By Milly Gamlen
Since meeting my boss, I really feel like things are falling into place. She explained that she was under the impression I would be starting this Monday, as opposed to last Monday, so there was some confusion. Thankfully, she clarified that I would be working with the communication team, which is what I was hoping for. This week is the company’s anniversary, so I’ve been creating videos for social media and getting quotes from people around the office for different posts. It has been fun, but I’m excited to get out of the office and do some work on the go in the coming weeks.
This week taught me to advocate for myself professionally. I realized that I actually need to start suggesting things and being proactive in order to get the work I want. I wrote a list of ideas for next week and will be shooting and editing a podcast, as well as hopefully conducting some street interviews and taking pictures as I go. I also asked to tag along with people when they go for meetings to get behind-the-scenes shots, which I feel like will be good. I finally feel like I’m starting to carve out a niche for myself within the office, and people are starting to understand my specific skill set instead of just asking me to help with whatever they’re doing. Today, for example, I’m taking everyone’s headshots. It’s not the photography I was hoping for, but it’s better than nothing. I’m just glad to be using my camera and doing a bit of editing!
Obviously, I’m still an intern, so I’m not going to get full creative freedom. But at least starting next week, the footage I’m editing will be my own, and I will be taking some pictures, which is a win. Plus, I got an official work shirt. One of my coworkers asked to see pictures I’ve taken in the past, and a different one asked me to teach him how to take photos, so I feel like that’s a good sign!
This weekend we are going to Kumasi, and I’m so excited. I have been loving Accra, but I’m looking forward to exploring somewhere new, although the 6-hour drive isn’t ideal. I plan to sleep for a good amount of it. I can’t wait to go to the biggest market in West Africa, even though I’m absolutely going to be overwhelmed with choices. That reminds me, I have to work on more of my bargaining phrases on the bus.
When we’re there, I’m hoping to see some of the nature I keep hearing about, and I know we will also get the chance to see how Kente cloth is made, which will be fascinating.
My bank account may not be happy about it, but I definitely am.