Shipra Chowdhury

Through this mentorship, I not only acquired practical skills but also gained a deep understanding of the development sector in Bangladesh. My mentor involved me in various tasks and projects, providing me with numerous opportunities to learn and grow. By taking full advantage of these opportunities, I was able to expand my knowledge and skills significantly. This experience highlighted that mentorship is a two-way journey, where both the mentor and mentee actively participate and contribute to the learning process.

Networking is crucial for accomplishing work, as it often helps individuals based on their experience and reputation. There should be a clear understanding of what networking entails. For everyday tasks, networking and communication are essential, and I appreciate their role. Gaining experience and recommendations through networking is beneficial. Everyone should learn the professional way of networking to maximize these opportunities effectively. My mentor was a senior official and a professional, who exemplified the importance of professional networking. A mentor should be professional and knowledgeable, providing valuable guidance and support to help mentees navigate their career paths.

Internships are incredibly valuable opportunities, as I learned from personal experience. Shortly after completing my master's degree, I interned with CARE Bangladesh in the Programme Support Unit. During this time, I gained practical skills in report writing and event management. I also had the chance to visit various programs in rural areas, which gave me firsthand insight into the development sector's real-world operations. It would be even more beneficial if students could secure internships earlier, during their academic years, allowing them to compare their classroom learning with practical needs and better prepare for their future careers.

Ensuring a fundamental understanding among all staff members is crucial within any organization. To achieve this, it is vital to conduct orientation sessions for each employee shortly after their onboarding. Implementing a bi-annual schedule for refresher sessions can further reinforce and revisit this understanding. Pairing experienced employees with newcomers can facilitate mutual assistance in checking their comprehension and learning.

In addressing conflicts, initiating discussions with all involved parties is paramount. It is essential to recognize that the underlying causes of conflicts may be more intricate than they appear, necessitating a thorough root cause analysis. In such instances, employing a neutral third party is advisable to conduct the process impartially and prevent emotional attachments with any particular party.A third party, in this context, does not necessarily refer to someone from an external agency. Instead, it pertains to an individual who is emotionally detached from the involved parties or the context.