We’ve all been there—the anxious anticipation of waiting for that phone call, feeling like time is standing still. The one moment that can change everything. Remember that rush when it finally rings after what feels like an eternity?
That’s exactly how I felt when ETHOS called. It was pure, unadulterated excitement, mixed with a healthy dose of uncertainty. You see, I’d just had a rather humbling experience – an event management interview that turned into an existential crisis. Picture this: me, a finance, accounts, and admin person, facing a barrage of questions about digital tools. Video editing? Canva’s AI features? Active LinkedIn? Personality tests? Let’s just say “no” became my new catchphrase, and my perfectionist heart took a serious hit.
Surviving my first day!
So, when ETHOS offered me an internship, I jumped – like an Olympic long jump! On my very first day, I literally fell into a mini-ETHOS event, talking about diving headfirst into the deep end. It felt like an extension of that interview, a real-time skills assessment. I had to prove my abilities from the get-go. As I headed home that day, I distinctly remember taking four deep, cleansing breaths. It was exhilarating but intense. Turns out, my challenge was just a learning curve in disguise. I went from a digital tool novice to someone who confidently uses Canvas AI to whip up presentations, create posters, and edit videos with ease.
Learning how to swim….but from the deep end!
But tech wasn’t the only dragon I had to slay. There was also my crippling fear of public speaking and networking. Imagine a shy person, terrified of human interaction. That was me. ETHOS, bless their hearts, threw me into the deep end again. And guess what? I swam! I learned to network confidently and to present and communicate information like a pro. I remember one time when I was pushed into deep waters and told to take up a session and chair a training Ethos had. I channeled every ounce of newfound confidence and absolutely nailed it.
Of course, being a perfectionist, I had to learn to let go. I’d spend hours agonizing over every detail, striving for an impossible ideal. ETHOS taught me to embrace the learning process, to be okay with mistakes, and to focus on efficiency. Now, I get things done without losing my sanity.
Break throughs; The lessons I stumbled upon.
Looking back, I can confidently testify that the real gems of my ETHOS experience went beyond the daily tasks. I learned that life is full of ups and downs and that it’s okay to be in different seasons than others. ETHOS provided a safe space to explore my emotions, learn from my experiences, and grow as a person.
We had a dedicated session on finding and living a purposeful life. It was a transformative experience that helped me clarify my values, identify my passions, and set meaningful goals. ETHOS didn’t just give me an internship; they invested in my future. I received invaluable career development guidance, helping me map out my professional path and set clear goals. I joined ETHOS with limited digital skills, and in today’s digital era, that’s a real handicap. Regardless of your field, digital proficiency is the new norm. The earlier you embrace these skills, the better equipped you’ll be for success. At ETHOS, I didn’t just gain an internship; I gained a new perspective, a set of indispensable skills, and a community that will stay with me forever.
My “learning moment” wasn’t a single event but the entire culture at ETHOS. The people, the energy, the commitment to sustainability – it was infectious. And the events? Pure joy! Every day was a learning adventure. The impact was definitely huge. I’m now a bona fide eco-warrior in training. I’ve gone digital, used less or no paper in my everyday life, embraced proper waste disposal, used reusable products, and actively reduced my carbon footprint. It feels good to know I’m making a difference, even in small ways.
Why This Journey Changed My Life (And Could Change Yours)
Why would I recommend ETHOS to future interns? Because it’s not just an internship; it’s a transformation. It’s a place where you’re challenged, supported, and empowered to grow. It’s a place where you learn to embrace your imperfections and turn your weaknesses into strengths. And the one thing that will stick with me? Everything I learned, the life skills I’m now using to navigate today’s life, has made me a better version of myself in all aspects. But also, most importantly, the people. The incredible, passionate, and supportive people who made my time at ETHOS unforgettable. They showed me that learning can be fun, that challenges can be overcome, and that even a shy person can find her voice. And that there is always room to learn, and that it is okay to be corrected. So, if you’re looking for a place that will push you, inspire you, and help you grow, ETHOS is the place to be. You won’t just get an internship; you’ll get a life-changing experience.
As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely stated, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” My time at ETHOS was a testament to that belief. It was a journey from doubt to digital confidence, from shyness to impactful communication, and from a quest for perfection to the joy of purposeful progress. ETHOS didn’t just equip me with skills; it ignited a belief in my own potential, proving that even a “no” can be the starting point for an extraordinary “yes”