Coming into Guru Nanak Institute of Global Studies (GNI), I have had the unique opportunity to learn and delve into the organization from both a student and intern perspective. This dual perspective has allowed me to engage in invaluable experiences to develop a host of new skills as each day brings not only different challenges but also opportunities for me to build up my arsenal of skills.
As a student enrolled in the Punjabi Reading and Writing class, I have been given the chance to build a stronger foundation of not only my knowledge of the language itself but also deepen my understanding of my heritage. Although starting from the basics has been a hurdle I have had to overcome, I saw it as a necessary step to unlocking a different side of my background in which I can read and understand different pieces of historical literature while considering how it could also translate towards career growth. With the interconnectedness of global markets, the need for multilingual individuals is constantly growing in the workforce. Living in an era where diversity is celebrated, truly understanding a language from the historical and grammatical side is the gateway to establishing strong and effective communications with a global audience.
To have this effective communication, you need to have not only have an established chain of communication but also the skills to support that communication. As a research assistant at GNI, I have been able to engage with individuals with a host of industry experience from established leaders in both the corporate and public sectors. Learning from those with lived experiences is an irreplaceable opportunity to gain insights from individuals who have successfully navigated their professional journey. Beyond being able to connect with these individuals, having the flexibility as an intern to choose the experiences we want to partake in is something unheard of. Having a supportive environment at GNI has enabled me, as an intern, to be the driver of my success by being the one making choices. By having the choice of taking on projects not only suited to my current skill set, but also ones I am hoping to obtain has helped in the refinement and development of important competencies like time management, critical thinking, self-sufficiency, and analytical/technical analysis.
In essence, GNI is an organization that meets you where you are currently at and helps in paving the path to getting you to where you want to be. My journey as both a student and an intern has cemented the importance of continual personal and professional advancement, with the only constraint being self-imposed limitations. Embracing each new experience as an opportunity for growth is essential, which has been the core of the environment fostered at GNI.