Interning with NGOs in Zimbabwe can be a career-boosting, life-enhancing, perspective-shifting experience. The wilds of nature, the contrasting ways of life, and the gratifying work of Zimbabwe internships can have profound effects on interns. There are a thousand reasons to intern in Zimbabwe. That said, the process is not without its challenges.
You’ll face a few hurdles navigating how to get internships in Zimbabwe. Whether it’s finding internship opportunities in Zimbabwe, sorting application materials, or comprehending Zimbabwe visa requirements, you’ll need guidance at some point.
So, we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide for Zimbabwe internships. In this article, you’ll find tips on where to start searching, prepare for interviews, and make the most of the experience once you secure a placement. We’ll also suggest some of our internship opportunities with top companies in Zimbabwe.
7 Steps to Get an Internship in Zimbabwe
1. Set Your Goals and Priorities
The search starts within. People take on an internship for all sorts of reasons. Some seek specific skills or experience, while others want to explore a career path. Some just want to join NGOs in Zimbabwe and take part in meaningful work. What’s important to you?
The more precise and definite you can be with your goals, the more likely you will be to actualize them. Knowing that there’s a particular task or project you want to take part in will not only guide your search; it’ll benefit your internship too. Interns who know what they’re doing are more driven to take on new challenges and make a bigger impact.
Ask yourself questions like:
- What causes are close to my heart?
- What career paths would I like to learn more about?
- Are there any specific jobs or roles I’d like experience in?
- Imagine being at the end of the internship. What would be the one thing you’d be most excited to have gained from the experience?
2. Research
There is an abundance of internship opportunities in Zimbabwe, so this step can be a real time-vacuum if you let it.
If you completed your first step correctly, then you’ll already have an idea of the cause you’d like to contribute to and the sort of work you’d like to do. This will narrow down your search a great deal. Then, its simply a matter of finding the top companies in Zimbabwe to support you in your pursuits.
This is also a great opportunity to reach out for advice about the kinds of internships available in Zimbabwe. If you’d like to talk to us about how to get internships in Zimbabwe, just get in touch.
3. Choose Your Cause
This step in how to get internships in Zimbabwe differs from the conventional approach of merely finding a placement and is specifically for working with NGOs in Zimbabwe.
Nonprofit internships are more than just work experience and skill-building; they’re about choosing a cause that resonates with your values and personal mission. Whether it’s contributing to wildlife conservation, healthcare, or medical research, aligning your internship with a cause you’re passionate about adds a layer of purpose to your professional journey.
4. Update Your CV
A freshly updated CV will make a huge difference when applying for Zimbabwe internships.
Craft a compelling CV that not only reflects your academic and professional achievements but also showcases your commitment to your chosen cause. Exhibiting adaptability and cultural sensitivity is a good idea too.
This should go without saying, but you must tailor your CV to each internship you apply for. You should try to respond to all the specific requirements of the internships you’re targeting in your CV. This nuanced approach to CV customization, emphasized in the guide for Zimbabwe internships, ensures that your application stands out.
You may also want to consider acquiring some voluntary experience locally beforehand. For instance, a key part of how to get wildlife conservation internships abroad is proving your commitment to conservation causes through past voluntary work.
5. Reach Out to Organizations and Network
Establishing and maintaining a professional network is perhaps one of the greatest advantages of internship opportunities in Zimbabwe, yet it is also one of the easiest to overlook. Take every chance to take advantage of the contacts of people you meet while searching for them during your internship. Then, keep in touch.
It can also be a good idea to leverage your internship with cold email companies you’d like to be in touch with. Use LinkedIn, or other platforms to find someone doing your dream job in your dream organization, and ask them for advice about your internship. It’s possible you’ll get no response, be politely shrugged off, be offered a new opportunity, or at least be remembered for future opportunities. You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
6. Prepare for the Interview
Interviews can be nerve-racking, especially when they’re with the top companies in Zimbabwe, but they’re an unavoidable part of how to get internships in Zimbabwe.
The key things you want to prepare will be knowledge of your role and examples of your commitment to your cause. Whether you’ve read a book you enjoyed or have relevant work experience, get a few talking points ready beforehand. Beyond this, an interview is really just about getting to know a candidate, so relax and be yourself.
Don’t forget, this is your opportunity to ask questions too. If you’re curious about the NGOs in Zimbabwe you’ll be working with, now would be a good time to bring it up.
7. Get Ready for the Trip
You’ll have plenty of support from your host organization when it comes to the logistics of the trip (you certainly will if you join us). So, we won’t worry about things like Zimbabwe visa requirements or the cost of living in Zimbabwe. This guide for Zimbabwe internships will focus on how to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally.
Zimbabwe internships can be varied. Even beyond the work, interns will deal with issues of homesickness, culture shock, and language barriers. So, manage your expectations. Be ready for challenges coming in and seize the opportunity to practice your resilience and adaptability. This is often how interns achieve the most personal growth
3 Common Questions about Internships in Zimbabwe
1. Are Internships in Zimbabwe Paid?
Paid internships in Zimbabwe are rare for internationals, especially in the nonprofit sector. The main reason is that NGOs in Zimbabwe and everywhere else direct all their funds to their cause.
While most internships may be unpaid, the incredible life and professional experience gained greatly outweigh the value of monetary compensation.
2. What’s the Cost of Living in Zimbabwe?
Zimbabwe offers diverse accommodation, transportation, and culinary options, so the cost of living in Zimbabwe can vary a lot depending on your tastes. That said, interns can expect to find many budget-friendly options for food, accommodation, and transport. However, activities like safaris or adventure sports will likely be quite costly
Your choice of program has an effect on costs too. Many internship opportunities in Zimbabwe provide interns with accommodation and meals, especially those in remote destinations for wildlife conservation internships.
3. What Are Zimbabwe’s Visa Requirements?
An important part of how to get internships in Zimbabwe is acquainting yourself with Zimbabwe visa requirements.
It is recommended to check with the Zimbabwean embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information on visa requirements.
As long as you have the necessary documentation for legal entry, you can expect a seamless and trouble-free experience.
Consult our Zimbabwe destination page for more advice
4 Internships with NGOs in Zimbabwe to Consider
1. Wildlife Research Internship in Zimbabwe
Live and work in one of the premier safari destinations in Southern Africa and contribute to vital wildlife research. This is a dream internship for any animal-loving graduate of biology or environmental sciences. You’ll work alongside experts as you study iconic African wildlife, including lions, hyenas, ostriches, and elephants. Suffice to say, you’ll gain valuable, real-world scientific research experience and develop a wealth of practical career skills
2. Biology Research Internship in Zimbabwe
Join one of the top companies in Zimbabwe for medical research and contribute to pioneering research projects on HIV, SARS, and CoV2. The ideal candidate for this program will be at the master’s level in molecular biology or a related field. You’ll be gaining incredible laboratory research experience and some field experience too, all while contributing to potentially life-saving work.
3. Public Health Education Internship in Zimbabwe
Working with the same organization as the above program, you’ll join in the important work of spreading the information gained from their research into HIV, SARS, and CoV2. You’ll translate their scientific findings into thoughtful and accessible content and broadcast it to a wide audience. You’ll build skills and experience in blog writing, website development, social media management, and public relations.
4. Wildlife Conservation Photography Workshop in Zimbabwe
Use your skills with a camera to raise awareness of important conservation causes in Zimbabwe. Guided and tutored by a professional photographer with a background in zoology and conservation, you’ll enjoy a range of safari experiences and learn the role photography can play in wildlife conservation.
Take Advantage of Zimbabwe’s Internship Opportunities
Zimbabwe presents a myriad of internship opportunities for individuals seeking professional and personal growth. This guide for Zimbabwe internships provides a rough roadmap to help you secure an internship that aligns with your goals. Use this guide, tailored to the unique aspects of the Zimbabwe internships, to navigate the process and embark on a rewarding internship journey in the heart of Africa.
The combination of professional development, cultural exposure, and the chance to contribute to meaningful causes makes Zimbabwe an ideal destination for those seeking a transformative internship experience.
Browse our available internship opportunities in Zimbabwe
This blog was written by Tom Rusbridge
