Whats the difference that makes a difference at PIAC - our interns journey
Konstanin (5th from the left!) at the Cafe Conversation held at Bonnie & Wild Edinburgh November 2021
My name is Konstantin and in the last three months, I have been working as an Intern at Presence in Action Collective. My job role mainly revolves around implementing changes on website and social media channels and having input on other relevant tasks.
If I were asked to write an overview of my experience for some other workplaces I have worked for, I would probably hesitate to write on my work experience as in most cases not too many things stood out. This is not the case with PIAC, as it has been a memorable experience in quite a few ways!
My first encounter with one of the Directors regarded the job interview, and from the start it did not feel like an interview...in a good way though, as the conversation was flowing... and around an hour later; I got the Internship opportunity.
From the first week up to now the work has been consistent, but there have normally been quite a few challenges faced along the way. All these challenges were resolved shortly, as the Directors and staff are always supportive and reachable. Moreover, when feedback is required on an area, I am working on they are equally fast and constructive with it, always being encouraging and motivating.
The synergy of the team is another area I would like to mention. All the members effectively address any challenges or issues that may arise by building up the resolution process gradually and allowing everyone to have an input. I had the chance to participate in such processes quite frequently during the Internship, and I would describe it as being quite a unique experience for what it represented.
Moreover, I was invited to one of the events the enterprise organized in November, as part of it celebrating its’ mission and activities through the PIA conversations held. This was a great opportunity, as I had the chance to witness the positive effect of the enterprise into its members, the eloquence of Directors when communicating and most importantly I managed to comprehend what the enterprise really does stand for, regeneration of personal & social learning, relationships & wellbeing.
Some organizations might have “politics” involved at times, to ensure that a person is in power, or certain areas are within full control, area which I never observed while working in Presence in Action Collective. The Directors might have the highest position in the scalar chain, but are always humble and grounded, open to suggestions and always considerate of any information provided. I think that the former is one of the key areas that PIAC quickly manages to adjust and develop, as there is genuine interest in growth, transparency and consistency.
To conclude, if I were asked how I would describe the enterprise, and what it does; to someone interested in learning more about Presence in Action Collective, I would just reply it is something difficult to word, but it is truly worth experiencing!