A Journey of Growth and Discovery
As a second-year master’s student at the University of Leadership in Open Education, I was eager to explore opportunities that would enhance my academic and professional development. The opportunity to participate in an Erasmus traineeship presented itself in January 2022 when I attended a Zoom workshop organized by our university’s international office. Little did I know that this workshop would mark the beginning of one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
The Application Process: A Test of Patience and Determination
Inspired by Erasmus’s possibilities and experience, I decided to embark on the application process. It was a challenging journey, requiring patience and determination. The decision to choose between continuing my studies and pursuing a traineeship was not easy. However, I was fortunate to have the support and guidance of Jana Begus, our international office coordinator. Her advice played a crucial role in helping me make a decision I now consider one of the best of my academic and professional career.
After two months of navigating various application stages of receiving the institution, I finally received the much-anticipated approval. However, the journey was far from over. I faced numerous challenges, including multiple rejected applications and interviews. Despite these setbacks, I remained focused on my goal.
Choosing Italy: A Decision Aligned with My Aspirations
After so many searches, applications, and interviews I had to choose between two exciting destinations, Croatia and Italy, for my five-month Erasmus internship, I carefully weighed my options. I decided Italy was the best fit for me considering my future goals and aspirations. I was offered a European Project Manager Intern position with Extramus, a role that aligned perfectly with my academic background and professional interests.
I am deeply grateful to Prof. Suzanna Loshkovska, Prof. Tijana llic, the international office coordinator Jana Begus, and the dean of the School of Engineering and Management, Prof. Dr. Imre Cikajlo, for your invaluable support all through the process. Their guidance in completing the Learning Agreement, an essential component of the Erasmus Traineeship documentation, ensured my preparedness for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
EXTRAMUS is an organization renowned for its expertise in project execution. With a proven track record, the organization has consistently demonstrated its proficiency in successfully planning, managing, and implementing a diverse range of projects. Their capabilities extend to various areas, including the development and execution of Erasmus+ Traineeship programs. The organization’s commitment to excellence is evident in its ability to deliver impactful projects, contributing to the enhancement of the educational journey for higher education students.
I choose EXTRAMUS and the European Project Management Traineeship program because it is aimed at building trainees who would be able to write projects under different titles, receive grants, and successfully conduct, control, and execute the projects. The EU Project Management serves as a crucial mechanism to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of projects funded by the European Union.
The goal as a Project Manager trainee was to develop skills and gain hands-on experience in Project Management. I was aimed at identifying problems, and opportunities to formulate project ideas. This involves writing proposals that meet funding standards, developing skills and knowledge for the development and management of projects funded by the European Commission, building partnerships, developing project scopes, aims, and objectives, and monitoring and evaluating projects and processes, along with reporting and the preparation of project documents and reports.
The traineeships provided me with the opportunity to acquire practical skills and hands-on experience in Project Management. It served as a bridge between my academic learning and practical application. It will help me to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and understand the dynamics of the international professional environment. I will also apply the knowledge and skills gained to conducting my Master’s thesis project. The formal training sessions, workshops, and mentorship programs will contribute to my professional development, which includes learning how to use project management tools, methodologies, and best practices.
Preparing for a New Chapter: Embracing Italian Culture
While waiting for my visa approval, which took several weeks, I dedicated myself to preparing for this new chapter in my life. I immersed myself in learning about Italian culture, values, and language. This preparation was not just about being ready for the professional aspects of the traineeship but also about embracing the cultural experience that comes with living and working in a new country.
The Journey Begins: My Arrival in Italy
On April 15, 2024, I embarked on my journey from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, Nigeria, filled with mixed emotions, excitement, and anticipation. The next day, I arrived in Rome, Italy, where my professional adventure truly began. Coming from Africa, I had to consider the food and other basic stuff I would need before finding an African store and settling into Italian food and culture. It made my luggage heavy and challenging to move around at the airport and station when I got to Rome, and in the process, I lost two of my luggage, which I later found with the help of the police and a good Samaritan. (Lesson learned: Pack lightly 😜).
Missing my train due to moving my heavy luggage was another epic moment of my journey to my place of internship. Waiting two hours wasn’t funny, as I was exhausted after a 12-hour flight and over 10 hours of layovers and train transit but I didn’t have a choice 😉 ( Lesson learned: Ask for help, it’s better to get a NO than not trying).
Moving around the small town of Terranova Da Sibari wasn’t easy in the first days as I didn’t have mobile internet to use the map. I remember missing my way on the second day I arrived, but thanks to Simone and other Erasmus guys I ran into on my way home from the supermarket.
The traineeship experience was filled with many good and bad memories, but I appreciate the learning experience and the opportunity to explore.
My European Project Manager Experience
The five months of my traineeship were interesting, transformational, and fulfilling. The overview of my internship tasks and responsibilities includes:
1. Project Identification and Assessment
One of my initial tasks involved working closely with my team and supervisor to assess the viability of various problems that could be addressed through new projects. After discussions and evaluations, I identified a problem suitable for project initiation. This process sharpened my analytical and problem-solving skills, allowing me to contribute effectively to project ideation.
2. Project Proposal Development
After identifying the problem, I drafted a detailed project proposal titled “MathMates: Empowering Children with Dyscalculia through Open Education.” The proposal encompassed the project’s objectives, scope, methodology, timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. I meticulously applied the SMART criteria to set clear and actionable objectives, which would guide the project to success. This task enhanced my ability to translate ideas into structured and feasible project plans.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
Collaboration was a key aspect of my internship. In partnership with my supervisor, I identified and engaged organizations that could contribute to the project. One such organization was Inercia Digital, a VET center (SME) based in Huelva, Spain. We met with their representatives to discuss the project idea and formulated a participation plan aligned with their expertise and interests. This experience deepened my understanding of stakeholder engagement and the importance of building strong partnerships for successful project implementation.
4. Involvement in Project Closure
During my internship, I was involved in the project closure phase of an ongoing project titled “Empowering Young Women with Digital Competences: A Gender Equality Initiative.” My responsibilities included:
- Final Deliverables: I participated in a week-long workshop in Huelva, Spain, which served as the final deliverable for the project.
- Resource Release: I prepared dissemination material (Article), to share the project outcomes and lessons learned.
- Post-Implementation Review: I organized and led a workshop on “Artificial Intelligence for Professional Use,” where I shared and discussed the lessons learned from the program in Spain with other interns.
- Public Communication: I provided a written interview about the program’s outcomes, which would be published on the organization’s website and social media platforms.
These tasks honed my project closure skills and allowed me to contribute to the project’s sustainability and dissemination.
5. Proficiency in Project Management Tools
I learned to use project management collaboration platforms such as Trello and Asana. These tools facilitated task management, team collaboration, and workflow tracking, ensuring that all project activities were executed efficiently and effectively.
Exploring New Horizons: My Visit to Slovenia
Having been an online student for the past two years, one of the highlights of my Erasmus traineeship was the opportunity to visit Slovenia. This trip was professionally and personally enriching. I visited the university in Vipava, where I had the privilege to meet in person the dean of the School of Engineering and Management, the school secretary, the international office coordinator, the student office, and other university staff and students. The international office coordinator, Jana Begus, gave me a free tour of the school and the beautiful surroundings of Vipava, after which we had lunch with Helena Škrl (the secretary’s office) at one of Vipava’s finest restaurants. It was an invaluable experience to connect with these individuals and gain deeper insights into the university’s operations and values.
During my time in Slovenia, I also took the opportunity to explore some of the country’s most beautiful destinations. I visited Ljubljana, the charming capital city, as well as the picturesque Bled Lake, known for its stunning scenery. The cultural richness and natural beauty of Slovenia left a lasting impression on me, adding yet another layer of growth to my Erasmus journey.
Reflecting on My Experience: A Transformative Journey
Looking back on my Erasmus Traineeship experience, I can confidently say that it has been a transformative journey. It has enhanced my academic and professional skills and broadened my cultural horizons. The Erasmus Traineeship decision has proven to be one of the best I have ever made. I am excited to see where this experience will take me next and how it will continue to shape my future endeavors. The lessons I have learned, the friendships I have built, the connections I have made, and the skills I have developed will serve me in my future career.
As I continue on this path of growth and discovery, I encourage other students to consider the Erasmus Traineeship as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional development. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards.
