Experiential learning (internship) is becoming an increasingly popular educational model, especially in fields such as media, public relations and marketing.

As a third year student studying for my National Diploma in Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), one of the requirements for completion is that I undergo 6 month’s experiential learning in the workplace before I graduate.

‘This sucks!!!’ I thought. What a waste of time, I had completed all my subjects, wasn’t that enough to qualify me to graduate .However, what I didn’t know was that the programme was just what I needed to prepare me for the corporate world.The concept that students learn best by doing, not just hearing or reading is a familiar one to educators. In my experience, this notion has proven to be true.

Since joining Fetola, a specialist Enterprise Development, Corporate Social Investment and accredited Skills Training organization, my role as a media intern has provided me the opportunity to exercise the research and writing skills I had learned during my studies

Much of my day-to-day work consists of writing articles, conducting telephonic interviews, researching and placement of articles. Sometimes I am asked to attend events, which I later have to write articles about.

This has provided me the opportunity to meet different people, exchange contacts and network, which has been one of the most beneficial aspects in terms of my career.

I am now firmly of the opinion that any formal training should contain an element of experiential learning. The brain does not recall information until an individual uses it. Experiences create memories, which then result in wisdom and judgement. Any opportunities to help people “experience” a new project or subject will help them to learn.

Over and above the practical experience I have gained, I have also learned a lot more about the world of business, dealing with clients and working as part of a team. This will only strengthen my chance of getting employed once my internship is over.

By Abram Molelemane- Media at Fetola.