NEVER Underestimate an Intern: A Reflection from My Time at Rwanda's Finance Ministry

When people hear the word “INTERN,” it’s easy to assume that the role is limited to shadowing, note-taking, or fetching coffee. But my journey as an intern at Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) taught me something very different—interns carry potential, insight, and hunger to grow that should never be underestimated.

As a Public Relations & Communication Intern, I am entrusted with real responsibilities not just tasks to keep me busy, but meaningful projects that shaped my perspective, sharpened my skills, and allowed me to contribute directly to national initiatives. I wasn’t just learning; I was doing.

From crafting communication briefs and supporting public outreach, to consolidating trending and relevant news and drafting concise updates to keep senior leadership informed, every task deepened my understanding of strategic communication in the public sector. I was also given the opportunity to contribute to the development of engaging content for MINECOFIN’s social media platforms, helping to communicate key messages to the public in a clear and accessible way. These are just a few highlights among many other responsibilities I had the privilege to take on, and for each one, I remain genuinely grateful.

Beyond that, I participated in various behind-the-scenes processes from internal content planning to media monitoring, giving me a well-rounded view of how communication teams in government institutions operate with purpose and precision. These weren’t “intern tasks”—they were foundational experiences that gave me a front-row seat to understanding how government institutions serve citizens through clarity, transparency, and strategy.

What actually can an Intern do?

What I’ve come to realize is that internships are not just trial runs—they are platforms for transformation. Here is why we should never underestimate an intern:

• Interns bring fresh eyes: They come in with curiosity and a willingness to ask “why.” That openness can often spark new ideas or reveal gaps others might overlook.

• Interns are quick learners: Given that most of them are young, the learning curve may be steep, but when given trust and guidance, they rise to the occasion. At MINECOFIN, I learned how to navigate complex topics and translate them for public understanding—skills I’ll carry for life.

• Interns grow when given real work: Being handed actual responsibilities doesn’t just help the team; it also give them that sense of accountability. If I'm to level up, I'll not go empty-handed; I'll be more capable, more strategic, and more aware of the role communicators play in shaping national narratives.

• Interns are already professionals that can support: When you given space at the table, they don’t just observe—they engage, contribute, and make a difference.

Call To Action

To the institutions out there: Trust your interns. Mentor them. Give them room to try, to fail, and to thrive. You might be surprised by what they bring to the table.

To fellow interns or those about to start their professional journey: Be open. Be bold. Treat every task, big or small, as a chance to grow. You belong in the room.

Acknowledgment

My time at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning has been more than just a stepping stone; it has been a true launchpad for my growth as a communicator. I am sincerely grateful for the trust placed in me, the meaningful work I have been allowed to contribute to, and the constant guidance along the way.

A special thank you to my direct supervisor, Ruburika sam, a Communications Specialist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey in comms.

This experience continues to remind me that "There’s always something greater within, and sometimes all it takes is a little push to bring it to life!"