Interns at Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) have been advised by CEO, Judith Mark, to strike a balance in their professional and personal lives, as this is the key to a fulfilling life.
Mark's comments came in an address during the closing ceremony at the authority's third annual internship programme, which was held at the Chaguaramas Hotel and Convention Centre.
The programme ran from July 12 to August 20, and facilitated students between the ages of 18 and 25. It sought to promote a better understanding of how the CDA functions, and it gave interns an insight into how the authority managed the diverse assets under its portfolio.
While they were urged to make career development a priority, Mark encouraged the interns to explore other spheres of activity outside the working environment that could enrich their personal lives. "My advice to you is to strike a balance, it's the key to a fulfilling life," she said.
"Always look for ways to keep pace with changing trends and developments, as this is the key to upward mobility. Never become complacent in any job environment," Mark said , adding "whatever field you enter, always be professional and courteous."
Stressing that she was impressed by the commitment of the interns to their jobs, Mark complimented them on their professionalism and work ethic displayed, and urged them to take these attributes with them as they moved up the corporate ladder. The interns, she said, were leaving CDA as professionals and better prepared for corporate life.
During their internship, they had been assigned to various departments–project management, IT, finance, law, HR, tenancy and property services–and as such were afforded the opportunity to utilise hands-on training in areas considered crucial to the authority's operations.
They said that they now had a better understanding and appreciation of challenges of the corporate world, and endorsed the authority's internship as one that was professional in content and tailored to meet their specific needs.
