My internship at a Youth for Social Development (YSD) as a communication intern in the field of social media wasn’t just limited to social media; it was an overall transformation. From the welcoming team to the impactful field visits, every aspect instilled a sense of purpose and growth. Witnessing the positive change our NGO brought to children’s lives, from education to empowerment, fueled my desire to amplify these stories through social media. I spent a month in offline mode in the office which allowed me to learn about their methodologies and ideas in a closer lens. My colleagues greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm everyday that created a positive work environment around me.
The guidance of Bibhu Prasad Sahu, (CEO) helped me understand and contribute to the NGO in the best possible manner. One of the most enriching aspects was the work life balance which is crucial for an individual. While crafting social media content, I had the privilege of participating in field visits. Seeing the children’s smiles and hearing their stories first hand deeply connected me to the cause. I understood the functionality of the YSD NGO from a grassroot level which was a major driving factor for me. This connection fueled my passion to create compelling social media narratives that not only spread awareness but also inspired action.
As I shifted to online mode, I received great support and collaborative action from everyone which helped me work in a better manner. Our social media strategy wasn’t just about likes and shares. It was about building a community around our mission. Previously our social media didn’t reflect the life-changing work I saw in our yearly reports. We leveraged various platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking, Facebook for storytelling, and Instagram for showcasing the human side of our work. Each platform played a crucial role in fostering meaningful connections with our audience. This journey wasn’t a solo act. The supportive environment and collaborative spirit made every challenge an opportunity to learn and grow together. From mastering new social media tools to experimenting with innovative content strategies, every step involved valuable lessons for me and for the organisation as a whole. I got a chance to interact with Dr. Arun Kumar, Advisor YSD who acted like a mentor in this life-changing journey.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the experience. Our social media presence has transformed into a vibrant hub, sparking conversations and driving positive change. We still have a long way to go in order to achieve our planned dreams and goals and we look forward to it. Additionally, the launch of our NGO’s first blog marked a significant milestone in our digital presence, allowing us to delve deeper into issues, share insights, and engage with our community on a more personal level. Another key milestone we achieved as a team during my tenure was the creation of our revamped website and logo. It was about redefining our organization’s identity and showcasing our motto in its truest sense. The collaborative effort involved brainstorming sessions, design iterations, and feedback to ensure that our digital presence reflected our mission and values authentically. The new website and logo not only enhanced our branding but also served as a platform to communicate our vision effectively to our audience, further amplifying our impact and reach in the digital space. During my offline interaction within the NGO, I had the opportunity to explore photography, which enriched my understanding of visual storytelling and enhanced my ability to capture the essence of our initiatives. This holistic approach to learning not only broadened my skill set but also deepened my connection to the organisation’s mission.
Furthermore, I took on the role of facilitating workshops and training for colleagues eager to enhance their social media skills. The opportunity to share my knowledge and expertise with others was a rewarding experience that fostered a culture of continuous learning and collaboration within the team. The respect and appreciation I received for these efforts underscored the supportive and nurturing environment cultivated within the organization. As we continue to evolve, we are exploring new avenues in social media, venturing into video content creation and other social media apps like internshala in order to adapt to changing trends and preferences. These initiatives reflect our commitment to innovation and our dedication to reaching wider audiences with impactful storytelling.
Reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy. The ongoing internship period in youth for social development has been an incredible learning experience, one that has not only filled me with ecstasy but also instilled in me a newfound confidence to pursue my future goals. Personally, I’ve witnessed significant growth, both in my skills and my understanding of the world around me. Professionally, this journey has laid a sturdy foundation for my aspirations, particularly as I set my sights on pursuing an MBA. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with such a remarkable NGO, one that is genuinely committed to its mission and values. It’s been a privilege to contribute to their cause and be a part of something so meaningful. As I look ahead, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories made during my time here. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities it holds. With gratitude in my heart and
determination in my soul, I’m ready to take on whatever challenges come my way, knowing that I’m equipped with the experiences and knowledge gained from this unforgettable journey.
By Apurba Sahu
Communication Intern
