On 1 August, AIMS South Africa welcomed Ms Noluthando Sithole.  She joins the AIMS family as a new intern through the DSI-HSRC Internship Programme 2023/25. The programme offers practical work experience and mentorship to unemployed graduates and postgraduates to gain valuable skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, social sciences and humanities. Noluthando will work closely with Dr Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe in the planning, implementing, delivering, monitoring, evaluating, and promoting of the House of Science public engagement and women in mathematics projects, amongst other things.

Noluthando holds a BA in Media Communications and Culture from Nelson Mandela University. She intends to pursue a career in media communication, where she envisions herself taking on roles that allow her to combine her creativity and strategic thinking to develop impactful and engaging content. Reflecting on her internship journey so far, Noluthando described her experience as a bit overwhelming – transitioning to workspace. Nevertheless, the journey has been exciting and eye-opening, helping her learn about AIMS history and ongoing big projects, tools, media platforms, functions, roles, and responsibilities, amongst others. Furthermore, induction workshops offered by DSI-HSRC equipped her with critical elements of career development, the early days of work preparation and the understanding of organisational culture.

“I hope to gain valuable hands-on experience, refine my skills in various aspects of media production, collaborate within a professional team environment and contribute to the House of Science’s growth. I hope to seek some guidance and to be tested within the media aspect of AIMS, which will help me to gain some skills, knowledge and experience in editing, social media posting and public speaking,” said Noluthando

As an intern at AIMS, Noluthando will also benefit immensely from the Pan-African nature of the institute. She will be further afforded an opportunity to engage with renowned African and international academics and researchers, potentially establishing professional relationships and future academic collaborations. Noluthando succeeds Ms. Karabo Makola, a former intern (2019-2020) pursuing a Ph.D. in History of Science at the University of Wuppertal in Germany.