Nischal Shrestha | Programs and Research Intern
Hi!! I am Nischal Shrestha. I am working as a Programs and Research Intern at Impact Hub Kathmandu starting in February 2024 as part of my academic internship. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, providing me professional growth and personal fulfillment. Throughout my time here, I contributed to the Roots of Circularity (RoC) program, funded by the European Commission. My role involved conducting extensive research and supporting the development of a comprehensive toolkit to promote the principles of the circular economy. I found great satisfaction in writing detailed reports, creating engaging content for social media and newsletters, and supporting the organization’s other programs. I am actively involved in supporting the masterclasses which is an important component of the incubator program.
In addition to my work on RoC, I had the opportunity to support the Civil Society and Media (CSM) project, funded by USAID. This aspect of my internship involved in supporting the team conducting qualitative research with civic actors from marginalized communities in Madesh and Lumbini Provinces. Engaging with these communities, mapping participants, and analyzing data not only enhanced my research skills but also provided me with valuable insights into grassroots activism and the challenges faced by these communities.
What made the internship truly special was the vibrant and supportive environment at Impact Hub Kathmandu. I built meaningful connections with colleagues who shared a deep passion for social change, making every day enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. From brainstorming sessions that sparked creativity to casual conversations that fostered camaraderie, the collaborative and fun atmosphere made learning feel effortless and motivating. I particularly loved the opportunity to be an integral part of the organizing team of the RoCmasterclasses and coordinate various events, which not only sharpened my organizational skills but also helped me develop lasting professional relationships. Each experience reinforced my commitment to social transformation and my desire to make a positive impact in the world.
Selisha Shrestha | Programs Intern
Hello Everyone! I’m Selisha Shrestha, an intern for CSM (Civil Society and Media) Project. Joining Impact Hub Kathmandu as an intern has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The CSM Project is the five-year program (2022-2027) funded by USAID through the CSM-STAND-LWA, with The Asia Foundation as the lead implementer where we provide capacity development workshops for 15 people who are women, youths and from marginalized (WYM) communities who are also called Civic Actors, to advance public interest, fundamental freedoms, and accountability. As part of my internship, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the civic actors– an experience that has been incredibly humbling. Facilitating their visits for various workshops has given me an understanding about the important role that CSM project plays in shaping a more equitable and informed community.
Impact Hub Kathmandu has been a very rewarding experience for me. I’ve felt nothing, but immense support and love from my colleagues. The work-life balance is excellent as we have two days off each week, allowing me time to relax. I feel privileged to be working with the brilliant minds who help me grow, offering their time when I need it and are so patient with me in my learning journey. What makes our workspace even more special is that it’s a woman led organization which inspires me more and creates a safe and empowering environment for us to work. One of my favorite things here is “Thrilling Thursday”, which is a monthly team bonding activity. Our recent activity was painting which I thoroughly enjoyed. IHK has become my second home and all the staff feels like a family. I know I’ll cherish these moments and the growth I’ve experienced at IHK for a time to come. This internship has been more than just a stepping stone in my career– it has been a life changing journey that has expanded my perspective and deepened my connection to the community around me.
Bini Rana Magar | Finance Intern
Hi, Bini Rana Magar here ! In mid-February 2024, I began my internship in the finance department at Impact Hub Kathmandu. Over the course of six months, I learned essential skills and gained valuable insights into the world of finance. Starting my internship, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as this was my first real experience in the finance sector, a field I had been studying in college. The office was bustling, and everyone seemed focused on their tasks. I was eager to contribute but unsure of how to navigate the new environment. On my first day, I was warmly greeted by the Finance officer, also my supervisor. For a few weeks, He asked me to review all the documents and explained what tasks would be. However, I still struggled to understand the majority of the tasks. After a few weeks Laxmi Didi, the finance assistant, joined us. She and I learned together and completed many tasks as assigned. Sir and Laxmi Didi guided me in organising financial records, managing invoices, and ensuring data accuracy. Over the first three months, I handled tasks like filing, updating spreadsheets, and scanning receipts. Weekly internal meetings helped improve my communication skills and gave me insight into how different departments collaborate to achieve the organisation’s goals.
Time flew like an arrow, and my contract was nearing its end. I extended it for three more months to gain deeper knowledge of finance and operations. During this period, I also took on operational tasks and assisted my team in preparing documents for internal audits. I learned the importance of maintaining organised records and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. I entered financial data into Tally software under the supervision of the finance officer. Additionally, I worked on creating a scoring matrix, which involved communicating with various stakeholders, significantly improving my communication skills. During this extension, I deepened my connections with the program and lab teams, which made it easier and more comfortable to collaborate with them.”
To sum up, my internship has been a journey filled with learning and growth, teaching me the importance of hard work, resilience, and networking. I am grateful for this opportunity that has equipped me with professional skills to thrive and excel in the finance sector.
