India Corden is a recent Environmental Science graduate who wanted to gain real-life experience in GIS, to commence a career in this field. Read more on how the GIS & Reserve Management internship in South Africa supported her in her professional development to use the transferable skills for her upcoming job.
Hi India! Why did you choose to do this GIS & Reserve Management internship?
My father worked with the British Army, so from a young age, I was lucky enough to travel and live in many places abroad. Most significantly, our family lived in Kenya when I was a child which majorly impacted my desire to work in conservation and environmental protection. Having recently graduated from University, I was looking to gain further experience in GIS which is the career path I intend to pursue. I want to refresh and improve my GIS and mapping skills, whilst gaining valuable experience that will look appealing to employers as I move forward in my hunt for a job in the GIS and mapping sector.
What did you learn from this internship in South Africa?
This internship taught me a lot of useful technical skills such as data collection and fieldwork techniques, data processing, manipulation, and analysis skills and environmental mapping skills. In terms of soft skills, I improved my self confidence and independence, and the camp environment allowed me to focus on teamwork, which is very important in a work environment. With the guidance of my supervisors, I also completed my own research project on lions which could help to inform decisions regarding tourist restrictions in the reserve.
What were your greatest highlights from this internship?
It’s hard to choose a specific favorite moment, as there have been so many highs and amazing memories made during my time in Gondwana! However, I would say that the highlight of my stay would be the sunset drives and viewings that we do each Sunday evening. It’s the best ending to the week when we drive to a viewpoint and watch the African sun setting over Gondwana’s beautiful landscape. The most rewarding part of my stay was when I submitted my final research project. This was extremely rewarding after all the hard work I had put in over my time here, and was a celebration of all the problems and challenges that I overcame in the process.
How did the GIS internship help with your career goals?
In terms of my professional development, as someone who wants to end up working in conservation down the line, I have gained valuable insight into how conservation practices work within a reserve, specialized knowledge of many plant and animal species and transferable skills and improved technical skills that will contribute to success in my new role going forward.
I am starting a new role in Geographic Information Systems back in England, so the internship was the perfect way for me to use the content learned (like my mapping skills) to apply directly to my upcoming job. Furthermore, after completing the research report which included suggesting conservation measures in the reserve, I feel more confident in using the software to support decision making, which will ultimately lead me to increased success when using the software to inform transport decisions.
Do you have any advice for others interested in this program?
I would advise anybody coming to participate in this internship to be open minded to learning the language and traditions of other cultures, as it is inevitable that you will be surrounded by people from different nationalities. It would be good to invest in a travel guide book so that you have basic phrases ready to speak to locals if they can’t speak your language, so that you can convey information across or ask questions if lost, unsure, or need help.
Ready to get started with your own internship?
Our step-by-step guide on how it works provides you with more information on how to get started. The process is user friendly - just submit your application to get the ball rolling. It doesn’t cost anything to apply and won’t take more than 5 minutes. However, your formal expression of interest provides the foundation for us to help you take the next steps.
290+ internship programs across 25 countries
Placements tailored to your academic requirements or career interests
Exclusive experiential learning curriculum
We help you develop and articulate the soft skills most favored by employers
Most affordable & flexible
We organize everything, including local accommodation, from only $1129 USD
Participate in-country or remotely
Immerse yourself in the local culture, or intern from anywhereFeatured Internship
