Meet the SIIPERs: Bold minds training to be Africa’s next editorial game changers

From pitch decks to punchlines, here’s what SMEPEAKS’ newsroom-in-training is brewing with its first cohort

At SMEPEAKS, we believe content is more than just words; it’s infrastructure. It drives markets, shapes narratives, and defines what people believe is possible. And in a media environment flooded with fluff and regurgitated press releases, quality storytelling is the edge.

That’s why we created the SMEPEAKS Immersive Internship Programme (SIIP), a 6-month intensive programme designed to identify, train, and nurture Africa’s next generation of digital journalists, content strategists, and new media innovators.

But this isn’t just another internship. SIIP was built to mirror the real world: high standards, tight deadlines, market-driven storytelling, and layered feedback loops. From business coverage to editorial strategy, our interns aren’t just learning how to write; they’re learning how to think, research, package, and lead through content.

So, what kind of people applied?

Well… let’s just say our application process was unconventional. We started with over 250 entries, shortlisted 120, then narrowed to 80. In the end, 8 SIIPERs made the final cut, only for 2 to drop off, unable to keep pace with the rigor of the SMEPEAKS Immersive Internship Programme. What’s left? A resilient 6, standing strong and proving they’re built for this. Alongside conventional questions, we asked candidates to pitch themselves in 50 words, imagine themselves as a car, and of course, answer the world’s most debated philosophical riddle: Why did the chicken cross the road?

Here’s a snapshot of some of their answers — both curious and compelling — and why we’re betting big on this cohort.

“Wow Us in 50 Words”

When we asked our SIIPERs why we should pick them over hundreds of others, we weren’t just looking for flowery sentences, we wanted conviction. Clarity. Maybe even a touch of audacity. Some hit us with confidence. Others, charm. A few simply went full-on “trust me, bro” mode, and somehow, it worked.

In a sea of internship clichés, some candidates dared to stand out. One SIIPER boldly claimed they were “fresh in the field” and offered us the glory of “taking all the credit” once they succeed: “I’m fresh in this field, so you can take all the credit once I’m successful,” they said. Bold and cheeky at the same time. Well, we appreciate the hustle and humour. Another took the high road of redemption: “I’m passionate to redeem my image in a brand I already understand.” A little wordy? Yes. But it got our attention. A few leaned into honesty, no embellishments, just passion.

Then there were the ones who hit the sweet spot between humility and hunger: “I’m not perfect, but I’m determined. I learn fast, I show up, and I finish strong.” This stood out, not perfection but potential. Classic. Every single one of them, in their own way, showed they had just enough spark to be moulded into a storytelling force. One thing is clear: these aren’t your average interns. They’re SIIPERs. And they’re here to shake things up.

Portfolios and practical proof

Some entries included links to past articles, poems, websites, and even landing pages they helped build. A few came up short (“None,” they wrote), but that didn’t stop them from painting a clear picture of their skills. One intern learned WordPress on the job, working side-by-side with a developer to build a functional client site. Another linked to a published piece on TechBuild Africa spotlighting female entrepreneurs. We weren’t just hiring interns, we were onboarding raw talent already putting in the work. Safe to say, confidence levels are through the roof. 

Cars, creativity, and character: Who are these interns?

We threw in a fun curveball: “If you were a car, which would you be and why?”

Comparing yourself to a car isn’t just quirky, it’s revealing. You think you’re just picking a brand, but really, you’re spilling your personality across four wheels. And the SIIPERs? They revved up the metaphor. Some went luxury, some practical, some poetic and others… well, we’re still figuring it out. 

A popular choice among our interns was the Tesla Self-Driving: intelligent, autonomous, futuristic and efficient. We see you, Tesla! A Mini Cooper with the heart of a Dodge Charger was one of the standout responses, giving us an image of someone who is small but fearless, sleek but unshakable. We feel you. The Toyota Corolla showed up too: reliable, efficient, gets the job done. No drama, just delivery. Then came the Mercedes-Benz with “time-cutting, trend-flowing” energy, Porsche 911 was thrown in to depict style and elegance, and the ever-resilient G-Wagon: bold, powerful, yet refined. We hear you.

Translation? SMEPEAKS Interns are a multitasking powerhouse wrapped in elegance.

Some other responses that struck a chord:

• Tesla: “Because you can’t find it in every household.” (Fair, but can we afford you?)
• Mercedes-Benz: “I have been able to cut through time, equip myself to be in a better position, and stay relevant.” (Luxury and time-travel confirmed.)
• Mini Cooper with the heart of a Dodge Charger: “Small but fearless, sleek but unshakable.” (So basically, a pocket rocket? We love it!)
• Toyota Corolla: “I’m reliable, efficient, and always get the job done.” (Straight to the point. No frills, just vibes.)
• G-Wagon: “I balance multiple roles effortlessly; entrepreneurship, project management, and content creation. Just like a G-Wagon, I thrive in any environment.” ” (CEO energy. Say no more.)

Another went deep: “Why settle for a regular ride when you can be a technological masterpiece built for the future?” Aha! We like this angle. Just be sure to deliver.

And now to the agelong question and our favourite part of the process.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

We didn’t ask this for laughs. We asked it for insight. This simple question revealed creative agility, a key skill in journalism. Because sometimes, the best angles come from how you interpret the obvious. Now, forget everything you know about this classic joke; our interns are redefining it. Some maintained the traditional response, others traverse a different dimension. Here`s what we found

• The Classic thinkers: “To get to the other side.” (You gotta respect tradition)
• The Dream Chasers: “To chase its dreams, just like me.” (Deep. Somebody hand us a tissue.)
• The Realists: “The road was a straight line, and the chicken was simply following the shortest path.” (Mathematical genius. Give this person a scholarship.)
• Witty minds: “In search of greener pastures” (The economy is hitting chickens hard, too.)
• The Truth-tellers: “I have no idea.” (Hey, honesty is a brand.)
• But the MVP response might be: “To get away from the farmer’s constant egg-xpectations.” (Comedic timing: 10/10)

We’re still laughing. And we may or may not be stealing that one.

What does this all mean?

These answers weren’t just fun (though they were very fun), they were a glimpse into the future of digital media; personal, engaging, and always thinking outside the box. The SIIPERs have proven that they’re not just interns; they’re creative powerhouses ready to shake up the industry. So, buckle up. The next six months are about to be a wild ride. And if this is just the beginning, we can’t wait to see what they come up with next. 

🎓 The final boss round: What’s your highest level of education?

BSc? HND? OND? Some came with academic credentials, others with street smarts. Either way, they’re all here, ready to learn, grind, and make waves in the media world.

This cohort of SMEPEAKS interns spans diverse educational and professional experiences: OND graduates, HND holders, BSc candidates, and self-taught digital media talents. Some come from journalism or communications, others from tech, lifestyle, and business. This mix creates room for cross-sectoral storytelling — the kind that turns traditional reporting into layered narratives.

What’s next for the SIIP Interns?

Now that we’ve seen their creativity in its rawest form, we’re prepping the SIIPERs to turn that energy into pitch-perfect stories, features, and headline-worthy content for our readers. Over the next few months, these brilliant minds will explore editorial, business, digital media, and community engagement, bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to SMEPEAKS. Following their journey closely and trust us, you don’t want to miss what’s coming. They will dive into tech trends, business stories, founder interviews, and stories that matter; from the streets of Lagos to the frontlines of innovation across Africa.

What this means for you and other readers?

As a publication, we’ve always been driven by stories that matter — stories that document Africa’s entrepreneurial rise, explore market trends, unpack policy, and spotlight people building meaningful solutions. Now, with this new crop of SIIPERs, you can expect more.

Expect deep dives from unusual angles. Expect more founder spotlights, policy reflections, and tech-business crossovers. But also, expect a new voice, one that blends grit with wit, curiosity with clarity, because this internship isn’t just about building careers — it’s about amplifying a new kind of African story.

Watch this space. And if you’re thinking, “I want to be in the next batch”, just remember: all it takes is boldness, a bit of madness, and maybe… a chicken joke or two.

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Got a favorite response? Think you could beat them at their own game? Share with us in the comments!