Feature #2: The intern's audacity pays off

It was mid-May 2001. The Director of ITS Studies at the #ENSEA informed us after the morning break that my partner @Paulin TRA and I were expected in the afternoon of the same day for our first day of training. So here I am at the course site. I was to take part in a study on the determinants of the use of family planning services and reproductive health in 4 health districts in Côte d'Ivoire.

Fact 1: The first day of the placement and the questioning of my future supervisor

On that first day, we were discussing the survey questionnaire. Fiery and zealous, I took great pleasure in looking at the flaws in the questionnaire, revealing them without fear and, most importantly, making suggestions for improvement, all in the presence of experienced interviewers. On several occasions, without realising it, I corrected some of the comments made by the people in charge, including those of my future supervisor. During the coffee break, he approached me and told me that he would be my supervisor. I could have been intimidated and reduced the frequency of my presentations. But no! Instead, I continued that day and on the other days, respectfully, to contribute my pertinent thoughts with confidence and determination.

 

End of defence in September 2001

Fact 2: Without humility, you can't learn, grow and be grown up

Once the data collection tools had been finalised, it was time to head out into the field for two months, with daily per diems in the bargain 🥳🥳😃😃. For the first phase of the deployment, I had the role of supervisor for the #Bouaflé and #Sinfra departments. It was a wonderful managerial and #leadership experience. When we deployed the investigators, we had to negotiate with the village chiefs to offer them board and lodging, and in return we left them a small gift of food. In this way, I learned some of the customs of my beautiful country, Côte d'Ivoire. In the second month, I took on the role of investigator, leaving the comfort of the hotels in the capital cities to enjoy the flavours of the villages of #Bondoukou and #Tanda. In this game of sleight of hand, one thing was clear: it was necessary to learn the trade in order to understand and grow. The supervisors did this deliberately to appreciate my attitude and behaviour. My status as a future engineer was not necessary here, but my attitude was.

 

The delights of village life

Fact 3: Perfect timing towards my first contract with UNFPA.

My role could have ended at the field stage, as I had all the information I needed for my internship report. However, together with my partner, I showed an ongoing interest and expertise in the other stages of the survey, namely the questionnaire input mask, training for data entry, participation in data entry and supervision of data entry, clearing the survey files, revising the analysis plan and writing the first survey reports. The self-confidence boosted by this winning attitude opened a door. The project's research assistant had left before we arrived. By playing his role to the full, it became clear to the project management that they should give the chance to two young people who wanted it. So it was that two weeks after defending my internship report in mid-September, I signed my first service contract with #UNFPA Côte d'Ivoire on 1 October 2001.

 

Exhibition at the Hôtel Sofitel Ivoire

Lessons to remember:

1) From Richard DACKAM-NGATCHOU I remember this sentence that has shaped my attitude since school. He said, and I paraphrase: ‘When you take the floor in an exchange on your field of expertise, you have to speak with authority and confidence’. It's a necessary element if you want to be respected professionally.

2) At times, you need to step down from your pedestal and learn with humility and wisdom. Because in every circumstance of life, there is a life lesson to be learned.

3) Doing a little more than the others, and doing it well, especially in these early days, is a key factor in capturing the attention of the people who supervise you. Your extra efforts can be your own key, because God alone remains the master of times and circumstances.

 

God alone remains the master of times and circumstances

I'll come back to the anecdote about the placement report incident another time. A truly incredible story worthy of a 🤣😂...............................See you soon. Stay tune!