THE age-old advice that an internship is a gateway to job opportunities certainly rings true for Alexcia DePass, project officer at Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), who, from her humble beginnings as an intern, quickly rose through the ranks to become an indispensable member of the JMEA team.

She joined the JMEA in 2022 through the HEART/NSTA Trust Graduate Work Experience Programme (GWEP). Initially assigned to the business development department at JMEA, her versatility and eagerness to learn soon led her to assist not only in business development, but also in three other departments. This included the finance department, where she helped with day-to-day financial activities, and the marketing and membership departments where she assisted with the planning and execution of Expo Jamaica 2023.

DePass’ journey to JMEA was anything but conventional. A graduate of The University of the West Indies, Mona, with a major in social anthropology and double minors in criminology and human resource development, she initially aimed to become a forensic anthropologist, a far cry from being a project officer. So how did she end up as a project officer at the JMEA? She shared that it was a chance encounter that introduced her to HEART’s GWEP programme.

“I had recently graduated and was eager to put my newly acquired skills to use. I was looking for opportunities in a relevant field. Even though I was working full-time, I actively pursued opportunities to develop my skills. A friend recommended the HEART GWEP programme. I applied, and within a month of completing the application and interview process I landed an internship! While applying, I expressed an interest in social work placements. When I received the call with the placement offer, it was for the JMEA. Honestly, at the time it was the first time I was hearing of the JMEA. On the very first day of my internship I showed up at the wrong address. I remembered going to Duke Street, which was the address on the website, but upon arrival I was told that they had relocated to Haughton Avenue.”

During her internship DePass embraced diverse responsibilities. She recounted, “In just three months I had the chance to immerse myself in nearly every aspect of JMEA. I wasn’t confined to a single role, which I truly appreciated. I dislike monotony, so I thrived on the diversity of assignments and the chance to learn continuously, especially with the association’s multitude of active projects.”

Noticing how seamlessly DePass integrated into the team, her efficiency in completing tasks, and her engagement with the association’s members, she was granted a role as membership engagement officer in the membership department, which was at the time short-staffed. While in the membership department she continued to support the business development department. She spent six months in the membership department before being transferred to the business development department, which had a vacancy at the time that needed to be filled urgently. The department needed a project officer, and who better to fill the role than DePass who already had knowledge of what was needed for this position.

In her new role as project officer she is tasked with the planning and implementation of two of the association’s flagship programmes, among other ongoing initiatives.

Kamesha Blake, executive director of JMEA, speaks glowingly of DePass’ work ethic and dedication.

“She is hard-working and dependable. Her laser-focused approach to tasks and unwavering commitment to excellence make her one of the best hiring decisions I’ve made,” says Blake.

Managing director of the HEART/NSTA Trust Dr Taneisha Ingleton is also happy for her graduate’s success.

“I am elated to learn that a graduate who gained experience through GWEP has made such a significant contribution to the JMEA [and] that she has received gainful permanent employment. These are the kind of success stories that we are always delighted to hear as our team members continue to provide personal and professional development opportunities for our young people,” Dr Ingleton said.

The GWEP aims to provide graduates with experiential knowledge and professional development opportunities, targeting unemployed graduates, aged 17 to 29, with limited work experience. Offering hands-on experience, the programme enhances workplace readiness, marketability, and core skills, empowering graduates like DePass to flourish in their careers.