Embarking on an internship journey in Kenya comes with the anticipation of facing a series of questions during interviews. To help you prepare and confidently navigate these crucial moments, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the most common internship questions in Kenya and how to craft winning responses.
Tell me about yourself
This is usually the first question you will face in any interview, and it is your chance to make a good first impression. The interviewer wants to know more about your professional background, qualifications, and interests. Your answer should be brief, relevant, and focused on your strengths and achievements. Avoid giving personal or irrelevant details, such as your hobbies, family, or political views.
A good way to structure your answer is to use the present-past-future formula. Start by talking about your current situation, such as your education, skills, or projects. Then, mention your past experiences, such as your previous internships, jobs, or extracurricular activities. Finally, explain your future goals, such as your career aspirations, learning objectives, or areas of interest.
For example:
I am a final year student at the University of Nairobi, pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting. I have a strong academic record, with a GPA of 3.8 out of 4.0, and I have been awarded several scholarships and honors for my academic excellence. I have also been actively involved in various clubs and societies on campus, such as the Accounting Students Association, where I serve as the treasurer, and the AIESEC, where I volunteer as a project coordinator. I have a keen interest in accounting and finance, and I have completed two internships in this field. The first one was at KPMG, where I assisted the audit team with various tasks, such as preparing financial statements, conducting data analysis, and verifying transactions. The second one was at Equity Bank, where I worked as a customer service representative, handling inquiries, complaints, and transactions from clients. Through these internships, I have gained valuable skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail. My goal is to become a certified public accountant and work in a reputable accounting firm, where I can apply my skills and knowledge and learn from the best in the industry. That is why I am very interested in this internship opportunity at your organization.
Why do you want to intern with us?
This question is asked to test your motivation, interest, and fit for the internship. The interviewer wants to see that you have done your homework on the organization and the position, and that you have a clear idea of what you can offer and what you can gain from the internship. Your answer should show that you have researched the organization’s mission, vision, values, goals, products, services, projects, culture, and work environment, and that you have aligned them with your own values, goals, skills, and interests.
A good way to structure your answer is to use the three C’s formula: company, contribution, and career. Start by expressing your admiration and appreciation for the company, such as its achievements, reputation, or impact. Then, explain how you can contribute to the company’s success, such as by using your skills, knowledge, or ideas. Finally, describe how the internship will benefit your career development, such as by providing you with learning opportunities, mentorship, or exposure.
For example:
I want to intern with you because I admire your company’s vision of creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the energy sector in Kenya. I have been following your company’s news and achievements, and I am impressed by your projects, such as the solar-powered mini-grids, the biogas digesters, and the smart meters. I believe that your company is making a positive difference in the lives of many Kenyans, especially in the rural areas, by providing them with affordable and reliable access to electricity. I would love to be part of your team and contribute to your mission. I have a strong background in engineering, with a focus on renewable energy. I have completed several courses and projects on solar, wind, and biomass energy systems, and I have acquired skills in design, simulation, testing, and optimization. I have also participated in several competitions and hackathons, where I have developed and presented innovative ideas and prototypes for energy solutions. For instance, I have designed a solar-powered irrigation system for small-scale farmers, a wind-powered water pump for remote communities, and a biogas-powered generator for households. Through this internship, I hope to learn more about the energy sector in Kenya, and the challenges and opportunities it faces. I also hope to gain hands-on experience in working on real-world projects, and to receive guidance and feedback from your experienced and talented engineers. I believe that this internship will help me grow as an engineer and prepare me for my future career in the energy sector.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
This question is asked to assess your self-awareness, honesty, and suitability for the internship. The interviewer wants to know what you are good at and what you need to improve on, and how these affect your performance and potential. Your answer should highlight your strengths that are relevant to the internship, and provide examples of how you have demonstrated them in the past. Your answer should also acknowledge your weaknesses that are not critical to the internship, and provide examples of how you have overcome or are working on them.
A good way to structure your answer is to use the PAR formula: problem, action, and result. For each strength or weakness, start by describing a problem or a situation that required you to use or improve that skill or trait. Then, explain the action or the steps you took to solve the problem or to enhance that skill or trait. Finally, mention the result or the outcome of your action, such as the impact, the feedback, or the recognition you received.
For example:
One of my strengths is my creativity. I enjoy coming up with new and original ideas and solutions for various problems and challenges. For instance, when I was working on a group project for my marketing class, we had to create a marketing plan for a new product. We decided to create a smart watch that could monitor and track the health and fitness of the user. However, we faced a problem of how to differentiate our product from the existing competitors in the market. To solve this problem, I suggested that we could add a unique feature to our product, such as a voice assistant that could provide personalized advice and motivation to the user. I also proposed that we could use a catchy slogan and a humorous video to promote our product. My group members liked my ideas and we implemented them in our marketing plan. As a result, we received a high grade and positive feedback from our professor and classmates for our creativity and originality.
One of my weaknesses is my public speaking. I tend to get nervous and anxious when I have to speak in front of a large audience or a formal setting. For instance, when I had to present my final project for my computer science class, I was very nervous and I forgot some of the points I wanted to make. I also spoke too fast and too softly, and I did not make eye contact with the audience. To overcome this weakness, I have been taking steps to improve my public speaking skills. I have joined a toastmasters club, where I practice giving speeches and receiving feedback from other members. I have also enrolled in an online course on public speaking, where I learn tips and techniques on how to prepare, deliver, and evaluate a speech. I have noticed some improvement in my confidence and clarity, and I hope to continue working on this skill until I become a proficient and effective speaker.
Bonus:
Here are seven questions you can ask in an internship interview in Kenya:
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What are the main goals and objectives of this internship?
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What are the typical tasks and responsibilities of an intern in this position?
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How will I be supervised, mentored, and evaluated during the internship?
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What are the skills and qualities you are looking for in an ideal intern?
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How would you describe the culture and work environment of your organization?
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What are some of the current or upcoming projects or initiatives that I could be involved in or contribute to during the internship?
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What are some of the challenges or difficulties that I might face or encounter during the internship?
Conclusion
Navigating internship interviews in Kenya becomes more manageable when armed with insights into common questions and effective response strategies. By understanding what interviewers seek and tailoring your answers to align with Kenyan work culture, you can confidently tackle interviews and pave your way to a successful internship.