Ashish Maharaj is currently an intern working at the Pacific Community's (SPC) Land Resources Division (LRD). His role involves collating and centralising knowledge management products and information in LRD to support the development of a knowledge-sharing and learning environment.
Can you briefly describe your academic background and how it has led you to pursue this internship opportunity?
I am a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Science) graduate from the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, and currently enrolled in a Postgraduate Diploma in Climate Change. During my undergraduate studies, I was introduced to the world of academic and scientific research, and ever since, I have become fascinated with research work. I oriented my career goals to learning and acquiring essential skills required in quality research work. This led me to pursue this internship with the Pacific Community (SPC).
As a principal research and development organisation in the Pacific, SPC will allow me to learn from and work with some of the best researchers in the world.
Can you tell me about your internship work/project and what inspired you to pursue it?
I am a Knowledge Management intern here at SPC’s Land Resources Division (LRD). Simply put, I am tasked to manage the knowledge produced at LRD. Knowledge products are documents and files used to capture information, including reports, publications, excel files, and many others. These knowledge products are produced daily, and over the years, they have accumulated. It is pretty difficult to navigate and locate these knowledge products. My main task is to navigate through all the knowledge products and assist in systematically organising them so that finding and locating them is no longer tedious. I was inspired to pursue this because it would help me in my research and analytical skills, while also allowing me to work closely with the researchers of SPC.
How do you think your involvement at SPC will help prepare you for your career?
My involvement with SPC will greatly help me achieve my career goals by providing me with valuable work experience, analytical skills, and research skills. These skills will prove valuable to me in my future career, wherever it might be.
Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas that you have gained or improved upon?
I am learning knowledge management skills and developing division-wide strategies that can be implemented to assist everyone in managing their knowledge products.
Any advice you would give young aspiring interns who want to be regional researchers?
My advice to young aspiring interns who want to be regional researchers is to be committed and work diligently to achieve your career goals. Build a strong foundation and develop your research skills through practical experience and education. It is also important to stay passionate and curious and take any challenges head-on.
