Hélène, DVM,
Alternatives, Tunisia,
Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights (FTDES),
Program Assistant
As I mentioned in my previous article, this week I had the opportunity to deliver my long-awaited presentation on the topic of development in the context of globalization. The field of development—especially international development—covers many themes, so I had to make choices about which topics to include. I am grateful to have had the chance to give this presentation and the autonomy to select the subjects myself.
I have to admit that, at first, even though I was excited, I felt a lot of apprehension about this presentation. I questioned what I had truly retained from my time at university and what was most important to highlight. In an academic setting, our strengths and weaknesses are often defined by the grades we receive, which provide a sense of validation and reassurance that we are on the right track. However, this is exactly what differentiates theory from practice. Without a formal grading system, I often doubted myself and my work, sometimes feeling lost. My tasks were closely related to my field of study, but giving a presentation or training session as an "expert" in the subject felt intimidating—I wasn’t sure I was up to the challenge.
However, delivering this presentation made me realize strengths I didn’t even know I had. That’s why I am so grateful for the opportunity to do it.
In reality, internships like this push us out of our comfort zones, and when combined with the knowledge gained throughout our academic journey, they equip us well for entering the job market. It’s true that university teaches us everything we need to start our careers, but academic requirements tend to remain theoretical. The combination of both worlds—academic and practical—gives us an advantage, ensuring that we graduate with skills and experiences that others may not have had.
Of course, no one can predict the future, but there is nothing wrong with seeking out an opportunity that could set you apart. More importantly, stepping into this new phase of life will feel less daunting, as we will have already had a small glimpse of what to expect. For someone who fears the unknown, gaining hands-on experience can provide much-needed confidence and reassurance.
So, for those considering it—if the opportunity presents itself, take a chance!