Hi, my name is Filippo Pedrazzini, I’m a business and management student from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Milan (Italy). From March to July 2023, I spent my time in Kampala, there I carried out my curricular internship, working for E4Impact Foundation.
My internship was focused on the topic of “Entrepreneurship in Africa,” and I had the opportunity to work at the recently opened E4Impact Uganda Country Office. During this time, I had the chance to meet several local entrepreneurs, who were enrolled in the Acceleration program. My assignment was to assist them in growing their businesses and making an impact on the Ugandan economy by providing insights and supporting them through their everyday challenges. Guiding these entrepreneurs went beyond providing generic feedbacks. It involved understanding their individual goals, market dynamics, and potential obstacles to success.
Throughout my internship, I was fortunate to have the support of a local tutor, who played a crucial role in guiding me throughout the entire experience. Together, we embarked on the task of analyzing entrepreneurs’ projects and providing them with valuable advice, drawing from the managerial knowledge I had acquired during my university studies. Local business coaches also assisted us in this process.
From the very beginning, I found myself immersed in the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Working with startups and experienced entrepreneurs from diverse industries each day brought unique challenges and opportunities that helped sharpen my problem-solving skills and adaptability. Collaborating with passionate individuals taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of approaching challenges with a positive attitude.
My journey with E4Impact exposed me to a whole new world of possibilities and perspectives. Their unique approach to fostering entrepreneurship presented me with an alternative professional outlook, one that transcended the conventional boundaries of what I had learned in my academic studies.
This refreshing and innovative approach challenged me to think differently, embrace creativity, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Overall, my internship in Kampala with E4Impact has been a transformative experience. It has not only enriched my professional skills but also ignited a profound passion for entrepreneurship and its potential to drive positive change in Africa. I am grateful for the support and guidance I received during this journey, and I look forward to embracing this newfound perspective in my future endeavors.
Filippo Pedrazzini