After spending six months as an intern at the Canadian Arab Institute, I am proud to say that I have learned many lessons that I will take with me after this experience ends.
Here are the Top Three Lessons that I've Learned at the CAI -
Lesson 1: It's Always OK to Ask for Help
As the youngest member of the CAI, and the newest active member to the Canadian Arab community, I always had a lot of questions. Small things that others would find simple - I found challenging, and it always takes me a little longer to complete my tasks, especially when it came to dealing with tasks that were not limited to English and involved deciphering Arabic.
I'm grateful that I'm supported by a wonderful team at the CAI who encourages me to ask questions and share my concerns when I'm feeling at all confused or overwhelmed. They truly supported my constant curiosity and taught me that there is no shame in asking questions even in the workplace.
This lesson is the same as the ones that we are taught in our schools - it is always better to ask questions than to stay silent. Whether it be in the workplace or a non-profit organization or at school, there is no shame in asking for help.
Image taken from http://www.canadianarabinstitute.org/people/person-watch/
Lesson 2: Soft-Skills (or what I prefer to call Emotional Intelligence) is Super Important
Emotional Intelligence refers to the skills that may not necessarily be resume-appropriate. Communication/social skills, conflict mediation, team leadership, and active listening, are just a few of the skills that fit under this category. Having these skills and showcasing them is what separates you from other people. I've learned that these skills are what makes you an enjoyable person to work with, and it is having these skills that helps you create professional bonds.
When working in a team setting, it is important to realize that your ability to get the job done as efficiently and accurately is important, but it is not the only important thing. Being an enjoyable person to be around and a cooperative person to work with is what separates you from every other job candidate.
Resume's all look the same - it's who you are and your ability to connect with people that helps you get to where you need to go.
Lesson 3: Community Development is Everyone's Responsibility
The Canadian Arab Institute is passionate about uniting the Canadian Arab community and giving them a voice in the greater Canadian community. CAI encourages Canadian Arabs to get involved in the development of their community's strength in any way that they can.
Accountability is placed in the hands of all the members of the community. This means that it is everyone's responsibility to actively promote and develop a strong Canadian Arab community. The Canadian Arab Institute has taught me that anyone has the power to create change if they are dedicated to the cause.
Learning this lesson has helped shape my understanding of community development. Not only do I now realize my social responsibilities to this community, but I acknowledge my ability to spark change within society.
Although my internship is coming to an end, these 3 lessons are not limited to my experiences as an intern at the Canadian Arab Institute. Rather, the lessons I've learned from the experience are lessons I will take with me onto my future adventures and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have learned them.