Choosing The Right Internship Programme For You

It is that time of the year where you get to apply what you have learned in uni into an internship. There might be so many companies that you have in mind but, ultimately, you should choose an internship that will help you grow as an individual.

After studying for two to three years, you are finally able to take a short break from your books and experience the working world – through an internship programme. Here are some of the factors you should take into consideration before embarking on your internship journey.

One of the important factors in selecting an internship is how it can help you get a job later once you complete your studies. Employers would want to know if you can incorporate your learning experience to the specific job role you applied for. Moreover, when you complete tasks during an internship, your superiors could entrust you with more responsibilities that enrich your experience further. Remember that an internship might not necessarily be something in your field especially if you have other areas of interest. Therefore, it is a great trial-and-error ground for you to know whether it is something you would want to do when you start working later. For instance, if an internship programme you experienced is not your cup of tea, do not feel rejected. Know that you can apply to other internships even after completing your university education.

Gain meaningful EXPERIENCE

Research THE COMPANY

Look out for the company’s values and whether you will fit in. Ask yourself these questions: what do I want to get from the three months being in this company? Will I be able to achieve my learning goals in this company? You could also ask your seniors who underwent the same internship and get their feedback about their experience. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, you should find out from employees how the company handled their operations during these difficult times. That way, you will have an idea of the working culture, the superiors and their work attitude towards the whole situation. Ultimately, you should get both the perspectives of your seniors and your own research about the company. That way, you will have an informed decision on the company.

Select the RIGHT LOCATION

Location is also an important factor in deciding an internship position for you. The city areas, such as Kuala Lumpur or Penang, are ideal places to find an internship because of the massive job market they have to offer. However, bear in mind that the cost of living would be higher there than in other parts of the country. In addition to that, as an intern, your salary would not be enough to cover your expenses, such as rental, food and other necessities. If you are wondering about solutions to tackle this problem, there are a few options. One of them is by asking your parents for a soft loan so that you have more than enough to cover your expenses. Alternatively, you could also use your own savings to finance these payments. On another note, minimising your spending is a great way for you to live within your own means. For example, you could opt for public transport if it is accessible to you. Another way to save money is to always keep a budget for your daily expenses.

Getting an internship position is definitely going to be an exciting period in your life. However, in order for that to happen, you will need to do your homework in choosing the right one. Look into these factors wisely before choosing your internship programme!