Harper Yan

My experience at AfCAS has been incredibly wonderful. As this is my first job, stepping into it came with a mix of excitement and nerves and I was initially worried about making mistakes. However, the moment I walked through the office doors, those worries faded immediately. The environment was so kind and welcoming that it truly felt like being embraced by a warm, big family. Everyone was very inclusive, encouraging and supportive, which made it easy for me to settle in and grow.

 

My main role as an intern has been to help improve the AfCAS website to create a more functional and engaging experience for visitors, with the goal of attracting greater support and donations. When I first started, I had absolutely no knowledge of website or Wix, but through hands-on work, I gradually picked up skills and gained valuable experience along the way.

 

Beyond the technical side, I also had the opportunity to help plan our Volunteer Network event on 9th May alongside the other interns and employees. That experience really opened my eyes to just how much effort goes into organising an event from the ground up.

 

Through this transformative experience, I gained valuable insights into workplace communication and collaboration, it shapes not only my technical skills but also my ability to communicate effectively, collaborate with colleagues, and build strong working relationships.

 

I have also developed the ability to listen adaptively when working with clients, I try to understand not just what they are saying, but also what their needs, and then adjust my work based on their feedback. Since clients do not have technical backgrounds, a key part of this skill is translating their needs into clear technical specifications and feasible solutions. This skill is especially important in computer science, where project requirements often evolve and successful outcomes depend on clear communication, iterative improvement, and we need to make sure the final solution truly matches their expectations.

 

Among all, I would like to especially thank my supervisor, Mary. Mary was very patient, optimistic and talkative. Every conversation with her is always enjoyable. No matter how hectic things got and how busy she is, she never lost her positive energy. There were times when Mary’s schedule was super busy, managing several appointments in a single day, yet she always found a way to prioritise us and make sure we had the support we needed.

It has been my pleasure to complete my internship at AfCAS. I am truly grateful for the opportunity and for the kindness and support from everyone here. It has truly been a meaningful journey for me, and I would love to come back and visit again someday.