Internships

Danielle Taylor

“Developing a good work ethic is key. Apply yourself at whatever you do, whether you’re a janitor or taking your first summer job, because that work ethic will be reflected in everything you do in life. – Tyler Perry

If for Christmas 2017 someone had gifted me with a hardback copy of “Danielle’s Life Experiences: 2018”, and showed me a chapter called “Summer”, I would have never believed it because I am a first-year student at the Barbados Community College, studying Media and Journalism. Internship at CARICAD? No way!

I mean I knew of CARICAD, but an internship there was not an immediate prospect. Not because I do not think I am capable but because I was not so sure if I was at the level of professionalism that CARICAD embodies. Little did I know, I possess the potential and would become better because of the internship experience.

CARICAD is embodied in dedication to hard work and community, enveloped in expertise. With such characteristics, the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration is a perfect place to establish and/or propel one’s professional career.

My internship commenced on July 23rd, 2018 and it was one of the greatest journeys of learning; from filing, editing and formatting documents to performing as relief secretary, the experience has been “the bomb”.

I left CARICAD with the skills of being effective in communication, and in providing administrative support such as operating office machines (computer, printer, scanner etc.) and the ability to competently use the software called Microsoft Visio. These skills will enable me to become more proficient in editing and communication, for my future career as a Communications Specialist.

Working at CARICAD has instilled a strong work ethic within me and for that I am grateful. My work period there has indeed been nothing but a blessing. From the Technical Support Officer, straight to Mr. Rowe – the Executive Director, there has been friendliness and hospitality. I would definitely encourage other young adults to intern at CARICAD because it’s not only professionalism at its finest, CARICAD is a family.

Yinka Jagbir-Garcia

In February 2019 I was invited to participate in a two-month internship at the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration (CARICAD) located in Bridgetown, Barbados.

This internship was sponsored by the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility Segregated Portfolio Company (CCRIF SPC). Since graduating from my Master’s programme in 2015 it has been challenging to acquire work experience directly in my field. I hold an MSc. in Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development and a BSc. in Agribusiness and Tropical Landscaping (Hons.) from the University of the West Indies (UWI); I also hold a Diploma in Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT).

Thanks to the CCRIF I have been able to partake in projects (closely related to my field) within the region from as early on as 2017. Therefore I was quite surprised but elated when CCRIF contacted me again this year to assist CARICAD in executing some of their projects.

The purpose of this internship was to assist in finalising a Disaster Recovery Plan (Post-hurricane) for CARICAD Member States and create a template that can be adapted to suit the needs of the public sector.

I was also tasked with undertaking research specifically directed at the principles and practices for improving post-hurricane recovery planning for the ‘blue economy’.

Although short, my experience at CARICAD has been one of my most fulfilling work experiences to date. The small team at CARICAD is dedicated and very welcoming. I like that as an intern I was given full autonomy to work on projects, and check in with my supervisor when needed.

What I enjoyed most at CARICAD was that it was not simply an internship where I assisted in projects but I was able to participate in capacity building sessions of mutual interest with my supervisor, Programme Specialist Mr. Franklyn Michael as well as with the Assistant Director, Programmes and Planning and Human Resources and Organisation Development Specialist, Mrs. Rosemund Warrington.

I also attended a two-day CCRIF Technical Model workshop with Executive Director, Mr. Devon Rowe, which was informative and such a great opportunity to network with specialists in the region.

Apart from work, I thoroughly enjoyed conversations with Mr. Michael, who is quite insightful and has a wealth of knowledge about a range of topics as it relates to the Caribbean diaspora.

As a mid-career professional this internship was very valuable to my career development and I am grateful that I was able to be a part of it. I would definitely recommend future internships at CARICAD.

Dario Richards

My name is Dario Richards and I am completing a Master of Science, Integration Studies, at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. One of the requirements of the programme was an internship. As a result, I had the privilege of working at the Caribbean Centre for Administrative Development (CARICAD).

My experience at CARICAD was well-rounded. In my estimation, the greatest value came from the spontaneous and intentional times of mentorship and coaching I received from the senior staff. Coupled with this, the various assignments I worked on enhanced my technical skills and provided opportunities for me to think critically and creatively about applying integration theories to address the day-to-day challenges CARICAD faced.

Some of the assignments I worked on included creating a Country Profile of social and economic indicators for all member states and critically analysing and responding to new initiatives in the region, such as the CARICOM Results-Based Management system.

Additionally, I participated in webinars and workshops, which significantly contributed to my development.

Furthermore, participating in this internship has cemented my interest in leadership development, with a focus on the public service. Prior to this internship, I was still contemplating the aspect of regional integration that I wanted to concentrate on in the Caribbean. I was not sure how my interests in leadership development could contribute to the integration efforts in the Caribbean.

However, my time at CARICAD reinforced the importance of public sector transformation for the strengthening of regional integration and the holistic development of the region. As a matter of fact, I am now convinced that the public service is the ceiling of development in any country.

In other words, a nation’s growth, development, innovation and global success are determined by the quality and capacity of its public service. This has reinforced the value of leadership development for leading public sector transformation.

My time at CARICAD was a tremendous success and a pivotal step in my journey. In many ways, this internship has exceeded my expectations. The workplace culture at CARICAD embodies the standard required to transform the Caribbean public sector into a productive, outcome-based community, where workers feel valued and are motivated to work effectively and efficiently.

Although I was an intern, I felt that my presence and opinions were valued, and I enjoyed the autonomy and trust extended to me to complete my assignments. CARICAD has provided me with significant clarity as it relates to my next steps. Upon completing my degree, I want to focus my attention on public sector transformation across the region.

I believe my time at CARICAD contributed in some way to the development of the Caribbean and it is my intention to continue to contribute to our growth as a region.

With these snippets alone, I would definitely recommend future internships at CARICAD.