Written by Destiny Agwuekwe - Product Marketing Intern at Spurt!
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to be part of the Spurt! Training and Empowerment Programme (S.T.E.P), a programme designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace. And what a journey it has been!
STEP isn’t just another graduate programme. It’s a hands-on, practical, and thoughtful training experience aimed at helping early-career individuals like myself become more professional, analytical, and valuable. From the very beginning, the focus was on equipping us with the right mindset and tools to succeed in any organisational setting.
Over the course of two months, myself and about 7 others were trained in essential soft and organisational skills — from effective communication and critical thinking to mastering Microsoft tools we’ll likely use in almost any workplace. It wasn’t just about learning these skills in theory; we applied them daily. Assignments were a constant part of the programme, helping to reinforce everything we were taught and push us beyond our comfort zones.
One of the most interesting tasks we had was submitting daily articles that summarised news from different countries. This sharpened our writing and research skills and gave us a broader understanding of what’s happening globally, a subtle but powerful way to build both awareness and perspective.
We also had daily scrums where we shared what we achieved the day before and what we planned to do that day. This practice of accountability and goal setting was simple yet impactful. It made us reflect, stay organised, and commit to progress daily.
After the two-month training, I was placed in a one-month internship with the product marketing unit at Spurt!, where I could apply all I had learned in a real work environment. That experience helped connect the dots between theory and practice and gave me a genuine sense of what it means to be part of a mission-driven organisation.
What surprised me most wasn't just the skills I gained, but how much more confident I felt walking into that workplace. I wasn't just another early career individual hoping to figure it out as I went along. I had a foundation and a better understanding of what I could bring to the table.
For any recent graduate or early career individual feeling lost between your degree and your first real job, I can't recommend STEP enough. It's not just about preparing you for A job, it's about preparing you to thrive in THE job that's right for you.
