On Sunday, October 29th, 2023, Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, was transformed into a vibrant hub of innovation and celebration. The occasion? The HNG Internship X (HNGiX) finalist event, a highly anticipated gathering that marked the culmination of months of hard work, learning, and growth for the participants of the HNGiX program. This event was not only a celebration of the interns' achievements but also a significant milestone in the tech community, bringing together successful interns, their mentors, industry professionals, and notable tech companies.
The Venue: Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School
The choice of Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School as the venue was symbolic. It underscored the message that learning and growth begin from a young age and continue throughout one's life. The school’s spacious grounds provided an ideal setting for the various activities planned for the day, creating an environment that was both welcoming and conducive to celebration and networking.
Attendees: A Confluence of Talent and Experience
The finalist event was graced by an impressive lineup of attendees, including the successful interns who had made it through the rigorous HNGiX program, their dedicated mentors, and representatives from prominent tech companies such as Rapid River and Cactus Code. The event also saw the presence of tech founders and professionals, including Amanda Etuk, the cofounder of Messenger. These attendees brought with them a wealth of experience and a shared passion for nurturing the next generation of tech talent.
The HNGiX finalist event was meticulously planned to ensure a blend of celebration, learning, and interaction. Here are some of the key highlights:
1. Welcome Address and Opening Remarks
The event kicked off with a welcome address from the CEO/Founder of HNG, Mark Essien, setting the tone for the day. The opening remarks highlighted the journey of the interns, the mission of the HNG Internship, and the significance of the event. This was followed by inspiring words from Mark Essien, the founder and chief mentor of the HNG Internship, who congratulated the interns on their achievements and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of excellence in the tech industry.
2. Sharing HNG Internship Experiences
One of the most anticipated segments of the event was when interns shared their experiences from the HNGiX program. This session provided a platform for interns to talk about their journey, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. It was a heartfelt, funny and inspiring segment that highlighted the diversity of experiences and the transformative impact of the internship. Interns spoke about their growth, the skills they acquired, and the valuable mentorship they received, which helped them navigate the demanding program.
3. Tech Talks by Industry Professionals
The event featured insightful talks by industry professionals, including representatives from Rapid River, Cactus Code, and other tech companies. Hrvoje Jesenovic from Cactus Code gave a particularly engaging talk. He shared his professional insights and the importance of continuous learning. Hrvoje also answered questions from the audience, providing practical advice and shedding light on the current trends and future directions in tech. These talks provided interns with a broader perspective on the tech industry and offered them practical insights that they could apply in their careers.
4. Interactive Question and Answer Sessions
Following the tech talks, there were interactive question and answer sessions where interns had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. These sessions were particularly valuable as they allowed interns to seek advice, clarify doubts, and gain deeper insights into various aspects of the tech industry. The open and engaging format encouraged active participation and created a sense of community and shared learning.
5. Fun and Games
To add an element of fun and relaxation, the event also included a variety of games and activities. These were designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie among the interns and mentors. The games provided a welcome break from the formal sessions and allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy the lighter side of the event. Participants competed in friendly contests, which not only added to the fun but also helped build stronger bonds within the tech community.
6. Networking Opportunities
One of the key benefits of the HNGiX finalist event was the networking opportunities it provided. Interns had the chance to interact with their peers, mentors, and industry professionals in an informal setting. These interactions were invaluable for building professional relationships, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential collaborations. The presence of representatives from companies like Rapid River and Cactus Code also meant that interns could discuss job opportunities and gain insights into different career paths.
7. Recognition and Awards
The highlight of the event was the recognition and awards ceremony. Interns who had excelled in various aspects of the program were recognized for their achievements. Awards were given out in different categories, such as best in different tracks, outstanding teamwork, and exceptional innovation. This segment of the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the interns, and it provided a fitting conclusion to the celebration of their success.
As the event drew to a close, there was a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the attendees. Interns reflected on their journey through the HNGiX program, expressing gratitude for the mentorship and support they received. Mentors shared their pride in the interns’ achievements and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development.
The HNG Internship X finalist event was more than just a celebration; it was a showcase of the transformative power of dedicated training, mentorship, and community support. The success of the interns and the enthusiasm displayed at the event underscored the impact of the HNG Internship program in shaping the careers of aspiring tech professionals.
The HNGiX program and its grand finalist event set a high standard for future cohorts. The experiences shared and the lessons learned will undoubtedly inspire and guide the next generation of interns. As the HNG Internship continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of empowering tech talent and creating a vibrant, inclusive tech community.
The HNG Internship X finalist event at Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School in Ikot Ekpene was a resounding success. It brought together a diverse group of individuals united by their passion for technology and innovation. Through a mix of inspiring talks, interactive sessions, fun activities, and networking opportunities, the event celebrated the achievements of the HNGiX interns and highlighted the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in the tech industry. As the interns move forward in their careers, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and connections gained from the HNG Internship, ready to make their mark in tech.
The Venue: Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School
The choice of Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School as the venue was symbolic. It underscored the message that learning and growth begin from a young age and continue throughout one's life. The school’s spacious grounds provided an ideal setting for the various activities planned for the day, creating an environment that was both welcoming and conducive to celebration and networking.
Attendees: A Confluence of Talent and Experience
The finalist event was graced by an impressive lineup of attendees, including the successful interns who had made it through the rigorous HNGiX program, their dedicated mentors, and representatives from prominent tech companies such as Rapid River and Cactus Code. The event also saw the presence of tech founders and professionals, including Amanda Etuk, the cofounder of Messenger. These attendees brought with them a wealth of experience and a shared passion for nurturing the next generation of tech talent.
Highlights of the Event
The HNGiX finalist event was meticulously planned to ensure a blend of celebration, learning, and interaction. Here are some of the key highlights:
1. Welcome Address and Opening Remarks
The event kicked off with a welcome address from the CEO/Founder of HNG, Mark Essien, setting the tone for the day. The opening remarks highlighted the journey of the interns, the mission of the HNG Internship, and the significance of the event. This was followed by inspiring words from Mark Essien, the founder and chief mentor of the HNG Internship, who congratulated the interns on their achievements and encouraged them to continue their pursuit of excellence in the tech industry.
2. Sharing HNG Internship Experiences
One of the most anticipated segments of the event was when interns shared their experiences from the HNGiX program. This session provided a platform for interns to talk about their journey, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them. It was a heartfelt, funny and inspiring segment that highlighted the diversity of experiences and the transformative impact of the internship. Interns spoke about their growth, the skills they acquired, and the valuable mentorship they received, which helped them navigate the demanding program.
3. Tech Talks by Industry Professionals
The event featured insightful talks by industry professionals, including representatives from Rapid River, Cactus Code, and other tech companies. Hrvoje Jesenovic from Cactus Code gave a particularly engaging talk. He shared his professional insights and the importance of continuous learning. Hrvoje also answered questions from the audience, providing practical advice and shedding light on the current trends and future directions in tech. These talks provided interns with a broader perspective on the tech industry and offered them practical insights that they could apply in their careers.
4. Interactive Question and Answer Sessions
Following the tech talks, there were interactive question and answer sessions where interns had the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. These sessions were particularly valuable as they allowed interns to seek advice, clarify doubts, and gain deeper insights into various aspects of the tech industry. The open and engaging format encouraged active participation and created a sense of community and shared learning.
5. Fun and Games
To add an element of fun and relaxation, the event also included a variety of games and activities. These were designed to foster teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie among the interns and mentors. The games provided a welcome break from the formal sessions and allowed everyone to unwind and enjoy the lighter side of the event. Participants competed in friendly contests, which not only added to the fun but also helped build stronger bonds within the tech community.
6. Networking Opportunities
One of the key benefits of the HNGiX finalist event was the networking opportunities it provided. Interns had the chance to interact with their peers, mentors, and industry professionals in an informal setting. These interactions were invaluable for building professional relationships, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential collaborations. The presence of representatives from companies like Rapid River and Cactus Code also meant that interns could discuss job opportunities and gain insights into different career paths.
7. Recognition and Awards
The highlight of the event was the recognition and awards ceremony. Interns who had excelled in various aspects of the program were recognized for their achievements. Awards were given out in different categories, such as best in different tracks, outstanding teamwork, and exceptional innovation. This segment of the event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the interns, and it provided a fitting conclusion to the celebration of their success.
Reflections from the Interns and Mentors
As the event drew to a close, there was a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the attendees. Interns reflected on their journey through the HNGiX program, expressing gratitude for the mentorship and support they received. Mentors shared their pride in the interns’ achievements and emphasized the importance of continuous learning and professional development.
The Impact of HNG Internship X
The HNG Internship X finalist event was more than just a celebration; it was a showcase of the transformative power of dedicated training, mentorship, and community support. The success of the interns and the enthusiasm displayed at the event underscored the impact of the HNG Internship program in shaping the careers of aspiring tech professionals.
Looking Forward
The HNGiX program and its grand finalist event set a high standard for future cohorts. The experiences shared and the lessons learned will undoubtedly inspire and guide the next generation of interns. As the HNG Internship continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to its mission of empowering tech talent and creating a vibrant, inclusive tech community.
Conclusion
The HNG Internship X finalist event at Monika Kindergarten & Elementary School in Ikot Ekpene was a resounding success. It brought together a diverse group of individuals united by their passion for technology and innovation. Through a mix of inspiring talks, interactive sessions, fun activities, and networking opportunities, the event celebrated the achievements of the HNGiX interns and highlighted the importance of mentorship, community, and continuous learning in the tech industry. As the interns move forward in their careers, they carry with them the knowledge, skills, and connections gained from the HNG Internship, ready to make their mark in tech.
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