ICT INTERN POSITION AT MESPT : UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL

ICT INTERN POSITION AT MESPT: UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL IN IT

Welcome to Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT), where innovation meets impact. As a pioneer in agricultural development, we’re on a mission to empower smallholder farmers and Agri SMEs, creating opportunities for growth, job creation, and a sustainable future. Join us in our journey towards excellence as we seek a dynamic and motivated individual for the position of ICT Intern.

Position Overview

Title: ICT Intern

Department: ICT

Position Reports to: ICT Manager

Duty Station: Nairobi, Westlands

Benefits: Stipend as per MESPT Internship policy

Expected Travel: None

Terms: 3-month contract

Job Level: Entry Level

Role Purpose

As an ICT Intern at MESPT, you will be a vital part of our team, contributing to the management and administration of our information systems. This includes ensuring the smooth operation of servers, Microsoft 365, SQL databases, financial systems, and more. This role offers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in IT support, working closely with seasoned professionals to sharpen your skills and pave the way for a successful IT career.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. System Administration: Support the administration, maintenance, and monitoring of all information systems, including servers, databases, and cloud applications.
2. User Management: Assist in administering and managing user accounts, remote and mobile device users, ensuring proper system access permissions.
3. Helpdesk Support: Contribute to resolving system administration and support requests raised on the helpdesk, maintaining high customer satisfaction.
4. Digitization Projects: Collaborate with various programs on digitization projects, playing a key role in enhancing MESPT’s technological capabilities.
5. Training: Assist in training end users on various systems, creating training materials, and ensuring a high level of user satisfaction.
6. Cloud Infrastructure: Contribute to building and running cloud infrastructure and services in a hybrid on-premises/Azure cloud environment.
7. Problem Solving: Troubleshoot and solve problems in a Windows-based environment, focusing on root cause analysis to reduce recurring issues.
8. System Changes: Coordinate, execute, and document systems change requests, ensuring smooth transitions and minimal disruptions.
9. Preventive Maintenance: Assist in performing preventive maintenance for server infrastructure as per the schedule.
10. Security Systems: Support in the administration of IP Telephony/Phone system, printers, secure access control, CCTV, and biometric access.

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills

• At least three months attachment in a busy IT environment.
• Knowledge in domain management, Active directory services, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Skills in Windows server setup and administration, database systems (especially MS SQL Server), and VMWare virtualization technology.
• Certifications in Office 365 Administration, LAN/WAN (CCNA), and VMWARE Certified professional.
• Strong problem-solving skills and troubleshooting abilities in a Windows-based environment.

Qualifications/Other Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or any IT-related field.

Behaviour

• Positive, energetic self-starter with a high level of personal drive and resilience.
• Willingness to learn and a demonstrated positive attitude.

How to Apply

Send your application letter and CV (combined in one PDF document) to jobs@mespt.org with the subject line “ICT Intern-HR/01/INT/2024”. The deadline for applications is 7th February 2024 at 5.00 pm EAT.

Subsequent Employment

The Internship Programme is designed to complement an intern’s studies and is not a guarantee of further employment.

Qualified and interested candidates should note the following:

1. The applicant must legally be eligible to live and work full time in Kenya.
2. Please do not send certificates at this stage.

MESPT is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to Gender, Equity, and Diversity. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Write in English language.

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Expert Tips To Be A Successful Applicant for ICT Intern Position

1. Tailor Your Application: Customize your cover letter and CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences in IT, showcasing your enthusiasm for the position.
2. Showcase Certifications: Emphasize any certifications related to Office 365, LAN/WAN, and VMWARE, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing professional development.
3. Highlight Problem-Solving Skills: Share examples of how you’ve successfully troubleshooted and solved IT-related issues, showcasing your analytical and problem-solving abilities.
4. Demonstrate Learning Agility: Showcase instances where you quickly learned and adapted to new technologies or systems, emphasizing your ability to stay current in the ever-evolving field of IT.
5. Illustrate Team Collaboration: Emphasize your experience collaborating with teams, especially in digitization projects, showcasing your ability to work seamlessly with diverse groups.
6. Customer Satisfaction Focus: Highlight instances where you’ve ensured high levels of customer satisfaction, emphasizing your commitment to delivering excellent IT support.
7. Effective Communication: Illustrate strong communication skills, especially in training end-users and creating user-friendly materials, demonstrating your ability to convey technical information clearly.
8. Initiative and Drive: Share examples of instances where you took initiative or demonstrated a high level of drive and resilience in your academic or professional endeavors.
9. Attention to Detail: Emphasize your attention to detail, especially in preventive maintenance and administration tasks, showcasing your commitment to maintaining system integrity.
10. Positive Attitude: Reiterate your positive attitude, demonstrating your eagerness to learn and contribute positively to the MESPT ICT team.

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SAMPLE COVER LETTER for an ICT Intern Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my strong interest in the ICT Intern position at MESPT, as advertised. As a recent graduate with a degree in computer science and a passion for information technology, I am eager to contribute my skills to an organization committed to impactful development.

During my three-month attachment in a dynamic IT environment, I honed my skills in domain management, Active directory services, and Microsoft 365 administration. My hands-on experience in Windows server setup and administration, coupled with certifications in Office 365 Administration, CCNA, and VMWARE, positions me as a candidate with a strong foundation in IT.

One of my key strengths is my ability to troubleshoot and solve problems efficiently. I successfully resolved system administration and support requests on the helpdesk, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. My experience in collaborating on digitization projects aligns with MESPT’s commitment to technological advancement.

I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to MESPT’s mission and grow as a professional under the mentorship of experienced ICT professionals. I am positive, energetic, and ready to embark on this journey with MESPT to enhance operational efficiency through innovative IT solutions.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the ICT Intern role at MESPT.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the ICT Intern Position

1. What is the duration of the internship?
   • The internship is for a 3-month contract, providing an opportunity for hands-on experience in a dynamic IT environment.
2. Are there opportunities for further employment after the internship?
   • The Internship Programme is designed to complement studies and may not lead to further employment. However, it serves as a valuable learning experience.
3. What certifications are preferred for this role?
   • Certifications in Office 365 Administration, LAN/WAN (CCNA), and VMWARE Certified professional are preferred.
4. Is travel required for this position?
   • No, there is no expected travel associated with the ICT Intern position.
5. What is the application deadline?
   • The deadline for applications is 7th February 2024 at 5.00 pm EAT.
6. What documents should be submitted with the application?
   • Applicants should submit a brief cover letter, current CV, and group all documents into one single PDF document.
7. Is proficiency in English required for this role?
   • Yes, candidates are required to write their applications in English.
8. Is legal eligibility to work in Kenya a prerequisite for application?
   • Yes, applicants must legally be eligible to live and work full time in Kenya.
9. What is the selection process?
   • Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment and interviews.
10. Is there any application or recruitment fee?
    • No, MESPT is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

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Possible ICT Intern Interview Questions With Answers

1. Question: Can you explain the role of an ICT Intern and how it contributes to the overall efficiency of an organization?
   • Answer: The ICT Intern role involves supporting the administration of information systems, ensuring smooth operation, and contributing to digitization projects. This enhances operational efficiency by maintaining IT infrastructure and providing timely support.
2. Question: How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the IT field?
   • Answer: I actively engage in continuous learning through online courses, forums, and industry publications. Attending conferences and obtaining relevant certifications, such as VMWARE and CCNA, keeps me abreast of the latest developments.
3. Question: Can you provide an example of a complex IT issue you successfully resolved during your previous attachment?
   • Answer: I encountered a server malfunction affecting multiple users. Through systematic troubleshooting, I identified the root cause, applied necessary patches, and restored normal functionality, ensuring minimal downtime.
4. Question: How do you handle end-user training, and what strategies do you employ to ensure effective knowledge transfer?
   • Answer: I create user-friendly training materials, including videos and standard operating procedures, tailored to end-users’ needs. Conducting interactive sessions and providing ongoing support ensures effective knowledge transfer.
5. Question: In a hybrid on-premises/Azure cloud environment, how would you contribute to building and running cloud infrastructure?
   • Answer: I would leverage my knowledge of cloud technologies to assist in designing and implementing scalable and secure cloud solutions. Collaborating with the team, I would ensure seamless integration with on-premises systems.
6. Question: How do you handle preventive maintenance for server infrastructure, and why is it crucial?
   • Answer: Preventive maintenance involves regular checks, updates, and optimizations to ensure servers operate at peak performance. It is crucial to prevent potential issues, reduce downtime, and extend the lifespan of IT infrastructure.
7. Question: How do you prioritize and handle multiple system change requests simultaneously?
   • Answer: I prioritize based on urgency and impact on operations. Clear communication with stakeholders, meticulous planning, and a systematic approach allow me to handle multiple change requests efficiently.
8. Question: Can you explain the importance of secure access control in an organization’s IT environment?
   • Answer: Secure access control is vital for protecting sensitive data and ensuring only authorized individuals have access. Implementing measures like biometric access and regular security audits enhances overall system security.
9. Question: How would you handle a situation where a user encounters difficulties with a new software deployment?
   • Answer: I would provide immediate assistance, analyze the issue, and offer clear instructions or workaround solutions. If needed, I would escalate the matter to higher-level support or collaborate with the software vendor for a swift resolution.
10. Question: How do you stay positive and maintain a high level of drive, especially when facing challenging IT issues?
    • Answer: I approach challenges with a positive mindset, viewing them as opportunities to learn and grow. By breaking down complex problems into manageable steps and seeking guidance when needed, I maintain resilience and a high level of drive.

Best wishes on your application, and thank you for considering joining MESPT in our commitment to excellence and diversity. We look forward to welcoming dynamic individuals who share our passion for positive impact