Shindinge secures Unam contract internship

Simon Shindinge (23) began his media career in 2023 when he started studying media at the University of Namibia (Unam) and joined UnamTV as an intern.

Driven by an interest in public relations and strategic communication, he actively sought opportunities to gain practical experience in the field.

In March 2024, he joined Unam’s marketing and communications department as an unpaid public relations and media intern.

As a part-time intern, Shindinge contributed to content creation, press materials, social media communications and event support.

He also collaborated with the Unam Foundation, assisting in stakeholder engagement, fundraising campaigns and designing corporate communication materials.

Hard work pays off

In March this year, his dedication was rewarded when he was appointed as a paid intern in the university’s marketing team, marking an important milestone in his early career.

“Being officially appointed was a very rewarding moment for me. It felt like recognition of the effort, patience and consistency I had invested over time,” Shindinge said.

Professionally, the appointment has brought a shift in responsibility and accountability.

He now approaches his work with a stronger sense of ownership and a more strategic mindset. For Shindinge, the role has provided stability and confidence, reinforcing his growth in a field he is passionate about while balancing his studies.

Juggling new duties

A typical day involves content creation, planning communication materials, managing or contributing to social media platforms and supporting events or campaigns. His role also includes engaging with different departments and ensuring communication outputs are timely and aligned with institutional objectives.

Currently, he is involved in developing marketing materials, writing articles and press content, supporting institutional campaigns, and assisting in event communication and coverage. “Through effective storytelling, branding and strategic communication, I help promote Unam’s initiatives, achievements and opportunities,” Shindinge explained.

In the short term, Simon is focused on building his career while continuing to develop his qualifications at Unam.

He aims to strengthen professional skills and gain more experience. He hopes his work will make students feel more informed and inspired, while contributing to a positive image of the university.

Despite challenges such as managing workload and navigating being the youngest member of the team, he tackles this by staying consistent and improving his skills.