Everything that has a beginning surely has an end. The Forward by Anakle internship programme was curated to impact knowledge, touch lives and expand minds. This year we had one of the most incredible sets, who showed us the real meaning of resilience and creativity. Meet the class of ‘23 Forward interns, as they share their highs and lows, and lessons learnt.
Onyedikachukwu Nwangwu
Tell us a bit about you.
My name’s Onyedika. I started my internship on the Ads team and finished on the Content team. I love going out and trying out new places. If you ever need recommendations for places to go in Lagos, ring my line.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I actually didn’t apply for the programme. I just sent my CV asking if Anakle was hiring interns, and here we are.
What was your experience like?
Hmm. It was a mix of happy and very challenging moments. The not-so-great days were bearable because I had amazing team members (both in Ads & Content) and friends that made them just fine. Overall, it was a worthwhile experience.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
To be honest, I didn’t have any expectations. I remember seeing somewhere on the Forward by Anakle website that the internship was quite tasking, and they didn’t lie. It might seem confusing at first, but in the long run, you’ll get to see how beneficial the tasks are to you.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
Be yourself. If that’s not enough, then maybe you’re in the wrong place.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
In one of my final presentations during the internship, I got amazing comments from the team leads. I was so nervous before the presentation, but I ended up doing a great job.
Any last words to the team?
Adios! Arrivederci.
Chinonyerem Ezeibe
Tell us a bit about you.
Hi. I’m Nono Ezeibe. I started as an intern on the Content team and finished on the Strategy intern. I identify as the light of the world and the life of the party. There’s never a dull moment with me.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I saw the opening a day after the deadline on Instagram and still went ahead to apply. I was very persistent and sent in multiple applications. I got shortlisted, slayed my interview and became Nono of Anakle! 😄
What was your experience like?
It was a lot of things… intriguing, thrilling and eye-opening
Did this internship meet your expectations?
I didn’t know exactly what to expect, but it has been very beneficial. I’m coming out like gold refined in the furnace of Anakle. 😂
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
Talk it out! For the sake of collaboration, talk out your differences or hard feelings so there can be synergy to complete tasks.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
Seeing my spoken word script being performed and eventually posted on the client’s Instagram page.
Any last words to the team?
Thanks and God bless.
Moyosoreoluwa Ogunsina
Tell us a bit about you.
Hi. My name is Moyo, I was an intern on the Content team. I love reading and watching pimple-popping videos. They’re really satisfying, don’t judge me. If I wasn’t a content writer, I’d be a fashion designer, or a baker.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I heard about it from a previous intern and she sent me the link to apply. I had my interview and voila.
What was your experience like?
At some point I asked myself if I truly knew what I was doing, but that didn’t last long because I started getting the groove of the work.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
I didn’t know what to expect honestly but this internship program showed me that I could do anything I put my mind to. I knew this before, but this program just made me more confident in that.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
Nobody is an island of knowledge. Ask questions and share those ideas bugging you.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
Seeing my copy executed for major brand campaigns, and working on a spoken word script with Nono for a very big telco brand.
Any last words to the team?
Fue un paseo divertido. Gracias!
Chisom Aniebue
Tell us a bit about you.
Hi. My name is Chisom –Riri to my friends. 🤭 I was an intern on the social media team, the content creator that rather be behind the camera than in front of it. 😂
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I saw a post on Anakle’s Instagram account that the programme was accepting applications and I applied.
What was your experience like?
It was a great experience altogether. It felt like I was walking through a building on fire, but I’m glad that I didn’t get burnt. 😊
Did this internship meet your expectations?
It definitely surpassed my expectations. At some point, I didn’t feel like an intern because of the kind of responsibilities I was given.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
The power of communication. A lot of harm can be undone or even avoided if there’s proper communication.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
It has to be when I grew the Forward By Anakle Instagram account from 176 followers to 2k organic followers! 🤭
Any last words to the team?
I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet super amazing and talented people at Anakle. The memories I’ve made these six months will definitely stay with me forever. 🤍
Edidiong Robert-Uko
Tell us a bit about you.
Hi. I’m Edidiong. I was an intern on the design team. I’m a lover of all things pink and when I’m not working, you can find me reading a book or watching a crime documentary.🔍.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I emailed my CV with no expectations, simply hoping they were recruiting at the time, and I received an email for the Forward by Anakle program. I smashed my interview, and the rest is history.
What was your experience like?
Without a doubt, things weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. There were difficult, teeth-gnashing moments. However, the people made it worth it, and the experience was unquestionably rewarding.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
Yes! It really exceeded my expectations. This internship taught me a lot in a short period of time. I doubt I would have learned this much anywhere else.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
It’s okay to fail, you can’t always get it right. Instead, use it as an opportunity to kill it next time.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
It has to be my first intern presentation. It was nice to be acknowledged for the effort made.
Any last words to the team?
Thanks for everything. It’s been a ride!
Ibinabo Boukoru
Tell us a bit about you.
Hiya! I’m Ibinabo. Came into Anakle and started off on the Social Media team, currently with the Strategy team. I love to spend quality time with people I care about, and try out new things.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I saw a flier for the Forward programme application, and applied even though the deadline had passed.
What was your experience like?
Tasking is a word to sum it all up, but very interesting and equally challenging.
I wouldn’t have had it any other way, because it was definitely the missing piece to my career puzzle.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
It met and even surpassed! But I’m grateful for every atom of experience I learnt and gathered in the last six months. It was definitely worth it!
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
That life doesn’t always turn out the way you expect, but that’s okay because it will all make sense in the long run.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
It has to be when Muna kept commending me for a brilliant idea I gave during an “Idea block” ideation session for an unconventional brand.
Any last words to the team?
You guys are all shades of amazing! I’m glad I went on this journey with every single one of you.
Paul Popoola
Tell us a bit about you.
My name is Paul. I started off with the Strategy team for two months, and I spent the last four months of my internship on the Client Service team. When I am not working, I am analyzing football matches with my guys.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
I applied almost immediately when there was a call for interns. I’ve always wanted to work at Anakle, so the Forward programme was a good opportunity for me to learn. I applied, smashed the interview, and here we are today!
What was your experience like?
It was absolutely amazing! Extremely demanding on some days, but what’s life without a little pressure? All of my expectations were exceeded. I wanted the opportunity to learn from the very best in the industry and also build a solid portfolio. All these and even more happened in the last six months.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
Yes, it did. I have learnt from the very best and the experience I’ve garnered in the last six months will definitely serve as a springboard for me in my future endeavors.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
The gift of men! During my internship, I had people patiently teach me the ropes of the games, and I’ll forever be grateful. In the end, all you have is people. Beyond work, I learnt the value of connecting with people on a deeper level.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
Quite a lot! Father’s day and children’s day particularly come to mind. I was part of the execution team for a major brand, and our creatives were used for these two commemorative days. To show you how much it meant to me, it’s usually like a competition between us and other agencies, and the fact that ours was picked among the bunch really blew my mind.
Any last words to the team?
We will all be great, and the best part is that we will all know ourselves. See you all at the top!
Itunu Ayinla
Tell us a bit about you.
My name is Itunuoluwa. I spent my first two months as an intern on the Social Media team and my last four months as a Campaign/Ads intern.
How did you get into the Forward by Anakle programme?
It all started with a video I saw on TikTok. And because I can be curious at times, I went in search of more information, landed on Anakle’s Instagram account and after a series of emails and one interview, I’m here.
What was your experience like?
It was tasking. It came with a lot of challenges, but I’m glad I was able to stand tall and overcome them when they arose.
Did this internship meet your expectations?
Yes, it did and surpassed my expectations. The experience I’ve been able to garner has helped form a solid foundation for my future career in digital marketing.
What life lessons are you taking away from the programme?
Be ready and open to change. You necessarily can’t do everything on your own, hence the gift of people. Build a relationship that will serve both parties. Lastly, you have it in you, all that is required is just to dig a little deeper.
Tell us one memorable moment you had at Anakle.
This has to be when Alero (the Ads Lead) said she loved how I was already taking control. Also when I shared an idea during an ideation session for a client and everyone was piggybacking on it (this reassured me that I’ve got this).
Any last words to the team?
You guys are super smart and I’m glad I got to do this with you. It was a great ride.
As we say goodbye to the Class of ’23, we are filled with a sense of gratitude and pride. The interns challenged themselves and grew exponentially in their time at Anakle.
We are so proud of everything they have accomplished, and we know that they are ready for great things. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors, and we know that they will continue to change the world for the better.
Thank you to the Forward by Anakle Class of ’23 for making this year so special.
Remain smart, happy people!