to be the future CEOs of South Africa. Let’s pull together and cultivate a professional learning environment that can bridge the gap between learning institutions and the working world.