To be honest, when I first started my internship, my expectations weren’t very high. I thought I’d end up exhausted by the end of every week, buried under pressure to get everything right on the very first try. I imagined long hours, tight deadlines, and very little appreciation- mostly because that’s exactly what my previous internships had been like.

I’ve worked in environments where the culture was all about perfectionism under pressure, with no room for mistakes. In another internship, there was such indifference towards my work that I never felt motivated. I was just ticking boxes, chasing college credits, and building a “good-looking resume” instead of actually enjoying the experience. 

But my time at Saathi has completely changed the way I look at internships.

Here, the environment is supportive, collaborative, and respectful. Doubts are encouraged, questions are welcomed, and fresh perspectives are celebrated. Being an intern doesn’t mean your ideas don’t matter- individuality is valued, and you’re encouraged to think big. 

One thing I’ve really loved is the way communication works at Saathi. Everyone recognizes we’re here for a common goal, so aggressive or dismissive communication just isn’t part of the culture. Instead, it’s all about consulting one another, showing gratitude for contributions (big or small), and making sure every team member feels seen. I’ve never once felt like “just an intern”- I’ve always been treated like part of the team. 

Of course, before I started, I was nervous. A six-month internship felt daunting, especially since it was my first full-time, long-term role. Panic thoughts kept creeping in- Do I really have what it takes? Will I be able to keep up? But from day one, I felt at ease. My ideas weren’t shut down, they were discussed. My contributions weren’t dismissed, they were refined and appreciated. That shift in approach made all the difference. 

Since then, I’ve had the chance to work on projects like covering our work at INC 5.2 and the Virtual Tour of Expo 2025 Osaka, both of which have been incredible learning opportunities. Before this, I barely knew about the global plastics treaty that could shape a plastic-free tomorrow. Now, I find myself actively engaging in conversations around sustainability and environmental protection- it’s become part of how I see the world. 

The Virtual Tour of Expo 2025 Osaka, on the other hand, was unlike anything I’d expected from an internship. At times, I felt like a professional gamer, navigating a whole new world. Things didn’t always go smoothly, but those challenges reminded me just how powerful teamwork can be. 

I’ve also learned the nuances of creating content- from blogs to social media posts- and how the same message can be adapted differently across platforms. It’s been fun, chaotic, and sometimes challenging, but always rewarding. And having someone I know to guide me through the process has been such a blessing. It makes me feel like I have an anchor, someone I can turn to when things get overwhelming. 

I know there’s still a long journey ahead, but I’m excited for it. I hope to keep riding this positive wave and contribute meaningfully to Saathi’s mission of making the world a better, healthier, more sustainable place- while also growing as a professional and as a person.

To future interns, here’s my one piece of advice: if you have an idea, put it out there. Don’t overthink it. The more you second-guess yourself, the more it’ll feel irrelevant or “not good enough”. But once you start working on something you truly believe in, you’ll see how valuable your perspective is. And at Saathi, even if every idea doesn’t get finalised, it will always be heard. 

Work environments like this are rare, and I don’t take it for granted. I’m grateful to be here, learning, growing, and- more importantly- enjoying the process. 

Here’s to the rest of this journey. ✨

At Saathi, our interns aren't just learners - they're changemakers. We’re so proud to witness their growth and contributions to our mission for a sustainable, equitable world.

Ready to find an internship where you're truly valued? Check out our open roles! We'd love to have you.