CoELIB Empower's Workforce Development Program aims to create, sustain, and retain a strong workforce for enhanced job performance. The program offers various services, such as internships and industrial attachments, to students, providing them with practical experience and bridging the gap between education and employment. In this episode of Alumni Spotlight, we catch up with Mr. Daniel Kihoro, a media and communication student at Egerton University and one of Kenya's fastest-rising presenters.
Please introduce yourself, the learning institution you are from, the course, and the duration of the attachment/internship.
My name is Daniel Kihoro. I studied Media and Communication at Egerton University and completed a one-year internship at CoELIB.
What were the key takeaways from the Internship in Media and Communications, particularly in TV production?
At CoELIB, I learned various skills such as show hosting, working with youth, editing, and camera operation. These skills are proving useful in my media and communications career today.
Can you provide an example of how the internship directly impacted a project you've worked on, whether in graphics, TV and radio hosting, post-production, broadcasting, or editing?
I work part-time as a camera operator and editor at Kilimo Faida TV, where I use the skills I learned at CoELIB. I also manage Kilimo Faida's social media platforms, updating their Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram pages, which enhanced the communication skills I gained at CoELIB.
How effectively did the program prepare you for your career goals or further academic pursuits in media and communications?
The internship program prepared me for the challenges of media work, including tight deadlines and problem-solving. It has been invaluable in helping me reach my career goals in media and communications.
Reflecting on your expectations before starting the internship/attachment, how did the experience align with them and influence your plans?
Entering the internship, I aspired to become a distinguished TV host and producer. The mentorship and experiences at CoELIB aligned with these expectations and exceeded them, contributing significantly to my professional development. The opportunity to serve as an MC at university events further cemented my passion for media, affirming my belief in the potential for growth and learning in this space. This experience has undoubtedly influenced my career trajectory, instilling a profound appreciation for the power of media and communication.
Can you detail a project you engaged in during your internship, and are you involved in any ongoing projects?
| One notable project during my internship was hosting the political talk show Meza Moto, a platform that facilitated vibrant discussions on politics, life, and youth issues with university students. This experience was enriching, offering a direct channel to engage with the youth, reflecting CoELIB's commitment to empowering younger demographics. Broadcasting the show on CoELIB Television allowed for a wider dissemination of these critical conversations. I continue to leverage the skills and insights from my internship in various projects, including my work at Kilimo Faida TV and my involvement in managing social media platforms, where I endeavor to foster engaging and meaningful discourse. |
What challenges did you face during your internship, and how can the program be improved for future participants?
The internship was not without its challenges, notably the reliability of guests for scheduled shows and the occasional need for media staff to prioritize other organizational tasks, resulting in canceled shoots. However, these obstacles were met with a spirit of collaboration within the media team, allowing us to navigate and overcome them effectively. For future enhancements, CoELIB could benefit from implementing strategies to ensure program continuity, even without specific hosts, thereby maintaining a consistent and reliable schedule for viewers and participants alike.
Any final remarks?
My internship at CoELIB has been a journey of substantial personal and professional growth, exceeding my expectations and significantly shaping my career path. The skills I acquired, particularly in TV production, have not only been instrumental in my current roles but have also prepared me for the broader challenges of the media industry.
