The Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) Internship to Leadership Programme is not just a routine initiative on the HDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility annual Work Programme; instead, it is considered an “opportunity for us to touch lives and give students practical experience in the world of work. It also provides us with the opportunity to review our processes and improve the way we work.” These were the views of HDC’s Divisional Manager, Human Resource, Bryan Jackson as he welcomed twenty-one (21) tertiary level students who will be part of the ten week programme.
From June 04 to August 16, the interns will be integrated into various areas including project development, construction management, finance, social work, legal and corporate communications. The main objective of the programme is to provide each student with the requisite industry experience in their respective fields of study while providing opportunities for leadership and professional development.
In addressing the interns on the first day, Chairman of the Human Resource Committee of the Board, Saira Samlal-Ramlogan indicated that the Board believes that internship programmes are stepping stones to successful careers for young people and this is why the Board continues to fully endorse this programme. She underscored that “your attitude, work ethic, how you interact with others and how you conduct yourself, are equally important to ensure a successful and positive experience.” Samlal-Ramlogan went on to encourage the interns to “prioritise, focus, do your best and gain life skills that will set the foundation for your career later on. Don’t stress about the money because it will come when you demonstrate your worth.”
In addition to the Internship to Leadership Programme 2019, which is in its seventh year, the HDC will also participate in the Match Me Programme in July. This programme will provide five (5) sixth form students with the opportunity to gain work experience, understand business ethics and be exposed to character building activities.
