By Stacy ADDO
Stepping into the Marketing and Corporate Communications Department at UBA Ghana as an intern was like opening the door to a whole new world.
From day one, I wasn’t just observing — I was actively contributing. Whether it was drafting messages for internal communication, copies for social media platforms or helping shape how the bank tells its story, I got hands-on experience in the real engine room of Marketing and Corporate communication.
One highlight? Being part of the team behind the UBA Annual General Meeting at the Mövenpick Hotel. From planning logistics to seeing, it all come together, I witnessed first-hand how teamwork plays out in high-level corporate events.
Through it all, I strengthened my communication and organizational skills, and more importantly, got a taste of what it means to work in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment. This internship didn’t just build my résumé — it shaped my professional mind-set.
Far beyond temporary roles or résumé enhancements, internships offer students the chance to apply classroom theories in practical settings, cultivate essential workplace skills and gain firsthand exposure to potential career paths.
Internships serve as a crucial bridge between academic learning and real-world application. As employers increasingly seek candidates with both credentials and experience, internships help students navigate the expectations of modern workplaces.
Among the many benefits that internships offer young students, one of the most significant is the development of practical, real-world skills.
While academic programs provide the theoretical foundation necessary for understanding a subject, internships place students in real-world environments where they must adapt, apply their knowledge, and solve problems under real constraints.
Whether it involves drafting reports, contributing to team meetings, or handling logistics, these hands-on experiences foster a skill set that is essential in any career path.
Through this firsthand exposure, students can better understand what a particular job actually entails, what skills it requires, and whether it aligns with their interests and values.
In some cases, an internship might confirm a student’s passion for a certain field; in others, it may steer them in a completely new direction. Either outcome is valuable. Gaining this kind of insight early on helps students make more informed academic and career decisions.
For many students, especially those stepping into a workplace for the first time, internships are a transformative experience that builds independence, maturity, and self-awareness.
Being entrusted with responsibilities, meeting deadlines, and interacting with professionals outside of the academic setting can challenge students in ways that push them out of their comfort zones.
Looking back, my internship at UBA Ghana was more than just a learning experience. It was a turning point. It showed me that what we learn in the classroom is only a fraction of what it takes to thrive in the real world.
I discovered how much I enjoy copy writing and how dynamic the world of marketing truly is, and how important it is to be proactive. Most importantly, I realized that growth happens when you step into new environments and allow yourself to learn.
And through it all, I learned what it truly means to be driven by values. Enterprise. Excellence. Execution. These aren’t just words at UBA — they are a culture, a mindset, and a way of working.
Internships, when done right, don’t just prepare you for the future — they shape how you see yourself in it. And for me, this was the beginning of something bigger.
