Internships enhance employability and are therefore crucial for graduates in South Africa. Professional conduct during an internship is equally important, as it shapes perceptions, opens doors to future opportunities and helps interns to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. 

My path to becoming a biodiversity technician was shaped long before my internship with NRF-SAEON. It began in my childhood, where my father, an environmental monitor for the local tribal council, and my mother, a skilled traditional herbalist, taught me to see the world differently. From my father, I learned the importance of careful observation and the deep responsibility we have to protect our natural resources. My mother opened my eyes to the intricate relationship between plants and people, and the healing power and rich history found in the vegetation around us.

Growing up with their combined wisdom, I was always close to the environment, and it was this upbringing that laid the foundation for my lifelong journey of growth and discovery.

My internship

Five years ago I began an internship with NRF-SAEON’s Nlovu Node, an experience that would fundamentally shape my path as a biodiversity technician. At the time, I was a graduate student interested in environmental observation, seeking on-the-job expertise to determine whether this was indeed the field I wished to pursue full-time.

Looking back on my internship years, it is clear that my goals were centred on foundational skills and personal growth, developing professional relationships, learning scientific writing and mastering technical tools like QGIS and R software. My mentors recognised this eagerness: “Tsumbedzo’s eagerness to learn new skills is characterised by enthusiasm, focus and good planning.” Rion Lerm (Ndlovu Node technician) 

The internship exposure was more than just a box to tick on my CV; it was a launchpad for my career. It was where the theoretical knowledge from my studies was grounded in the real-world application of science. I spent my days on essential fieldwork, meticulously collecting data and maintaining a plant trait database. The hands-on work, often in the breathtaking landscapes of the Kruger National Park, taught me the true value of careful observation and data integrity.

More importantly, it taught me that a career in biodiversity observation is not just about species lists and ecological models; it is about connecting with people. My role as an intern involved engaging with communities. As one outreach coordinator observed: “He fits in well and kids can relate to him. He is open to new ideas and shares his views willingly.” – Joe Sibiya (Ndlovu Node outreach coordinator)