My name is Yosef Mekonnen, and I have a BA in Economics. In March 2021, three months after graduating I embarked on a journey with L-IFT (Low Income Financial Transformation) as a Junior Field Researcher on the Small Firm Diaries project in Ethiopia. This role marked my transition from a fresh graduate to someone deeply involved in research methods and technology.
Joining L-IFT felt like stepping into a new world where theory meets practice. At university, I learned about the economic potential and job creation power of small businesses, but my experience at L-IFT brought those concepts to life. The training and hands-on experience I received in research methodology, survey protocols, and data quality checks were invaluable. I became skilled at ensuring that every piece of data was thoroughly checked like a digestive system, each entry had to be processed and verified through multiple checks.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was engaging with research participants’ storytelling. Building long-term relationships with them and understanding their entrepreneurial challenges and successes provided me with real-world insights that are often missing from academic studies. These interactions allowed me to witness the barriers they faced and the innovative solutions they created, enriching my understanding of the small business landscape.
As the project concluded, my journey didn’t end. I continued with L-IFT, diving into data cleaning and transcription. This stage of the work was crucial for me. It was here that I fully grasped the importance of maintaining data integrity and learned to appreciate the careful process needed to ensure high-quality research.
L-IFT’s commitment to its motto—”listening to the unheard”—is clear in every aspect of its work. The extended research periods we undertake allow us to capture a complete picture of the challenges and opportunities within low-income communities. Our use of the diaries methodology ensures we avoid seasonality and outliers, presenting a true reflection of the participants’ experiences.
My time at L-IFT has not only increased my research skills but also encouraged my entrepreneurial spirit. The collaborative and inspiring work environment has helped me explore new ideas and apply them meaningfully. I have had the chance to learn from a diverse group of colleagues and engage with a wide range of perspectives, making the experience both educational and motivating.
At L-IFT, our innovative Staff Diaries initiative has transformed the way our team collaborates and grows. By pairing staff with two members, we encourage regular, meaningful exchanges about work-related matters through detailed feedback sessions. These discussions cover a range of topics, including the work environment, perspectives about the company, workload assessments, training needs, skills developed over the past week, and goal-setting for the upcoming three months. Our FINBIT Diaries application makes it easy for staff to share insights and track progress. Personally, this initiative has helped me develop a habit of setting achievable goals, gathering and giving peer feedback, and continuously evaluating my growth.
In conclusion, this experience has been transformative for both my professional and personal growth. The hands-on training, the deep engagement with research participants, and the collaborative environment have provided me with invaluable skills and insights. I’ve learned the true impact of small businesses on economic development and embraced the importance of data integrity. Moreover, the supportive culture at L-IFT, highlighted by initiatives like the Staff Diaries, has helped me cultivate a proactive approach to setting goals and continuous learning. Looking ahead, I am excited to apply these experiences to future endeavors, confident in my ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of economic research and beyond.