Work

During my internship at the National Examinations Council of Tanzania (NECTA), I worked with the ICT team on software and database workflows supporting national examination operations. I contributed to the examinations timetable system and worked on practical solutions within a real institutional environment where technology directly supports processes affecting thousands of students. One of the most meaningful parts of the experience was being trusted to contribute beyond my regular internship tasks. I was also invited to take part as a member of the NECTA team at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), where I developed proof-of-concept systems used by NECTA presenters. This gave me the opportunity to see my work being used in front of education and assessment professionals from across Africa and beyond. The internship had a strong impact on me both technically and personally. It taught me how different software development becomes when the systems you work on have real institutional impact and require reliability, security, and responsibility. It also gave me exposure to the practical use of AI in education and assessment, and helped me understand the importance of balancing technology with human judgement. Most importantly, the experience strengthened my confidence as a Computer Engineer. Working in an international environment, collaborating with professionals from different backgrounds, and contributing to real projects showed me that I can bring value beyond the classroom and adapt to new challenges. I left the internship with stronger technical skills, a broader perspective, and a clearer understanding of the kind of engineer I want to become.

Experience

My internship experience in Tanzania was much more than the work itself. Living in Dar es Salaam gave me the opportunity to experience a completely new culture and way of life while adapting to a new environment far from home. During the week, my days were mainly focused on my internship at NECTA. Outside working hours, I enjoyed exploring Dar es Salaam, trying local food, visiting different places, and spending time with friends and other interns. I met people from different countries through IAESTE, and these friendships became one of the most memorable parts of the experience. I also had the chance to travel and see more of Tanzania, experience its nature and culture, and learn more about everyday life outside the workplace. Some of the best memories came from simple moments — sharing meals, having conversations with people from different backgrounds, exploring the city together, and discovering new places. Living independently in a new country also taught me a lot about adapting, communicating, managing my time, and being comfortable outside my usual environment. Even small things like getting used to the food, transportation, weather, and daily routines became part of the learning experience. What made the experience special was the balance between professional growth and personal discovery. I returned home not only with new technical skills and professional connections, but also with new friendships, stories, and a much broader perspective on the world.

Discover

This internship changed the way I see myself as a Computer Engineer. Before the experience, I mainly viewed my studies through the technical side — programming, databases, systems, and problem-solving. Working at NECTA showed me how these skills can become part of real systems that have an impact on people's lives. I discovered that I am more adaptable and independent than I had thought. Moving to a completely new country, working with people from different backgrounds, and finding my place in a professional environment pushed me outside my comfort zone. I learned to communicate more confidently, ask questions, take responsibility, and trust myself when facing unfamiliar challenges. The experience also changed the way I look at my university studies. I started to see the subjects I study not simply as courses I need to complete, but as tools that can be applied to solve real problems. Seeing software used in an institution responsible for national examinations made the connection between what I learn at university and the real world much clearer. Being exposed to AI in education and assessment also made me more curious about the future of technology. It showed me that being a good engineer is not only about building something that works, but also about understanding its impact and knowing when technology should support human decisions rather than replace them. Most importantly, the internship gave me confidence in my ability to work internationally. It inspired me to keep learning, take on challenges outside my comfort zone, and look for opportunities where I can use technology to create meaningful impact.