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My name is Nkwanzi Banage and I am entering my fourth and final (U3) year at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ. I am pursuing an Honours degree in Political Science with a minor in Economics, and my research interests lie in sub-Saharan politics, democratic consolidation, and anti-corruption. This past summer, I was fortunate to spend three months as a Research Analyst Intern at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). CDD-Ghana is a non-governmental organization and research think tank focused on advancing good governance and enhancing democracy throughout Africa, and is stationed in Accra, Ghana.

I found the position through the Arts Internship Office (AIO) at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ. I was luckily already familiar with the AIO as I completed an internship through the office last summer. This summer, I was eager to gain some work experience in a policy analyst position, with the hopes of gaining some insight into what life may look like post-graduation. After applying through the AIO’s portal, my application was forwarded directly to CDD-Ghana. The interview process with the CDD-Ghana recruitment team went smoothly, and I was set to begin my internship at the start of May.

During my time at CDD-Ghana, I focused on two assignments throughout the summer. I was first tasked with scoring the results of the latest general elections in Angola, Nigeria, and Egypt, concentrating on two variables: the fairness of executive elections and the involvement of the opposition in these elections. For this Ibrahim Index of African Governance project, I worked under the guidance of Mavis Zupork Dome, a Research Analyst at CDD-Ghana who specializes in policy analysis. I was also tasked with drafting a report on the influence of foreign powers in West and Central Africa, under the supervision of Emmanuel Yeboah. The report examined post-2020 conditions in the Sahel region, emphasizing the economic decline that occurred in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a Research Analyst Intern, I delved into data collection and analysis for an external organization. Data cleansing, which I had previously only studied academically, became a key aspect of my responsibilities. This role broadened my understanding of data analysis and exposed me to the challenges of combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. The internship was research-intensive, and it greatly enhanced my appreciation for the tangible impact of thorough policy research in addressing societal issues. The role required meticulous attention to detail, strong time management skills, and plenty of persistence. My supervisors consistently held me accountable and offered valuable feedback to improve my analytical abilities. Their guidance and steadfast support fostered my professional development, driving me to deliver high-quality work.

One of the key successes of my internship has been the practical application of what I learned in the classroom. Having taken two quantitative research methods classes at ³ÉÈËVRÊÓƵ over the past year, this internship has truly tested my coding skills. Without these courses, I would have found it much more challenging to grasp the essence of my assignments, especially given my initial unfamiliarity with quantitative analysis. With help from my academic background and research methods courses, I was able to approach my assignments with a solid foundation and a sense of familiarity. Although I am not receiving academic credit for my internship, I am extremely grateful for the chance to explore my career interests in a professional setting, while receiving mentorship and feedback from professionals in the field.

As I transition from this internship back to my studies, I am thankful for the chance to have contributed to CDD-Ghana’s significant work while deepening my understanding of democratic governance and enhancing my research skills in a professional environment. This experience was unique and provided me the opportunity to explore my interest in sub-Saharan African politics with an organization dedicated to promoting fair and effective governance. I would love to extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Jonathan Hodgson and the AIO the Allan A. Hodgson Internship Award, which graciously allowed me to stay in Montreal over the summer and cover rent costs throughout the internship. None of this would have been possible without the support of the parties involved, thank you to everyone at CDD-Ghana who made this summer truly memorable!