A REPORT FOR FIELDWORK PLACEMENT CARRIED OUT AT XXXXXXXXXXXX

FROM DECEMBER 2018 TO JANUARY 2019

BY
ATUHAIRWE CONLAND
STUDENT ID: 003-957
E-Mail: XXXXXXXXXX
Mobile phone No: +25706132961

PRESENTED TO THE FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT OF

CAVENDISH

UNIVERSITY UGANDA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR

THE AWARD OF BACHELORS DEGREE IN XXXXXXXXXXXX

(ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE)

FEBRUARY 2019
 DECLARATION
I ATUHAIRWE CONRAD, here declare that this field attachment report is my original work
and has never been submitted to any other university or institution of higher learning for any
other awards.

Signature: --------------------------------------- Date: --------------/---------------/----------------

ATUHAIRWE CONRAD

XXXXXXXXXXX
 APPROVAL (FIELD BASED SUPERVISOR)
This is to acknowledge that Atuhairwe Conrad did her internship at Biwodeg Savings and Credit
Co-operative Society in Sales Department from Dec 2018 up to Jan 2019 under my direct
supervision and guidance.

Signature…………………………. Date ………………….

MR. PULE SAMUEL

FIELD BASED SUPERVISOR

 APPROVAL (FACULTY/UNIVERSITY SUPERVISOR)
This is to acknowledge that this internship report was written and compiled by Ms Atuhairwe
Conrad based on her field attachments from Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-operative Society
under my direct supervision and guidance and this report is ready for submission to Cavendish
University Uganda in the Faculty of Business and Management.

Signature: …………………….. Date: ………………………..

MR. PULE SAMUEL

UNIVERSITY BASED SUPERVISOR

 DEDICATION
First of all I dedicate this piece of work to God Almighty for his guidance, good health and the
spirit of understanding given to me throughout this internship period.

Special dedication to all those who have encouraged, supported and inspired me throughout this
internship period especially , my lecturers, my colleagues at work, classmates especially, and
friends especially precious and Maurice for their guidance, love and attention which that made it
possible for me to reach this point.

Without you all I would not have made it.

Thank you and God bless you.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My first acknowledgement goes to the management of Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-operative
Society for giving me field placement and support throughout the exercise. And in particular I
express my warm thanks to my supervisor Mr. Pule Samuel for tutoring me during this process.
I would like to thank my friends for the support and words of encouragement they always gave
me.
Lastly, my thanks go to my parents and siblings for their love and endless support during these
three years of study.
 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a report about the student internship period with Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-
operative Society. The report states the description of the organization, the daily activities,
lessons skills acquired and challenges generally that the intern carried out while in the accounts
section for a period of eight weeks that is from June to August 2015.

This report ‘consists of five chapters of which Chapter one explains the background of the field
attachment, organization background, its nature, objectives, the organizational culture, vision,
mission and organization structure

The intern was assigned various activities as portrayed in chapter two and they include; giving
clients forms to fill, interacting with fellow interns, staff members and clients, reconciling of the
cash books and bank statements, preparing payment vouchers, bank reconciliations, attending
loan assessment committee meetings, filing of clients documents, receiving and recording
client’s claims, calculating the interest charges, giving clients forms to fill, entering data in the
computer, attending to customer inquires

However there were lessons learnt such as analyzing of errors, decision making, time
management, patience and humility among others; experiences attained included experience in
reconciliation, experience in posting, team work experience and skills acquired and they include;
inter personal skills, computer skills, planning and organizing skills, reconciliation skills and
others.

In chapter four the report further talks about the challenges and limitations. Challenges are
categorized in personal and organizational challenges which include limited resources, mixing up
of files, High transport costs, poor record keeping, and ignorance from the clients among others.
The chapter further talks about the enjoyments and disappointments.

In conclusion, the internship Programme helped the student to put the theoretical knowledge
learnt in lecture rooms into practical and thus learning how theory is transformed into practical in
today’s world. Therefore, it was the need for the intern to get exposed to the working
environment coupled with the need to cope up with current dynamism of the job market
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIATIONS
BBA/AF Bachelors in Business Administration majoring in Accounting and Finance

CUU Cavendish University Uganda

ID Identity Card.

BSCCS Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-operative Society

 CHAPTER ONE
BACKGROUND TO THE INTERNSHIP EXERCISE

1.0 Introduction
This chapter looks at the background to the internship, internship objectives, and training
objectives.

1.1 Background to the Internship

1.1.1 What is Internship?
“A form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in the
classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.
Internships give students the opportunity to gain valuable applied experience and make
connections in professional fields they are considering for career paths; and give
employers the opportunity to guide and evaluate talent."

Defined by NACE – the National Association of College and Employers (2011)

Internship could also refer to a period of work experience offered by an employer to give
students and graduates exposure to the working environment, often within a specific
industry, which relates to their field of study.

1.1.2 Objectives of the internship exercise

 The Intended Objectives of the Internship program as per the university arrangements
are:
 To allow students to apply, evaluate, test and integrate academic knowledge and
theoretical concepts in a work place setting
 To improve and expand students’ knowledge about themselves and their abilities, goals,
and career interests in a work environment setting.
 To expand students’ awareness of the world beyond the classroom by exposure to a
variety of careers, cultures, disciplines, life styles, and environments.
  To reduce students’ intellectual and geographic parochialism.
 To allow students to gain access to knowledge and equipment not available on a college
campus environment.
 To encourage students to take a greater responsibility for their education and life, and
develop self- reliance, personal style, values, and beliefs in a manner consistent with
becoming a responsible and productive individual.
 To provide students with experience in the disciplined and discriminatory use of evidence
in making decisions and solving problems in a work setting.
 To provide a Reflective practice for life-long learning.
 To provide Awareness of one’s own learning processes.

1.1.3 Training Objectives:

This will cover the specific objectives of your internship in the context of your
experience at your work placement. These objectives will therefore be task specific.

1.1.4 Benefits of the Internship

Benefits to the Student
 Students often gain new perspectives because students are able to see the application and
relevance of what they are learning. It provides the student a golden chance for better
understanding of theory through its actual application in practice.
 Students gain a head start in their career fields and sometimes secure full-time
employment with their internship site upon graduation.
 As a result of participation, students may earn money to support their college expenses.
 Students gain real-world experience, often learning about the latest technology and
equipment used in the workplace.
 Students learn job-seeking and job-holding skills, and, as a result, gain maturity,
professionalism, and confidence.
 Students have opportunities to sample their chosen career fields early in their studies.
 For many students, the internship experience contributes to a greater sense of
responsibility for their own efforts and greater dependence on their own judgment.
 As a result of the internships experience, students have the opportunity to develop social
relationships and skills.
 The coordination of work and study tends to increase student motivation and, in some
cases, may result in improved academic performance.
 Increases the development of decision-making and analytical skills through experience in
actual work environments.
 Helps you develop a more positive attitude toward coursework as a result of seeing its
usefulness on- the-job, which often leads to better grades.
 Helps you gain professional experience to include on your resume, which can
significantly improve your marketability to employers.
 Increases the potential for a higher salary and greater advancement upon graduation as a
result of previous experience.
 Provides useful contacts that may lead to future employment.

Benefits to Employers

Find future employees.

Internship programs provide a source of well-trained, quality students who are available
for career employment upon graduation. An internship program is a recruiting tool.
Implementing an internship program means you have an ongoing pipeline of future
fulltime employees. For many, the process of recruiting and hiring is a drain on company
resources. One solution: Appeal to tomorrow's staff members when they're looking for
internships, and all you have to do is choose the best of the bunch when it comes time to
hire. Moreover, college campuses are viral societies. This means if your organization
impresses one class of interns, word will quickly spread. Soon you'll find the most
sought-after student talent is interested in working with you.

Test-drive the talent. It's a human resources reality

A new employee makes a solid impression in the interview, but then just doesn't gel with
your current team or your company's way of doing things. Because of this, hiring
someone as an intern is the most effective way to evaluate their potential as a fulltime
employee. When you "try out" candidates via a semester internship, you make fewer
mistakes when it comes to fulltime staffing; you avoid the pitfall of training a new hire,
only to find out they're not a fit for your organization…or that the entry-level employee
doesn't like the field. Starting an internship program lets you benefit from added
manpower, while more accurately assessing candidates.

Increase productivity
Speaking of additional manpower, setting up an internship program allows you to take
advantage of short-term support. The extra sets of hands help your employees be more
productive, prevent them from becoming overburdened by side projects, as well as free
them up to accomplish more creative tasks or those where higher-level, strategic thinking
or expertise is required.

Increase employee-retention rate

The proof for the test-driving theory is in the positive employee-retention figures:
According to NACE's 2009 Experiential Education Survey, almost 40% of employers
reported a higher five-year retention rate among employees they'd hired via their
internship programs.

Employers who hire internship students indicate that these students usually provide better
employee performance, evidenced by higher performance ratings and lower absenteeism
and tardiness/lateness.

Enhance perspective
It's not just the extra sets of hands that make interns advantageous. Especially in an
organization of only 12 or 15 employees, new people bring with them novel perspectives,
fresh ideas, and specialized strengths and skill sets. These augment the abilities of your
professional workforce.

Take advantage of low-cost labor. Interns are an inexpensive resource

Their salaries are significantly lower if any, than staff employees, and you aren't
obligated to pay unemployment or a severance package should you not hire them on
fulltime. Moreover, while their wage requirements are modest, they're among the most
highly motivated members of the workforce.
 Find free-of-charge
Internships.com allows you to post your employer profile completely free of charge. This
means you get extensive exposure to the top colleges and candidates without putting a
dent in your recruiting budget.

Give back to the community

As a small business, you likely rely on community support. Creating an internship
program is an excellent way to give back. Hiring interns not only helps students in your
community get started; it enhances the local workforce as a whole.

Support students. Internships provide students numerous perks

They gain experience, develop skills, make connections, strengthen their resumes, learn
about a field, and assess their interest and abilities. Offering a paid internship is
particularly beneficial, because it enables economically disadvantaged youth to
participate. Students who have to help fund their own schooling will need a job,
regardless. Providing an internship allows that job to facilitate a positive future.

Benefit your small business

When looking for fulltime work, the top talent often goes for big-name businesses. But
when seeking internships, learning is the leading draw. Many candidates feel they'll get
more hands-on training, real experience, and mentoring opportunities with smaller
organizations.

Employer takeaway
In terms of both today's workload and tomorrow's workforce, starting an internship
program is an excellent way to facilitate success at your small- or medium-sized business.

Benefits to the Faculty, University/College and Community

 Internship experiences result in the improved placement of students in career positions
upon graduation.
 The employment community can provide training on technical and highly specialized
equipment, thus enabling the educational institution to expend its funds on other needs.
  Internship positions can provide a source of financial aid for students who might not
qualify for other financial aid programs (e.g. international students).
 Involvement in internship programs provides opportunities for enhanced relationships
with the community.
 Student retention often improves because of increased relevance of the education.
 The faculty benefit by having students in their classes who have had practical experience
in their fields.
 Internship programs can help colleges and universities attract corporate support.

1.2 Background of the organisation

Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-operative Society started in 2000 but formalized its
operations by registering as a savings and credit co-operative organization (SACCO) in
2005 with the Registrar of co-operatives. The company acquired a registration certificate
number 113 and has the Bye-laws which are a guiding legal document for smooth
governance of the SACCO. The Sacco is operating in six branches located in Swara
Road and it has opened its new branch in Ntinda. The current legal status changed its
entire set up ownership shifted from directors to members based
1.2.1 Location
Its head office is located at plot 1 in Swara road and now opened new branch in Ntinda
Road.

1.2.2 Vision
To be leading microfinance institution providing demand driven products and services to
its members.

1.2.3 Mission
To provide high quality products aiming at members needs

1.2.4 The strategic objectives

To develop and introduce at least one competitive loan product every three years
To maintain at least 60% of the total outstanding loan portfolio as micro loan for the
economically active poor.
 To increase access to credit
To increases the number of employment at least 20% are employing workers in their
businesses.
To increase assets of the clients
To increase the level of education of school going children
To improve entrepreneurial skills where by 10% of the entrepreneurs can tell the status of
their business using records per year and 20% of the entrepreneurs make profits from
their businesses.

1.2.5 Goals
Provide profitable, sustainable and customer

Focused financial services to the largest number of low income individuals and small and
micro-entrepreneurs in Uganda.

Continue to develop and retain an effective and efficient human resources base to
Manage BSCCS current and planned business growth.

Build reputation for efficiency / speed of turnaround / best customer service and quick
response to Government & funder queries

Maintain a mutually beneficial relationship with stakeholders such as financiers,

Government and other support institutions.

Maintain a quality and cost-effective asset portfolio in Micro Uganda.

1.3 Products and services offered by the organization

Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-operative Society offers products like Individual savings
account, group account, minor saving account, fixed deposit account, loan products,
Asset financing loan, Business loan, School fees loan among others

1.4 Source of funding

Member share capital
Interests
Sale stationary
 Retained earnings
Loans

1.5 Core Values

Integrity: highest standards of integrity shall not place its self under any financial or
other obligations to individuals or organizations that might seek to compromise our
professional behavior in performance of our duties.
Impartiality: We shall provide services to all clients without discrimination on the basis
of gender, race, color and religion or creed or ideological orientation or social status.
Transparency and Accountability: We shall be transparent and accountable for our
decisions, actions and inactions.
Responsiveness: We shall respond to our clients effectively and efficiently when called
upon

1.6 Departments and business units

Company is headed by the Managing Director who reports directly to the board of
directors. BSCCS it is made up of various departments that are inter-linked and work
hand in hand for the progress of the company and they include:

The finance department

This department is headed by finance officer who reports to the managing director and its
responsibility is to manage company finances effectively through timely payment of the
company workers, suppliers, taxes among many other duties. This department inter-links
with procurement department.

Activities of finance department

Managing the cash flows and out flows
It protects the image of the Finance Department within the company and outside the
company
It ensures that operations are within the framework of the organization
It ensures that high standards of accountability, transparency and integrity of the company
It also manages company finances and its expenditure.
 The human resource department
This department is headed by the human resource manager who reports to the
Managing Director and is assisted by the assistant Human resource. The human resource
department is in charge of recruiting man power and also handling matters concerning the
employees through motivation, and carrying out a touch base where employees air out
their complaints.

Field department
This department is controlled by the field manager and reports directly to the accounts and
managing director. All advertisement for the different products provided by the company
is done by this department. They are responsible for creating awareness to the public and
the society of the company’s existence.

IT Department
The department is controlled by the company IT manager, this department ensures proper
production of the and all technical work within the company, it is even responsible for
monitoring and evaluating all the work of the company.

1.7 Department of attachment

The intern was attached under the finance department headed by the chief finance officer.
The department is responsible for the revenue collection and expenditure of the Sacco.
The intern under this department was responsible for entering data in the computer,
preparation of a petty cash analysis statement, reconciling of the cash books and bank
statements, photocopying of documents, attending to customer inquiries, monitoring of
clients, entry of loan activities into the company data base, client mobilization and
selection, among others.

1.8 Time scope

The internship started from December 2018 to January 2019 thus covering 6 weeks of
field training.
 1.9 Structure of Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-Operative Society

General Manager

Human resource manager

Operations Manager

Branch Manager Branch Manager Branch Manager

Loans Officers Loans Officers

Loans Officers

Customers Relations Customers Relations

Officers Customers Relations
Officers
Officers

Drivers, Guards and

Source: from the human resource department.
Office Assistant
 CHAPTER TWO
ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN
2.0 Introduction.
This chapter includes the activities carried out I undertaken during the internship training.
There were lots of routine functions which the intern carried out in the finance
department. This was intended to enable the reader get the real aspect of the field
attachment the intern got involved in while at Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-Operative
Society.

Briefing and Orientation

This is the process by which a new employee is introduced to co- workers and given
information such as working hours, place of work, performance standards, benefits and
facilities and names of immediate and other officers (Merriam-webster 2015). It can also
be referred to as induction. I was introduced to various staff members, different offices,
given an overview of what the Sacco deals with such as managing loans and giving out
loans, monitoring and ensuring service delivery is done in the right procedures and
quality work is presented, among others. This activity was to equip me with the necessary
organizational knowledge for perfect execution of duties and responsibilities.

Helping clients in loan application

I carried out loan application for clients that wanted to get loans. This involves filling in
loan forms and the client here is asked for how much the client can comfortably pay back
monthly and this amount the client says is what is used to judge how much money the
client will be given because it shows the potential of the client, applying the loan in the
computer system which helped me to expound my ICT knowledge.

Typing and printing work

I was given work for typing on computer. This was mainly daily reports, weekly reports
and also monthly reports. The work included the employee names, career plans of the
company, the company records for the previous cycle and the preferred insurance
providers for medical services for the employees. At regular basis, I typed field reports;
notices and periodical staff list of for example, staff works, field workers and other
company workers.

Banking
This involved the banking of cash that was brought to the organization by some clients. It
was my responsibility to bank all the money which was brought by clients in cash form.
This amount had to be deposited in the bank on Sacco’s account. Here all the counting of
the amount and filling it on the form that is the cash deposited slip was student’s duty
though supervisor would recount it.

Attending committee meetings

I attended committee meetings for loan approval, credit officers came together to approve
clients loan application files or reject them basing on the data provided about them by a
credit officer responsible for the file. The meetings were held every morning whereby the
credit officers would present their files about their clients requesting for loans and during
the meeting the committee would analyze the client’s information provided in the file, the
security and the clients ability to pay and if the client’s file was undisputable then he or
she would be given the loan.

Filing Documents
During the field attachment I was involved in filing a number of documents in the
accounts department. Different documents were filed in their respective files using excel
sheet for example paid vouchers had their own folder in which they were kept. There was
also a folder that used to keep documents concerning the company expenses and other
files related to the department. The company also had a shelf in which files were kept for
proper record keeping. This filing helped in auditing as it would be required by the intern
and external auditor for proper accountability. On the other hand, this filing would help in
avoiding misplacement of documents like vouchers, work plans, receipts of which they
were important documents in the accounting cycle of the company.

Giving out loans to Clients

While at Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-Operative Society, I was involved in appraising
of clients who were in need of loans. Appraising clients involved assessing clients in
terms of securities which included land, businesses and others. We went to different areas
of residence of clients and assessed their securities before credit facilities were
administered to them.

Conducting of field surveys

I was also got involved in going out to the field with other loan officers to seek the views
and people’s attitude towards the loan products offered by Biwodeg Savings and Credit
Co-Operative Society. Such loan products include; salary loans, housing finance loans
and business finance loans.

Loan performance evaluation

Evaluation of loan performance was another major activity during the internship. This
was through studying how the loan had been performing overtime and whether the loan
has been used for its rightful purposes and a report had to be made at any of such
occasions. The repayment behavior here is considered most. If the repayment is poor for
instance delayed payments by the client, then the loan performance had to therefore be
classified as poor. In addition liaison with the insurance company (Chartis) concerning
timely payment of insurance claims was also activity undertaken by the intern. I had to
also establish and maintain good relations with the guarantors of the borrowers to
strengthen the relationship and ease recoveries.

Client mobilization and selection

During field work training I was involved in the process of client mobilization and
selection. This was done in the field and area mapping was always done first and this
enabled me to identify the uncovered areas where I would go and mobilize clients to get
loans and open up saving accounts. Voluntary savings product studies that included
marketing and mobilization of V.S.P accounts and sales promotion activities. During
client selection and mobilization, various communication skills were a yardstick and
heavily based upon. Client mobilization and selection mainly involved identifying,
training and recruiting new clients.
Entry of loan activities into the company data base
This involved entry of credit applications or registration of loan applications in the credit
reference bureau database. Loan performance monitoring was also done to ensure
accuracy of company data base. Furthermore, Compilation of technical reports on the
previous loan disbursement processes and current loan recovery processes was done on
the online company database. As a major company requirement all loan clients are
enquired on the credit reference bureau (CRB) and are supposed to be entered accurate
and complete in the bankers’ realm so that all loan files can have CRB credit applications
that are compliant to the CRB regulations. I also had to capture up to date repayment
information on the Banker’s realm.

Monitoring of clients
Sometimes after loans have been disbursed, I and the credit officer had a duty of
monitoring their clients to find out if the loan is being used for the purpose it was
acquired. These checks help the credit officer to monitor the growth of the client’s
business and also build rapport for the client not flee in case of hardships but to freely tell
the credit officer when business is bad and to avoid creating a bad image as a defaulter
because the officer will have a clue for the delayed payment and even advise the client on
how to create other sources to get money to pay back.

Demanding for payments

During my training with Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-Operative Society, I was
assigned a duty of demanding for payments from tenants. This was always done through
phone calls, sending demand notices and direct contact with tenants. Therefore as the
purpose of training, it helped him to put the theory learnt in class into practice thus
improving on the skills already obtained. While at the organisation, I would also team up
with loan officers and go in the field to distribute demand notices to clients who would
exceed their payment dates. This helped me to improve my communication skills.

Making reports
I always reported to the manager every week end. This report would include use of
materials, progress of the projects and payments that would be made during the course of
the week. In this instance, I was able to use the knowledge obtained in BCS and financial
accounting to present a clear report. While at Biwodeg Savings and Credit Co-Operative
Society it was done on a weekly basis by checking all files which were a basis of the
information for making the reports. That is to say to see if the photocopies of all the
required documents before sitting in the loan reimbursement committee meeting are at
the branch hard copy. This enabled me to apply the theory learnt in class in Business
Research Skills into practice.

Account opening
I was also involved in opening up accounts to the clients. Since there was need for a
client to have an account with the Sacco first I explained the relevance of opening up a
savings’ account with the Sacco. The savings’ account was for depositing the monthly
installments after the client has acquired the loan.

Helping clients in loan application

I carried out loan application for clients that wanted to get loans. This involves filling in
loan forms and the client here is asked for how much the client can comfortably pay back
monthly and this amount the client says is what is used to judge how much money the
client will be given because it shows the potential of the client, applying the loan in the
computer system which helped the me to expound on my ICT knowledge.

Photocopying of Documents
The accounting office keeps record of all documents and this necessitates making of
copies of all documents without duplicates for reference in their files of records. I made
photocopies of documents issued out like Cheques and others for record such as
Transfers, Bank Statements and PAYE returns among others.

Reconciling of the cash books and bank statements

This was to ensure that the cash at hand in the cash books and cash at bank were
balancing. Bank statements were obtained monthly for reconciliation. I managed to
perform this task as assigned by the field supervisor and satisfactory results were
obtained since it was done on monthly basis.
Entering data in the computer
I entered data in the computer. This included the payee’s name, the activity for which the
payment was made and the requirements for example Receipt, Accountability, Work
plan, Report and others related. This list was printed out and copies sent to the account,
the human resource manager and the payees so as they would clear the requirements and
attach them to the paid vouchers for accountability. This was made to avoid any fraud
and proper use of company funds.

Recovered loans from clients

While in the field, the student recovered loans from clients using loan recovery sheets
showing the names of different clients in payment of the loan and the amount to be paid.
During the process of paying out to clients, the loan for the company had to be deducted
to obtain the net income to be paid out to clients.

Prepared Local Purchase Orders (LPO’S)

The local purchase orders were prepared after a requisition form was prepared and
approved for purchase of listed items. All goods and services were ordered by means of
the local purchase order which was prepared in triplicates and signed by the head of
department. The original and the duplicate were sent to the supplier and the triplicate
remained in the book. It was later taken to the auditors to wait for their authorization in
order to draft the payment voucher. This helped the organization to have proper
accountability of its funds through proper documentation of its expenses.

Attending committee meetings

The intern attended committee meetings for loan approval, credit officers came together
to approve clients loan application files or reject them basing on the data provided about
them by a credit officer responsible for the file. The meetings were held every morning
whereby the credit officers would present their files about their clients requesting for
loans and during the meeting the committee would analyze the client’s information
provided in the file.
2.2 Methods used to carry out the activities
The following are the methods the student used to carry out the activity

Interviewing
I used this method during the orientation week while visiting different offices and
interacting with different workers asking them different questions about the company. I
used this method while interviewing different clients about the company services within
the area. Through the field supervisor I got to know the organization’s vision and
mission, a brief history of the organization, core values of the organization and what was
expected from her during the entire period of field attachment.

Observation
I used the observation method to undertake some of the tasks assigned to me by the field
supervisor like collecting data from the field, understanding the local peoples’ interests.
This was used to solve some problems and understanding more about the company
policies.
 CHAPTER THREE
LESSONS, EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS
3.0 Introduction
This chapter covers the lessons learnt, experiences and the skills gained in the due course
of the internship training. These are areas of knowledge accumulated in the field in
relation to the theory taught in class that will lead a student to integrate class knowledge
into practice and the proficiency gained in carrying out particular business tasks or
techniques learnt in the field.

3.1 Lessons Learnt During the Field Attachment

Time management
I learnt that time management is the key to effective work performance. It was the
company’s rule that the reporting time for all the workers had to be 8:00am as it helped
me and other workers to accomplish work in time and relax their minds for refreshment.
However, if one reported for work late, there would be work overload which would cause
tiredness and lead to poor performance. I learnt that keeping time enables one to perform
work in time and prepare the necessary financial reports in time.

Dressing code
It was the policy of the company that all workers had to dress up ethically, for this matter
suits were encouraged. This kept me smart and ready to deal with a number of documents
at the work place. The company had a saying that “the way you dress depicts your
performance at the work place” therefore everyone had to be smart for work and
appeared as people of high integrity to deal with a number of figures as Accountants.

Team work
I learnt the importance of team work. Most of the work at Biwodeg Savings and Credit
Co-operative Society was done in teams as one of the core values of company. However
given that we were meeting other students for the first time it was difficult to cope with
each other and sometimes other members would be lazy and fail to contribute to
accomplishment of the tasks. But all it required was team play and understanding the
team dynamic to achieve the assigned tasks and responsibilities

Confidentiality
During my field attachment in accounting department, I learnt that confidentiality was
very important in a way that, not every information was supposed to be issued out. For
example I learnt that organization’s weaknesses were not supposed to be issued to any
outsider due to fear of competitors to use them and out compete them, and also
information concerning salaries of workers was not supposed to be known by other
individuals other than themselves

The importance of filing documents

During the field attachment I learnt the importance of filling documents. This was
through filing a number of documents in their respective files for example paid vouchers
had their own file in which they were kept. There was also a file that used to keep
documents concerning the company expenses and other files related to the department.
The office had a shelf in which these files were kept for proper record keeping. This
filing helped in auditing as it would be required by the intern and external auditor for
proper accountability. On the other hand, this filing would help in avoiding misplacement
of documents like vouchers, work plans, receipts of which they were important
documents in the accounting cycle of the public sector.

Working relationship
The organization is made up of a number of workers that are of different cultures, origin,
religions and have different goals, objectives and beliefs. Learning this enabled the intern
to have good relationships and understanding with them throughout her internship. In fact
this explains why the intern didn’t have any misunderstanding with any of them.

How to give out loans to Clients

The intern also leant how to give out loans to clients while at Ankole famers and trader’s
cooperative savings and credit society, the intern was involved in appraising of clients
who were in need of loans. Appraising clients involved assessing clients in terms of
securities which included land, businesses and others. We went to different areas of
residence of clients and assessed their securities before credit facilities were administered
to them. The intern did this vigorously through involving herself in different fields where
clients were allocated.

Photocopying documents
The intern learnt how to use both a simple and complex photocopying machine. On a
daily basis the intern photocopied clients’ documents especially client documentation that
clients brought to the organization to help carry out business transactions. For example
the intern used to photocopy land titles to enable organization to retain copies of their
clients land titles. The organization always retained the photocopies of the original land
titles and other relevant documents which they would use to further assist their clients i.e
referrals etc if and when the need arose. The original land titles and the original of other
relevant documents would always be returned by the intern to the client for safe keeping.

How to mobilize clients in the field

The intern leant how to mobilize clients in the field by telling them about the products
and services offered by the institution like Group guaranteed loans, deposit accounts,
insurance policies and many more as discussed above. The intern talked to the clients
about the individual loans and gave them the advantages of the loan one of which is that
the repayment time is spread over 12 months and more and also helped the clients to
compute the interest rate on their loans.

How to prepare Cheques

The student also learnt how to prepare cheques during his stay at Ankole famers and
trader’s cooperative savings and credit society. This cheque was also written if and only
if the payment voucher was authorized for payment by the Chief accountant. This helped
the intern to take caution when handling important accounting documents.

Value of Record keeping

While filing and preparing the different documents, the intern was able to learn how to
keep records. This showed the intern the importance of different documents in the
organization which were sensitive because failure to keep records of the different
transactions undertaken would bring about misunderstandings between the organization
and its customers or even employees as far as accountability is concerned. Such
documents are vouchers and receipts etc. The intern was able to do so because the intern
attended Principles of accounting at the university.

Report writing
The intern learnt how to write interim reports as it was required by the organization. This
was through the use of the general ledger as the source documents for the required
information in order to draft a proper report.

No payment without approval

The intern realized that, before a payment was made, a number of finance controllers had
to sign to approve or authorize payment of a given item. Some documents that had to be
approved included payment vouchers, requisition forms and cheques among others,

Sending documents via email

The intern learnt how to Sending documents via email to customers. This was through
making an attachment of some documents to a specific client and offices. Among the
documents attached on the mail include payment voucher, receipts, proforma invoice, etc.
This was being made possible because the intern had enough computer skills and was
entrusted to do so.

Orientation programme
This is the introduction to the new office or work place in a given area. The intern learnt
that, before any worker the student should first be introduced to practical work,
orientation had to be conducted first. This included a tour of the whole organization,
simultaneously being introduced to number of people from different offices, visiting
different vital departments for example the cash office, valuation department and sales
department to enable the intern establish a cordial working relationship and ‘to learn the
ropes’.

Records management
It is important to manage records in the organization as stated by the intern’s field
supervisor because of various reasons like for future reference, for evidence for example
in courts of law Proper record keeping is also a manifestation of a skilled personnel and
 in addition to that, it is a fulfillment of the requirement that at least every organization
must maintain records of its performance. The intern therefore learnt that it is very
important to maintain properly filed records in an organization.

Responsibility
All the tasks that the intern undertook were given to her by his immediate supervisor and
she was personally responsible for the results of the tasks undertaken. The intern learnt to
be responsible and bear it in mind that even when left in the office, her activities were
binding to the company and learnt that in management of public offices, one has to
understand that he or she is representing the whole organization and should do things that
keep the company reputation through responsibility manifestation in everything she does.
3.2 Experiences

Management of financial risks:

The intern got experience on how the financial institutions manages its financial risks through
means that are both internal and external as a means of facilitating rational decision making and
attaining organizational targets and goals. Whereas in the case of mitigating internal risks the
intern had to ensure that internal auditing was done properly, human resource was in check with
guidance from the organization’s internal auditor. On the other hand, external risks were
minimized through identification of the outstanding risks, prioritizing those that affected the
organization adversely and devising procedures to mitigate those risks.

Teamwork and cooperation

Co-operation and teamwork facilitates productivity and good relationships. The intern used to
interact with the employees and they in turn used to help the intern in her tasks. The interns used
to help each other where necessary and that helped interns do work effectively and beat the
assigned deadlines like we used to do in group course works at the university.

Customer care

The intern got experience in good handling of the customers, which motivates them in one way
or the other to buy our products and services. The intern got more experience on how to attend to
customers through the training of customer care services the interns had at the office for five
hours. The interns also got a chance to interact with the customers of the organization on almost
a daily basis, while handling the phones for the agency department. The intern got to know their
complaints and how to handle them. The intern’s constant interaction with the customers made
the intern understand what they wanted and what they didn’t want and how to keep them coming
back.

Experience on Report writing

The intern got experience on how to write interim reports as it was required by the organization
and the university. This was through the use of source documents for the required information in
order to draft a proper report. This report included the departmental reports, field reports among
others. This helped the organization to know whether it was overspending the budget by getting a
deficit or by getting a surplus and whether the resources allocated were being used optimally.

Experience on organizing the office

The intern got experience organizing the office. On a daily basis before the day’s work, the
office had to be well organized with all the files in their shelves. This helped the supervisor and
the intern get space where work would be performed from with ease. It also helped to trace for
documents whenever they were needed by different officials including the office administrator.

Photocopying documents

The intern got experience on how to use both a simple and complex photocopying machine. This
was through photocopying clients’ documents especially client documentation that clients
brought to the organization to help carry out business transactions. For example the intern used
to photocopy land titles to enable organization to retain copies of their clients land titles. The
organization always retained the photocopies of the original land titles and other relevant
documents which they would use to further assist their clients i.e referrals etc if and when the
need arose. The original land titles and the original of other relevant documents would always be
returned by the intern to the client for safe keeping.

Experience in communicating
During field attachment, the intern was able to gain an experience in communication. This was
mainly during various departmental meetings and general staff meetings. During meetings, the
intern would learn from staff how to make presentations both power point presentation and
verbal presentation. For example there were a series of meetings in the organization that required
all members to introduce themselves and then give a report of what had taken place in their
respective departments.

Client mobilization and selection

The intern got experience in client mobilization and selection this was through the process of
client mobilization and selection. This was done in the field and area mapping was always done
first and this enabled the intern to identify the uncovered areas where she would go and mobilize
clients to get loans and open up saving accounts. Voluntary savings product studies that included
marketing and mobilization of V.S.P accounts and sales promotion activities. During client
selection and mobilization, various communication skills were a yardstick and heavily based
upon. Client mobilization and selection mainly involved identifying, training and recruiting new
clients.

Experience in communicating

During field attachment, the intern was able to gain an experience in communication. This was
mainly during various district meetings and general staff meetings. During meetings, the intern
would learn from staff how to make presentations both power point presentation and verbal
presentation. For example there were a series of meetings in the organization that required all
members to introduce themselves and then give a report of what had taken place in their
respective departments.

Loan performance evaluation

The intern got experience in loan performance this was through studying how the loan had been
performing overtime and whether the loan has been used for its rightful purposes and a report
had to be made at any of such occasions. The repayment behavior here is considered most. If the
repayment is poor for instance delayed payments by the client, then the loan performance had to
therefore be classified as poor. In addition liaison with the insurance company (Chartis)
concerning timely payment of insurance claims was also activity undertaken by the intern. The
intern had to also establish and maintain good relations with the guarantors of the borrowers to
strengthen the relationship and ease recoveries

Filing documents

The intern during the field attachment got experience of filling documents. This was through
filing a number of documents in their respective files for example paid vouchers had their own
file in which they were kept. There was also a file that used to keep documents concerning the
company expenses and other files related to the department. The office had a shelf in which these
files were kept for proper record keeping. This filing helped in auditing as it would be required
by the intern and external auditor for proper accountability. On the other hand, this filing would
help in avoiding misplacement of documents like vouchers, work plans, receipts of which they
were important documents in the accounting cycle of the public sector.

Handling clients

Different clients came to the organization including those who were harsh and hostile to access
the companies’ services. The intern managed to deal with them peacefully using good customer
care words so as they would keep in touch with the organization. This helped the intern gain
experience in handling various clients who came with unrelated problems for help.
Typing and writing experience

Due to various documents she was requested to write and type the intern was able to gain an
experience in typing and writing. This eventually helped him to improve on writing and typing
experience which was little before she had joined the field attachment.

3.3 Skills Attained

Minute writing skill

The intern attained skills of writing minutes during meetings; the head of accounts (my
supervisors) would request him to record minutes and he was able to record them successfully.
Meetings common were departmental meetings where normally after one week we could meet,
to review our performance and challenges if there was any. The senior management meetings
would be held per month where his supervisors would request him to attend. Inspite of taking
minutes during these meetings, the intern attained the skills of minute writing.

Typing skills

This was through typing weekly reports, daily reports and also monthly reports. The work
included the employee names, career plans of the company, the bank records for the previous
cycle and the preferred insurance providers for medical services for the employees. At regular
basis, the intern typed field reports; notices and periodical staff list of for example, staff works,
field workers and other town council workers.

Public presentation skills

The intern improved on his public presentation skill through a number of ways like the dress
code and the way of approaching different situations and people of different education levels.
The intern also acquired skills in the use of communication system which included answering the
phone, making calls to deliver good information to those who pass the interview, appropriate
phone reception etiquette, making realistic promises to clients, giving attention to customers,
dealing with complaints, being helpful without expecting immediate profit in it, taking extra
effort to find out what a client needs and how to satisfy their interest of the client.

Inter-personal skills
The training helped him deal with different clients and workers at the work place with different
behaviors and attitudes. A number of customers for the company and clients for the company
came to office with different reasons and the intern had to handle them satisfactorily by
interacting with them freely. This continuous interaction with the clients helped him learn their
attitudes, behaviors towards certain issues

Leadership skills

During the training, the organization had about three intern students and thus supervising them in
different values like time management would not be easy and the intern was elected as the time
keeper for all the intern students in the organization. This enabled him to come for work as early
as possible in order to be an example to other interns from different universities.

Managerial skills

Having been assigned to the department of property management and agency, the intern was
exposed to various people and tasks. At some instance the bosses were indisposed closing
exclusivity deals, abroad or attending to more pressing matters and the intern was assigned a role
of a team leader on behalf of the other interns to run point on day to day affairs. The intern
would not have done this without business administration skills acquired from the university and
also while watching and learning from how the field supervisor handled her subordinates.

Data entry

The intern gained skills of data entry. For example the intern was involved in typing and
entering the companies monthly data sales, printing, photocopying and scanning client’s
documents to mention but a few. This helped the intern in his career since all firms nowadays
need to employ people who are computer literate. The data entry polished the intern’s key board
skills improving his typing speed that the intern had picked up during his ICT course unit at the
university.

Analytical skills

The intern learnt how to read into situations like how to differentiate between a potential lead
and a time waster, how to compromise without selling yourself short, how to identify a target
market for a particular property among many more analytical skills. The intern acquired these by
sitting in on meetings, presentations, sales pitches and listening to my superiors more than the
intern talked. Being analytical is a discipline that comes from paying attention to the situation
and thinking objectively, a skill acquired through the practicalities of the field.
Skills in operating machines

The intern gained skills in operating machines like computers, printers, office phones and faxes.
The skills gained while operating those machines includes using new software like Linux,
iconnect, dropbox, skype, using the intercom, LAN and so many more. This brushed up on the
intern’s ICT skills he had gained at the university

Communication Skills

The intern acquired skills in talking to new individuals confidently especially when explaining to
new clients reasons as to why they needed to become clients of the firm and what purpose
buying a particular property would serve to their benefit. Also during the process of informing
clients to settle accrued installments on part purchases, the intern learnt to communicate in a
cordial, politically correct manner which is being brief, polite without deterring from the point
and precise while noting down the receivers presumptions towards the debts owed by them. This
brushed up the intern’s business communication skills acquired at the university

Business management skills

The intern learnt that management is very sensitive in the organization and therefore requires
strict attention for it to be beneficial to the organization; this is because effective and good
managers lead to good performance of the organization since they are able to direct the input and
effort of others towards the achievement of the organizational goals and objectives.

Negotiation skills

Negotiation involves the interaction of various people to reach a common ground on a certain
issue. The intern gained this skill through mediating real estate transactions between buyers and
sellers to reach a consensus.

Customer care skills

The intern also gained great customer care skills. During the tenure in the organization, the intern
was exposed to all kinds of customers ranging from, corporate clients, and civil servants to
Government officials, and service providers on a regular basis. This gave the intern a hands-on
approach on what he had learnt in real estate marketing at the university.
Business management skills

The intern learnt that management is very sensitive in the organization and therefore requires
strict attention for it to be beneficial to the organization; this is because effective and good
managers lead to good performance of the organization since they are able to direct the input and
effort of others towards the achievement of the organizational goals and objectives

3.4 Relationship between theory and the work practice

The skills of expressions as taught at the University under business communication skills were
important in daily tasks where the intern had to interact with different categories of people and
this helped the intern in knowing how to address them and also how to communicate to the
clients.

Skills taught in management theory and practice taught the intern to acquire the skills in
managing people while at the areas of placements

Fundamental Principles of Accounting as a course unit taught in year one first semester was very
crucial and important in the field of work. It was the basis of all the accounting work the intern
exercised at the work place.

Application of computer skills for Economists which was taught in information technology (ICT
1&2); these were on a high demand in the field of work since most work was done using
computers.