gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 by GTI Media Asia

Hello undergraduates, your journey starts here.

Internship Programme 12-week programme Real, fulfilling work on projects Hands-on experience and exposure

Programme Benefits Turn your internship into a career opportunity Top performing interns will be accelerated through the application for our Graduate Trainee Programme or granted opportunities as direct hires.

Start learning immediately You will get the most from your internship, being assigned to a department and acquiring new knowledge and skills working on projects.

Expand your knowledge through structured training Learn the fundamentals of insurance through in-house training conducted by financial experts.

Hone your business acumen You will also learn from our very own Graduate Trainees, who will mentor you and enhance your development.

Maximise what you learn and make use of it You will get the opportunity to attend exclusive workshops that will bring you far on your future career.

Chloe Tan Human Resource

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

My internship at Income allowed me to gain invaluable insights and experience. As a member of the Talent Acquisition team, I interacted with people from both inside and outside the organisation, and the experience helped to hone my communication and interpersonal skills. The internship programme has a strong focus on personal learning, which encourages me to take charge of my work and to create opportunities for myself. Income has a highly collaborative culture and, my opinions are always valued and taken into consideration. Given my meaningful stint at Income, I decided to further my career with the company as a Graduate Trainee, which, I believe, will expose me to even more opportunities to learn and make positive contributions to the projects I am involved in.

Learn more at income.com.sg/careers/internship-programme

CONTENTS

CONTENTS ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Before the Big Day

Common Internship Interview Questions

Body Language Tips for Interviews

How to Ace Your Internship Interview

Bouncing Back from Rejection

Preparing for Your First Day of Internship

Surviving Your First Day as an Intern

How to Become a Star Intern

What Should You Do at the End of Your Internship?

GETTING STARTED

INDUSTRY SECTORS

Getting Started: A Word of Advice

Accounting and Financial Management

Get a Taste of the Working World

Arts and Design

Actions Over Your Years

Banking and Financial Services

How to Use This Guide

Charities and Social Services

Construction

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

Consulting

Why You Should Do an Internship

Education

How to get an Internship

Engineering

Discovering Hidden Internships

Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

Choosing the Right Internship

Healthcare

Doing an Internship Outside Your Field

Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism

To Be or Not To be a Graduate Intern?

Investment Banking and Investment Management

Where Else Can You Find an Internship?

IT and Technology

Law

Media and Advertising

Property and Real Estate

Public Sector

Sales and Marketing

Scientific Research and Development

Uniformed Services

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS 25 Your Internship Resume

Writing a Cover Letter for Your Internship

Perfect Your Pitch

The Art of the Speculative Application

Tackling Online Applications

Email with Elegance

Managing Your LinkedIn Profile as an Intern

A Quick Checklist

2 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

CONTENTS

EMPLOYER LISTINGS

BDO LLP

Deutsche Bank

DSO National Laboratories

Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

Great Eastern Singapore

Micron Semiconductor Asia

Ministry of Education (MOE)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

NTUC Income

OCBC Bank

ResMed Asia Pte Ltd

Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd

Turn to page 44 to find out what some common interview questions for internships are How can you survive your first day as an intern? Go to page 54 to find out Page 60 introduces you to a variety of sectors you can look at Not sure how to apply for internships? Turn to page 25 to find out

I feel that internships go one step further in putting what you have learned into real-world contexts. Â p.75

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 3

GETTING STARTED

GETTING STARTED: A WORD OF ADVICE If you want to experience what it’s like to be in the working world before graduation, an internship may be for you.

he days of a guaranteed job upon graduation with a degree or diploma are long over, and as competition in the job market continues to heat up, expanding your skills and knowledge beyond the theoretical can make you a strong candidate and greatly increase your employability. Although an internship is often the first thing that comes to mind – spending a few weeks to a few months working for a company over your holidays – there are actually many other options out there that can give you an edge over the competition. You can look at part-time jobs in retail if you’re eyeing the fashion industry, personal projects such as penning a book for younger cousins or siblings if you think writing and the media sector are for you, and even competitions and volunteering if you think the skills you want to pick up cannot be found in an internship. Competition is also getting tougher, especially for larger, better-known graduate employers such as Visa, so even as you consider internships there, don’t discount smaller firms able to offer plenty of valuable experience and opportunities as well. But at the end of the day, what you want to do to gain experience – be it volunteer work or internships – and who you wish to work with is up to you. From the side-lines, know that Gradsingapore is rooting for you and wishes you all the best in your endeavours. The Gradsingapore Team

4 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

If you want to know how to ace an interview, turn to page 48 Should you or should you not be a graduate intern? Find out on page 20 Did you know up to 70 per cent of openings are not advertised? Turn to page 32 to find out how to apply for these positions! If you’re afraid of facing rejection when looking for an internship or part-time job, page 50 can help you Turn to page 72 to see what internships are available

GETTING STARTED

GET A TASTE OF THE WORKING WORLD There are a number of ways to get some working experience in while studying, and there is a chance that you have either sampled some or are considering them. Here are some opportunities for you.

Career and recruitment fairs Attend as many career fairs, recruitment events and networking sessions as you can to learn how to market yourself. Talk to as many employers as possible, network, and find out which roles and companies suit you. While you’re there, take advantage of the many presentations, talks and workshops available to develop yourself as well.

Competitions Whether business-related or focussed, competitions develop your perseverance and resilience while also putting you into new situations. Generally calling for communication and numeracy skills, competitions also develop your ability to work and even thrive under pressure.

Extra-curricular activities Build your resume even as you engage in something you love and are passionate about. Not only do university clubs, societies and sports hone your skills in communications, among others, you can stand to gain as much as you commit.

Gap years Whether you take a gap year to either work or travel overseas, it is the perfect chance to build up resilience while gaining new experiences and thriving in different environments.

Insight programmes Some employers offer short programmes to students in their first and second years to introduce them to their work. This is a great time to get to learn about an employer and test its suitability for you even as you get to see different sectors in various lights.

Internships An increasingly popular route, many employers, both big and small, offer students paid programmes that last between 10 weeks to several months. These programmes can be either over the holidays or offered at other times of the year.

Open days Popular employers often host open days for students to get to know their culture and working life, which, on occasion, include talks and workshops.

Part-time jobs Part-time or causal jobs often taken over the holidays not only allow you to pick up skills in communication and customer service, they can give you valuable working experience. If your part-time job aligns with your chosen career path, so much the better.

Personal projects Show employers your initiative and creativity by starting and completing your own personal projects, whether it be repairing an old car or maintaining a blog. This not only demonstrates that you’re a self-starter, it shows drive and ambition; traits employers look for in candidates.

Placements Your course may require you to take a year-long placement in an industry. Usually found in vocational courses such as logistics, it’s typically undertaken in the third year.

Shadowing Apply speculatively and a company may allow you to find out about a job by shadowing a professional for a period of time.

Volunteering Enjoy a sense of fulfilment from helping others even as you build your transferrable skills. If you’re looking to enter the public sector or the charity industry, this is the perfect route for you.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 5

GETTING STARTED

ACTIONS OVER YOUR YEARS A general guide for your time in university and where you can squeeze your internship plans, part-time jobs, and projects in.

PENULTIMATE YEAR • If you are eyeing that internship with a popular graduate employer, start applying early in the term • Find out about upcoming internship fairs organised not only by your university, but other organisations as well • Keep a lookout for rolling internships if you don’t mind juggling both an internship and schoolwork at the same time • If you’ve been invited for an internship interview, brush up on your technique (on page 48) • If you’ve been accepted for an internship with a company you want to join after graduation, treat it as an opportunity to get your foot into the door and stand out (tips can be found on page 56). Take the time to get to know your work and employer as you figure out your career interests • If you’ve been rejected for an internship you wanted (page 50 will help you bounce back) turn to your contingency plan and apply speculatively (turn to page 32 for help), consider doing your internship with a smaller employer, or volunteer at a charity or nongovernmental organisation (NGO). If possible, try to see if you can shadow a professional in a company for a day or more.

FIRST YEAR • Get to know what your university has to offer. Join clubs or societies you’re interested in and settle down. Find out about upcoming competitions and what the requirements are to enter • Find your university career centre and figure out what services they have and if there is an alumni network that can help you • Start exploring different career sectors that interest you, whether it’s law, engineering or media. When you have decided, start looking out for open days, insight programmes, career fairs and networking sessions • Conduct your own research on short programmes some employers may offer first years • Begin any personal projects you may have in mind, but be sure to maintain and complete them over your time in university • Create an account on a professional social media platform of your choice, such as LinkedIn • Consider getting a part-time job over the upcoming holiday, or volunteer at a charity or association for experience.

TERM 1

6 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

GETTING STARTED

FIRST YEAR

PENULTIMATE YEAR

• Keep developing your networking and communication skills • Continue making the most of professional social media platforms • Whether you managed to get a place in volunteer work, an insight programme or part-time job, keep a notebook to jot down what you learned and track your development. If you were asked to return for an internship interview the year after, the employer will want to know what you picked up from the association or firm over the time you were there • Document the challenges you overcame in your volunteer work or part-time job. You can use it for future applications for internships or graduate jobs • Settle on the sectors you are interested in as well as the employers you like. This will help you narrow your scope of applications later in your internship journey. Knowing what employers you like will help you customise your application in the best light in the future • If you travelled over the holidays, consider international volunteering opportunities.

• Keep an eye out for rolling internships if you didn’t get one over the holidays. Some internships may only be offered later in the year • If you have no internships coming up later in the year and you didn’t complete one over the holidays, go over your options with your university career centre and come up with a plan to take advantage of opportunities in university or work experience you may have. If possible, try to arrange a period to shadow a professional • Take a closer look at what you have lined up. You’ll be starting your final year soon and companies will start opening their applications for graduate schemes • If you are going into your final year and feel you’ve missed all your chances, there’s no need to worry! Make the most of your university career centre and explore the possibility of graduate internships • If you’re planning to take a gap year between your final year of university and finding a job, plan in advance how you want to present your experiences to prospective employers when you get back.

TERM 2

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 7

01 : AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP There are many benefits to taking up internships while studying, and even after graduation. This section tackles why you should take one, where you can find opportunities, and how to find the right one for yourself.

02 : APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS If you have ever wondered how to apply for internships or even how to get past the recruitment process, this section is for you. It covers the applications you send to prospective employers to cover letters, and even how you can use LinkedIn to your advantage as an intern!

03 : ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP What is the next step after a potential employer has called you and invited you for in interview? What new challenges will present themselves during the interview? If you do land the internship, what do you do next? Read this section to find out.

04 : INDUSTRY SECTORS While this guide is not the be-all-and-end-all containing all the answers you need as you consider or step into an internship, we hope it will still be a trusty companion as you navigate your placement.

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE If you want to have a taste of the working world before graduation, or want to try out an industry or company after graduation, internships are for you. Here is a preview of what the guide contains.

8 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” − Arthur Ashe

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 9

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

WHY YOU SHOULD DO AN INTERNSHIP ”Looking for a fresh graduate with one to two years’ work experience” – does this line from a job ad look familiar? Take up an internship to meet this impossible hiring requirement.

uring the hiring process, employers often look for evidence that a candidate is able to deliver on the job, and work experience is typically what they turn to as it can stand for your skills and your suitability for the position you are applying for. Undertaking internships and work placements are thus the perfect way for full-time students to gain relevant work experience, so start early and plan ahead to gain the right range of skills to help you meet your career goals! Besides gaining work experience, there are also other benefits to doing an internship. Here are some of them to help you maximise your time at yours.

To gain relevant skills Work experience will help you develop the skills necessary for the workplace, including crucial and transferrable skills that cannot be learned from books, but picked up through real-life exposure and experience. For instance, you can develop...

• Communication skills

From interacting with co-workers and clients

• Organisational and time management skills

By managing tasks to meet deadlines

• Teamworking skills

From experience working with team members Hence, it is important that you view all experiences within the workplace as a means of practising for your future job. You should also consider the type of skills and experiences you wish to gain and seek out opportunities during your internship. Setting your objectives before you start your internship will help you make the most of your time there.

10 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

To understand yourself better While internships are a great way to gain relevant knowledge, experience and skills, they also allow you to dip your feet in the pool and discover whether the field is truly something you can see yourself building a career in. After all, the experience can give you an insider’s point-of-view on top of an understanding of the different roles and tasks within the industry. Moreover, an internship will give you realistic experience on how your knowledge and technical skills learned in school can be applied in a work environment, and is a good way for you to gauge your abilities and working style as well as what you can improve on.

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

To get your foot in the door

To broaden your network

An internship will give you the opportunity to get your foot in the door at the company and industry you want to work in. If you perform well, you may even be asked to stay on or return as a full-time hire after graduation. It is not uncommon for employers to convert interns to permanent staff members as it can not only save them the hassle of familiarising new hires with the work environment and culture of the organisation, but also the trouble of figuring out whether he or she is a good fit for the company. However, converting an internship into a full-time role is not a sure thing! You need to stand out from your fellow interns and go beyond your regular duties to impress your employers.

There is no better time to start developing your professional network than during your internship. As an intern, you will have the chance to build relationships with people in the company and industry which can benefit you in both the near and distant future. For instance, you may be invited to join company or industry events. So make the effort to socialise and put the best version of yourself forward! The people you meet and interact with during such events can become career mentors or even references when you are looking for a graduate job in the future.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 11

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

HOW TO GET AN INTERNSHIP Looking for work experience but don’t know where to start? Here are some tips on finding an internship position.

nternships are a great way to gain work experience and learn new skills. With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, internships have become a popular avenue for students and graduates to get the work experience needed for that extra edge in their job applications. Although searching for and landing an internship of your choice at your ideal company can get pretty stressful and competitive, you can always start by preparing early. Here are some ways you can make the process easier for yourself.

12 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

BEFORE STARTING THE SEARCH Identify your goals and interests Before you even start looking for an internship, it is important you have a clear purpose for your stint in mind. So instead of applying for one just to meet your course’s requirements, you should think about the long-term and apply for a position that is relevant to the industry you want to pursue a career in. Additionally, you should consider particular areas within your chosen field that you would like to focus on. For example, a mechanical engineering student interested in pursuing a career in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry in the future can look for a position in the manufacturing department of a FMCG company. By having a clear understanding of your interests and aspirations, you can narrow down your search and zoom in on the perfect role that’ll meet your needs.

Prepare your resume Considering the fact that you’re on the look out for an internship, you would most likely have limited experience to present in your resume. Don’t worry, that’s expected! You can include some modules or areas of study that make up your current qualification. A full list of subjects or modules is not advisable, as it will not say much about you. Instead, come up with a carefully curated list of subjects or modules that you excel in and are relevant to the role.

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

“ It’s not what you know, but “

who you know.

STARTING THE SEARCH Visit your campus career centre If you haven’t booked an appointment with your school’s careers services centre, you should do so as soon as you can. When it comes to looking for internships and career advice, there are few people better placed to provide assistance than the experts you’ll find in careers services. Because careers advisors on campus can tell you what internships are on offer, if they have a placement programme, as well as how it operates, take the time to book a consultation session to start prepping and planning ahead for your internship and career.

Networking Very helpful in your search for an internship opportunity as well as for a graduate job in the future, the saying “it’s not what you know, but who you know” is most definitely true when it comes to getting leads to kickstart your career. Participate in networking events during your time in school whether they’re organised by the career centre or clubs and societies; through the events, you may be able to find out about internships or placement opportunities. You should also establish contact with seniors and alumni who have gone on to work in fields relevant to your areas of interest. If you’re not sure how to start, join networking events that include alumni from your school. Alternatively, you can also attend career fairs to meet recruiters face-toface, where you have the opportunity to get to know potential employers and vice versa. It is a good way to make a positive impression, and may lead to employment opportunities whether it is for an internship or a full-time position. But keep in mind that networking doesn’t immediately lead to employment opportunities; follow up with the contacts you’ve made by dropping them well-crafted emails to ask if they can connect you with any opportunities.

Speculative applications You may not realise it, but not all internships and opportunities are advertised as many smaller or local employers may not have the budget to advertise internship openings. That said, you won’t actually know if these employers are looking for interns unless you submit a speculative application. If you already have your eyes fixed on a specific industry, you can create a shortlist of employers in the career sectors that interest you. Search engines and LinkedIn are your best bet to getting the information you need in this process. Once you have a shortlist of employers, send them your cover letter and resume over email or drop off your application in person. Don’t be afraid to give them a call if you don’t hear from them a week or so after submitting your application.

Remember – following up is imperative!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 13

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

DISCOVERING HIDDEN INTERNSHIPS Not all internship opportunities are advertised publicly. Apply speculatively, and you may just get what you seek!

hen it comes to advertising internship opportunities, some smaller companies may not have the budget for it. On the other hand, some employers simply do not need to take in large numbers of students as interns. However, this doesn’t mean such employers will reject the idea of having interns on board. They may be amenable to taking on one or two interns for a short period of time, and they may also be open to the idea of having students on board for work shadowing or volunteering. As these opportunities may not be advertised, the onus is on you to ferret them out through research, and by sending in speculative applications. Here’s how you can get started.

14 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

STEP 1:

STEP 2:

Identify prospective employers

Craft your speculative application

Start by shortlisting employers in the area of work or industry you are interested in. Google and LinkedIn should be your two primary tools to help you in your search. Use search engines to learn more about prospective employers, and don’t forget about online press releases and news portals. Fully utilise LinkedIn by looking up department heads or managers working in the company on your shortlist. You can connect with them to ask about possible internship opportunities. Alternatively, you may speak to your seniors who have graduated and who are currently working in the industry you are interested in. You can get in touch with them to ask if their employers are open to taking interns.

If you are not sure if the contact you’ve connected with on LinkedIn is someone who makes hiring decisions, you can always drop him or her a professional message to ask for the specific department head or hiring manager’s email address. Before initiating contact with the person in charge, you should have your resume updated and cover letter customised to the specific employer so you can attach them in your first email to him or her. You can use the content of your cover letter as the body of your email or message. Here are some tips on how to write one: • Address the recipient by name, instead of using “Dear Sir/Madam.” If you were asked to send your application to an email address,

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

make sure to also ask for the name of the person who will read your email. Otherwise, you can call the organisation to find out who is the best person to address your application to • State your objective of finding work experience opportunities clearly along with how long you are able to commit • Show that you’ve done some research on the employer by highlighting why you chose to apply to this company in particular. Showcase your knowledge on what the organisation does in its specific market, and what about its business that interests you • Mention the skills and knowledge you can bring to the table, and emphasise how you can contribute.

Don’t forget to attach your internship resume to your email.

STEP 3: Follow up on your application If you haven’t heard back from the employer about a week or so after submitting your application, give them a call. Considering that speculative applications are made for opportunities that aren’t advertised, there may be no urgent need for the employer to have interns on board. Hence, it would be wise to call them directly to get the recruiter’s or manager’s attention. If they haven’t decided on whether to recruit you as an intern, the call will remind them to expedite the decision-making process.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 15

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

CHOOSING THE RIGHT INTERNSHIP Your coursework internship is a crucial stepping stone for your future career. Here are some tips on deciding on the right company to complete your internship with.

n the last lap of your degree or diploma, you are often required to complete a professional internship that counts towards the credits for your course. You will be spending 10 precious weeks or up to half a year at the company, so make the best out of your time to gain the most out of the internship by finding the right placement for yourself.

Find a company that will help you grow You need to find an internship that will help you in your career path, allowing you to pick up and apply skills in your desired area of work. Identify the key skill sets or areas of interest that you wish to grow in, then choose a company strong over these areas and make a conscious effort to keep improving your skills over the course of your internship. Keep track of your progress, so that by the end, you can see where you are in terms of mastering these skills.

16 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Seek advice from your seniors Seniors in your course are the best people you can ask regarding coursework internship experiences; they can recommend the types of companies suitable for your interests and offer insights on the companies they have interned at. After all, a former internâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s point of view will definitely help you in terms of knowing what you can expect and what is expected of you!

Research on, and apply to, a list of companies Rejection or no reply is common for internship applications. Keep in mind that there are many student candidates applying at the same time and companies have limited internship openings. The key is to apply to as many companies as possible and state your interest in doing an internship with them. Read up on relevant companies and organise your shortlist during the

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

application stage so that you can keep track of the applications you have sent out. The research will come in handy when you need to attend an interview. Be sure to understand the company’s operations and prepare yourself for possible interview questions.

Talk to people in the industry There is nothing like getting first-hand information from professionals already in the industry you are interested in. It doesn’t matter if they are from your personal network or someone you met while exploring potential career pathways; speaking to anyone with some experience or experts in their fields will be immensely useful for you as a student seeking to gain experience through an internship.

Attend career fairs If you want to check out a wide range of employers, be sure to attend as many career fairs as possible. After all, there, you will get to talk with as many employers as you wish on internship positions even as you scout for opportunities. Ask recruiters as many questions as you can about their company and internship opportunities, and don’t forget to always bring copies of your resume to give to them too! Update it constantly and send soft copies on top of the hard copies originally given to the recruiters you met in all the career affairs you attended. It is never too late to start planning where you wish to do your internship, be it locally or abroad. It could be your best chance to get your foot into a dream company or an area of work you are passionate about – so give it some thought, and then act on it!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 17

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

DOING AN INTERNSHIP OUTSIDE YOUR FIELD OF STUDY It is possible to pursue an internship outside your field of study, especially if you want to venture into something new. Here are three ways in which a different internship experience can help you in your career.

18 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Experiment with your interests and passion

It is normal to lose interest in what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re studying and change direction midway. Because of this, internships are good platforms to experiment with what you really want to do after your studies. You can also figure out whether the job youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a go at during your internship is something you really want to do as a career. That said, learn as much as you can from your placement by picking up new skills, both hard and soft, that will enrich you. For example, if you have a passion for health and fitness, then interning at a gym or wellness centre will give you experience in interacting with clients and how to improve their health and fitness.

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

Acquire new skills

An internship outside your field of study will increase your knowledge and enhance your skill sets beyond your course of study. Although learning something new from scratch is always hard, grab hold of the opportunity to pick up new skills during your internship; it will form part of your resume and portfolio, and may lead you to similar roles in the future you might be interested in. For instance, a museum internship experience may lead you to a curatorial role in the future. Feel free to plot the dots on your canvas by pursuing your varied interests. After all, as Steve Jobs said, the dots will connect as you look back.

Strengthen your resume

Boasting a list of core skill sets on your resume is ideal if you are looking at developing a multi-fauceted career. Skills unique to you are very often the edge you have over other candidates. For example, having additional artistic or musical skills would be an advantage for a teaching position as you can use these skills to stimulate students and add to their learning experience. It is wise to try a new field while on your internship in order to get a taste of the job scope. Moreover, it will help you decide if a certain profession really is your cup of tea. Keep searching for what is meaningful for you, and look for meaning in everything you do!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 19

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

TO BE OR NOT TO BE A GRADUATE INTERN? Before applying for that graduate internship, take some time to reflect on these pros and cons.

t long last, you’re done with school – congratulations! You’ve got your prep game on and equipped yourself with your resume, cover letter and portfolio. It’s the perfect time to dive straight into the deep end of the professional pool… or is it? If you don’t have any work experience under your belt, this jump might not be the best decision as employers may be hesitant to hire an applicant without prior experience in the working world. It’s not the best idea for yourself either, to enter the workforce without having exposure to the industry or the job you are applying for. What if the job isn’t actually what you imagined it to be? One solution to this sticky situation is to start from the shallow end of the workforce and dip your feet into the pool by taking up a graduate internship. While there are many benefits to doing an internship after you graduate, there are also drawbacks you have to consider.

20 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

THE PROS: WHY YOU SHOULD DO IT To get your foot in the door Regardless of whether you do an internship before or after you graduate, you can get your foot in the door at the company and industry you want to work in. Think of this as a long-term strategy – apply as a graduate intern, give the internship your all to leave an exceptional impression on your employers, and, if your manager likes you, you may just get a full-time job offer at the end of your internship! It’s not uncommon for graduate interns to be converted into full-time hires if they perform well. In fact, many employers find former interns a “safer bet” compared to external hires as former interns not only have prior experience with the company, they also understand the office culture on top of having demonstrated their capabilities.

Even if you have not been converted to a full-time hire, the internship experience will still look great on your resume and you can use the experience as a stepping stone to explore opportunities with other firms in the same industry. You’ll also walk away at the end of your internship with the relevant experience and skills, not to mention positive testimonials and recommendations from your co-workers or managers – but you need to perform well in the first place, of course!

You can expand your professional network An internship is a golden opportunity to grow your professional network – you will not only get the chance to work alongside professionals in the industry, you will also get to learn about what they do. You may even get the opportunity to get to know them personally, which can be helpful for your future job search. To maximise your internship experience, participate in as many networking events as you can and make a good impression by putting

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

the best version of yourself forward. A person you’ve introduced yourself to at these events may just be looking for someone to fill a full-time position in their department – you never know! Put yourself out there, and be on the radar. Making a positive impression is a good start, but making a lasting impression is something you should aim to do as well. Keep yourself in their minds by adding the people you’ve networked with on LinkedIn, but don’t forget to ask them if it’s okay to do so beforehand. Drop them a personalised message to thank them for their time and for sharing their insights with you.

For an insider’s point of view An internship will help you discover the kinds of roles in the industry that align with your personality, skill set and even long-term career goals. It is a great way to learn about how the industry works, as well as what is expected of the different positions within the industry – especially if you are shadowing a senior co-worker or manager who have rich experiences to share with you. However, the onus is on you to be proactive and make use of the resources available. You may not always be assigned a mentor explicitly, but you can always ask someone friendly in the office to answer any burning questions you may have about the industry or workplace, or share some work life stories with you. Avoid grilling a co-worker or manager when they are busy, though. Office lunches, gatherings and networking events are typically good opportunities to ask questions.

To bulk up your resume If you didn’t spend enough time on extra-curricular activities or gaining other work experience that can help build your resume for the industry you want to work in while you were still in school, it’s not too late to start, even though you’ve graduated. An internship is the perfect way to develop the required skills and gain the necessary experience to make your resume attractive to recruiters. As the saying goes, it’s better late than never!

Pro tip: Note your objectives as an intern at the beginning of your internship and your achievements over the course of it; this will make it easier for you when you update your resume and cover letter. You can earn some brownie points by mentioning them during your job interviews as well.

THE CONS: WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER The pay It is no secret that as an intern, you’ll be paid significantly less than your peers who hold permanent jobs. If you are living independently and supporting your own expenses, it may not be a good idea to pursue an internship. You also have to think about the commitments you have. Did you take up

a student loan that requires immediate repayment upon graduation? Do you have a family that requires your financial support? These are some questions you need to ask yourself if you are considering an internship upon graduation.

The role It is unlikely for your role as an intern to be as focussed and specific as a graduate recruit on a training scheme. Instead, you will likely be given a variety of tasks that may seem insignificant and you may find it difficult to develop key industry skills. If you feel that you are not gaining the exposure you were promised, you can ask your manager or co-workers to assign you tasks more relevant to your ideal job. Showing initiative and requesting more responsibilities will not only help you grow professionally, it may also impress your manager and improve your chances of being offered a permanent role at your company. You should also make sure you are not simply treated as cheap labour. Interns are protected under the Employment Act just like other employees under a company’s contract, and should not be made to work more than 44 hours a week or more than 88 hours over two continuous weeks. While it is good to demonstrate that you value the opportunities given by an employer, it is also important to stand your ground if you are being mistreated. The trick is to strike a balance between knowing your rights and doing your job as an intern.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 21

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

WHERE ELSE CAN YOU FIND AN INTERNSHIP? While it is one of the most common ways to benefit yourself while gaining work experience, there are more unconventional ways to get an internship on top of the usual beaten path.

aving studied hard over the past few years, it’s your turn to get a taste of the corporate life through an internship. But before applying, get to know the field you want to venture into and make sure it melds well with your interests. Here are some tips to help you land an internship that resonates with your passion and liking!

22 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Networking events Apart from the usual bonus of meeting new people, grab the chance to meet others who are already in your chosen field with both hands. Be sure to mingle with those your age – penultimate and final-year students in universities – as well as individuals in key positions in the industry of your choice such as directors, managers or even chief executive officers (CEOs). By talking to these figures who are either trying to enter the workforce with you or have been there for some time, you will not only gain fresh perspectives from various sides of the job market, you will also acquire knowledge of the sector and may even pick up a wide scope of insights ranging from employer expectations to employee outlook in a particular field. On occasion, even as you forge your own circle of acquaintances through these events, offers may be made for internship positions in a desired company. Never underestimate the power of these

networking events, so take the initiative to approach others and engage them in conversation. The flexibility of networking also means that you can use family gatherings, weddings and even birthday parties as opportunities to expand your network. So take the chance to talk to them and find out about available internship positions.

Send in your application Although this may sound a little farfetched, don’t be afraid to take the bull by its horns and send your application to your chosen company. However, don’t forget necessities such as your resume and other application forms, and certain companies may also want you to prepare a cover letter as well as another letter stating your interest in the company. Conduct your own research on the company before applying to ensure you

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

know what the latest developments and projects are, and figure out how you can contribute to the company if you are offered the role. It is also important to familiarise yourself with the right procedures in regards to sending in a job application to show your seriousness about securing the internship. By the same token, ensure you clear up any doubts about the application forms before filling it up to avoid any mistakes.

Word-of-mouth

Don’t feel embarrassed to ask people to help you look out for an internship, and if someone is willing to offer one you’re interested in, proceed with the application procedure. But don’t feel obliged to apply for a position that was recommended just because the person in question is a close family friend or relative. The process of obtaining an internship requires time and effort from you, so don’t disregard these important pointers to help you get one that suits you!

“Do you know of any available internship positions?” may be a familiar question if you have friends who ask around your social circle. Friends typically pass messages on to their own friends, and some of them may already be in your chosen industry. As the question spreads to an ever-larger amount of people, the chances that they will know of companies with available openings will be higher as well.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 23

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re smart, driven and want

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS “It always seems impossible until it is done.” − Nelson Mandela

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 25

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

YOUR INTERNSHIP RESUME No relevant work experience? Don’t worry. Here are some suggestions on how to beef up your resume.

Your goals and objectives Start by introducing yourself and your professional goals. Briefly describe what you wish to achieve professionally and with the organisation you are applying for.

26 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Here is an example of a brief but effective introduction:

“ Self-motivated journalism student seeking internship opportunities in content writing.

Interested in honing creative-writing and criticalthinking skills to contribute to an organisation’s business objectives while gaining valuable experience in the media industry.

“

rafting an internship resume can be challenging, especially for first-time applicants who have no relevant experience under their belts to include. If you’re one, don’t panic – employers who offer internships are generally accepting of candidates who have no prior work experience. We all need to start somewhere, after all! However, this doesn’t mean you can just send in a blank document marked as your resume. There are a couple of things you can put into your resume other than relevant work experience to show that you are the right candidate for the internship position.

By outlining your motivation, employers are able to see if this position or industry is the right fit for both the applicant and the organisation. It’ll also demonstrate your self-awareness and drive.

Relevant skills While you may not have the relevant work experience, you can always talk about the skills you gained through the years in polytechnic or university. Start by looking thoroughly at the description of the internship you are applying for. Look for keywords or points that indicate the relevant skills needed for the task and use them in your favour. Attract recruiters by stating the

relevant skills that you possess. What’s important here is for you to provide evidence that you have these skills, so make sure to demonstrate how you’ve gained these skills through real-life experiences. Remember, the key is to show, not tell! Skills in teamwork as well as communication are highly sought-after, along with other transferrable skills, so be sure to highlight them! If you are applying for a more technical internship role, don’t forget to mention the notable technical skills you have gained through academic courses and assignments. Add your experiences to your resume as well. It does not have to be solely

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

related to work, so there’s no need to panic if you have none. Instead, bring attention to experience gained through extra-curricular activities and school projects.

Achievements and successes You can also dedicate a section in your internship resume that lists your achievements. These can include academic awards, scholarships and other recognitions worth mentioning. If you have held – or are still holding – a position in a student club or society in your polytechnic or university, you can include a description of your role and, more importantly, what you have done. If you have participated in any events or activities, you should also include a brief description of your contribution. Try to quantify your achievements. For instance, you can mention that in your role as part of the sales and marketing committee of a club in school, you helped to increase sales over the last academic year by 30 per cent. Putting a number on it makes your achievement clearer and more persuasive, allowing employers to gauge your abilities better.

However, do be warned – integrity and honesty are two values that will take you a long way in both your personal and professional life. If you decide to fabricate details about your achievements, the truth will catch up eventually. Some seasoned recruiters are able to tell from experience whether an applicant is truthful about what they say, especially during the job interview process. The last thing you want to do is make a bad name for yourself even before you really start building your career.

Should you proceed to the interview round in the recruitment process, be prepared to answer questions regarding the projects you’ve described. As this section can be a likely source for interview questions, make sure the projects listed in your resume are significant and relevant to the internship position you are applying for, so that you can link them back to how the experience makes you a suitable candidate.

Related projects Think about the projects and assignments you have done and how they reflect your career interests – which should align with the internship you are applying for. This could be your final year project, or even a blog you’ve started to write about issues pertaining to the area of work you are passionate about. If you have any noteworthy projects and assignments, list and briefly describe them in your resume. This section will demonstrate to recruiters your dedication and interest, as well as your knowledge of the industry in question.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 27

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

WRITING A COVER LETTER FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP Along with your resume, your cover letter gives recruiters their first impression of you. Here are some tips on how to craft a cover letter that can grant you a golden ticket to an internship.

cover letter may not be strictly required for all applications but it is a good-to-have document, and especially advantageous for a fresh graduate. After all, a well-crafted cover letter can prove that you are sincere while also informing hiring managers of your strengths and suitability for the role.

28 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

succinct and 1 Bespecific

your 2 Demonstrate competence

Be clear on the specific position you are applying for, explain why it is of interest to you, and convince the hiring manager that you are a good fit. The brief introduction of yourself at this point should contain relevant experiences and interest in the job scope advertised, as well as your highest educational qualification. You do not have to ramble too much about your personality, detailed academic background and skills as these are already on your resume. Also, be sure to avoid describing yourself with words such as “passionate” or “ambitious” as these qualities are better exuded in person during the interview stage.

Read the job description as advertised and treat it like the holy grail. As such, your cover letter needs to address the selection criteria by highlighting relevant experiences. In the same vein, explain how your skills could be put to good use in the specific role. For example, state how your keen interest in, and knowledge of, current affairs can help in a role on political risk advisory where clients appreciate swift and actionable insights.

your 3 Show enthusiasm Spend some time doing comprehensive research about your potential employer. Use the information you have to mention specific aspects of the company operations and culture that appeal to you in the cover letter. For example, if you have attended networking events organised by the firm or visited its booth at a career fair, you can mention it in your cover letter.

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

Sample cover letter Dear Mr Daniels, I am writing to apply for the Programming Executive internship with Design Museum. My conversations with current employees at your networking session in June this year have reinforced my interest in the museum and cemented my belief that I have the expertise and skills that you are looking for. Through my three years of study at the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University, which includes a 10-week professional attachment with Art and Design Outreach, I have developed an understanding of creating impactful programmes for art and design institutions. If you are in of contact with someone in the company whom you met through these events, you can mention his or her name. Showing your enthusiasm could score an advantage over other candidates.

4 Dochecka thorough Last but not least, take a break from your cover letter and check it again later. You are more likely to spot any mistakes with fresh eyes. Print it out and pore over it. If this is the first time you are writing a cover letter, you may want to get someone with a strong command of the English language to help you proofread it. Use a spellchecker to prevent grammar mistakes as errors reveal a lack of attention to detail and recruiters are on the lookout for effective communicators.

In addition, I also underwent a six-month internship at the Taylor Print Institute where I gained valuable experience in putting together a year-long public programme to attract different visitors through various platforms including online media, promoting the exhibitions and events to the press, and ensuring live events ran smoothly and drew sufficient crowd sizes. My resume is enclosed for your consideration. I am keen to discuss any opportunity in person and am available for an interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours sincerely, Edwina Tong

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 29

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

PERFECT YOUR PITCH Using good, concise English is the key to getting your message quickly across to recruiters.

sing long words and business jargon is the way to impress employers, right? Wrong. If anything, being simple and direct is the best way to write a resume, cover letter, or even fill in an application form. It’s absolutely possible to be formal and professional without using fancy flourishes and “impressive” figures of speech, and someone who has this kind of control over their writing is always going to impress employers with their skill in communication.

Simple but clear Use simple English so that your audience can read, understand, and act upon your message with just a single reading. You only get one chance to make your point because yours is not the only application in a recruiter’s inbox – so remember to make the most of it.

30 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Written communication 101: The Ultimate Dos and Don’ts

The average graduate recruiter has a limited amount of time, and an application form has a limited amount of space. For that reason, cut to the chase and get to the point.

DON’T

Write long paragraphs and sentences

Use headers and bullet points

Refrain from cramming too much information into one long paragraph. E.g. My tasks as a team leader included leading a team of eight teammates, overseeing two projects at the same time, prioritising overlapping tasks, reporting to the finance department and many more.

Format your resume in such a way that is more readable and direct. E.g. Tasks as team leader included (but not limited to): • Leading a team of eight teammates • Overseeing two projects at the same time • Prioritising overlapping tasks • Reporting to the finance department.

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

DON’T

Be Long-Winded

Keep It Short

• Avoid overusing conjunctions such as “and,” “that,” “as,” “so,” etc. • Exclude unnecessary descriptions and adjectives E.g. I am a team player as well as a great leader and this is evident in my role as a team leader that allowed me to work alongside inspiring, hardworking and cooperative teammates.

• Write short sentences • If cutting out a word does not affect the logic of the sentence, do it E.g. I am a team player with leadership capabilities. My experience as team leader allowed me to work alongside my teammates and hone my leadership skills.

DON’T

Use Passive Voice

Be Active

• Avoid writing sentences in passive form • Passive sentences won’t make you sound authoritative, just robot-like E.g. As a team leader, I faced many tasks to be managed.

Keep it simple by sticking to the active clause. E.g. As a team leader, I managed many tasks.

DON’T

Pad

Be Direct

Take out fancy phrases that can be replaced with single words.

Replace unnecessarily long phrases and fancy flourishes with more direct words. E.g. Within the workplace → at work

At this point in time → now In addition to the aforementioned → also

Checklist Before sending in your resume and cover letter, check them against the following points. Do they fulfil each and every one of them? • Is the layout clear and easy to follow? • Do the headings stand out? • Are your sentences concise? • Does the content have a clear objective? • Are your points clear? • Have you used short, concrete and familiar words instead of long, obscure, complex words? • Is the content free of spelling and grammatical errors? • Are bulleted lists used when appropriate? • Is the tone suitable for addressing an employer?

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 31

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

THE ART OF THE SPECULATIVE APPLICATION If your speculative application starts with “Dear Sir/ Madam,” you might as well have started it with the words “Please ignore this mail!”

id you know that nearly 70 per cent of all openings aren’t advertised? Even in a downturn, employers may still be open to speculative applications. Either way, there’s a good chance that many employers won’t actually know that they need you until you first put your foot in the door. A speculative application is a quicker and more direct route. While submitting a speculative application (i.e. “applying on spec”) does require plenty of research beforehand, which can be time-consuming, but hey – you’ll quite likely end up gaining valuable insights! Moreover, you’re more likely to know if you would be a good match for the organisation, which will give you the confidence you need if you get the opportunity to meet the employer for an interview. Here are some tips on breaking into the hidden market and how to apply on spec like a pro!

32 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Prepare to apply up a shortlist 1 ofDrawemployers 2 speculatively When it comes to finding out more information about potential employers, good sources include: • Online business directories • Specialist business and trade publications • Magazines and websites by professional associations • Local publications that target your area of interest • Newspapers If you have access to your school’s careers services centre, it’s worth looking through the information they have on local employers, including reports from alumni. Remember, personal networks can be useful too! Friends, family members, and their connections can all be good contacts to help you get that first foot in the door.

Once you have your list of employers, you need to do your research. Suss out details about the company and get a feel for the kind of work they do. This will help you to show a genuine interest in the employer and make a convincing speculative application.

contact 3 Make personal Finding a named contact is the golden rule of making a speculative application, and “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” letters have a high probability of being ignored. It’s easy to make a quick phone call to the company to ask for the name of the person who’s responsible for recruiting. Be tactful about it, though. It’s bad form to just go, “Hi, what’s the name of the person who does your hiring?”

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

at the person who answers your call. Try to soften the blow by being honest, yet polite about your reason for calling. “Hello, I would like to apply for a position at your company, and was wondering who I should leave my resume with...”

Stay focussed but 4 open-minded Be clear about what you are looking for when getting into contact with employers. After all, it’s not just about selling yourself. Taking a speculative approach can be a great way to:

up. It’s good 5 toFollow talk To improve your chances of success, follow up your speculative application with a phone call a few days after you send it in. Personal contact can create a good impression and make you more memorable. Even if the employer can’t help with your main request, talking to them will be your chance to ask if there are any opportunities coming up, find out how the organisation typically recruits, and where and when you should look out out for their advertisements.

Other reasons why you should apply speculatively • You are trying to find work in a specialised or niche sector such as publishing, pet care and creative media • You are looking to work with a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) or start-up. Most smaller companies typically do not allocate a lot of resources to recruitment and advertising, but may still need staff • You missed the standard recruitment window.

• Find permanent, temporary or parttime vacancies, work experience, or work shadowing opportunities • Arrange a time for a chat on the phone, a brief visit, or the opportunity to meet a recent graduate or employee of the organisation • Learn which other employers in a similar industry may be hiring, even if the one you’re contacting isn’t interested in having you on board.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 33

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

TACKLING ONLINE APPLICATIONS Online application forms work like precision tools for recruiters, allowing them to sift through candidates by using specific criteria.

n online application form can take one to three hours to complete, depending on the number of questions and what each company is expecting. Yes, online application forms are time-intensive, but they’re also convenient and often employers’ preferred choice in this digital age. But on top of uploading your resume and cover letter, these online application forms also need you to answer questions with regards to your skills and motivations. With each company having its own customised form, make sure that you don’t just copy and paste! Here are some tips on how to handle online applications effectively.

Show, don’t tell Back up your statements with examples or details to prove your point. If you just provide unsubstantiated one-liners, recruiters can’t assess you and likely won’t invite you to an interview. Don’t just put “I gained commercial awareness through my internship” – talk about how you gained this knowledge and use a specific example for illustration.

34 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

When it comes to stating your motivations for applying for that particular role, make sure your write-up is succinct and impactful. Elaborate on the aspects of the job that appeal to you and state any related academic or work experience.

Shine like a STAR When filling in online applications, remember the STAR technique to keep your answers concise and to-the-point. • • • •

Describe the Situation Describe the Tasks involved Describe the Actions you took Describe the Results

This technique is useful when writing about previous work experiences and demonstrating your skill sets and personality traits to show your fit for the role. Don’t be afraid to use sub-headings and bullet points – it’ll make it easier for recruiters to read.

Write each answer afresh Don’t copy over an answer you’ve used on another form, no matter how similar the questions may seem. And even if you were to copy, you would have to tweak your answers strategically to fit the role you are applying for. The biggest mistake you can make is to leave any traces or mention of the previous companies you have applied for when you are merely pasting the same answers for many different potential employers. And, whatever you do, don’t copy and paste information directly from the employer’s – or their competitors’ – websites! Company websites and social media pages may be useful research resources for your job search, but you should still digest and process the information at your own pace so that you develop an understanding of industry knowledge and prospective employers from your own unique perspective.

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

Check, check, check Many otherwise impressive applications are often let down by tiny errors, and unfortunately, not all forms allow you to save your responses to refer back and for checks. To save yourself the heartache of lost answers in the event of browser issues or when Murphy’s Law comes into play, you can choose to draft your answers on a word-processing programme before keying them into the form. You can also let your career advisor check your answers before the official submission. For questions that you are not providing answers for, leave an “NA” for “not applicable.” Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and make sure that you have indicated your contact information correctly, especially for your e-mail address and mobile number.

Lastly, keep a copy of each online application sent out for your own reference. You can even print out the completed forms to check before submission. You will also need to refer to your answers so that you know what to speak about when you are called up for the interview.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 35

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

EMAIL WITH ELEGANCE When contacting recruiters, you should always use effective, simple and natural language to come off as tasteful, mature and graceful. Follow this guide to use the email medium with elegance.

an appropriate Write a clear 1 Use 2 email address subject line

your email 3 toAddress the right person

If you do not have a professional sounding email address hosted on a credible domain, it’s time to create a new account. The email address will need to contain your initials, either your surname or full name, and be free from references to your favourite puns, cartoons or games.

You can find out online who you should address the email to, instead of stating “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern.” The name of the hiring manager is often on the job description and hiring notice. If it is not, you can look it up on LinkedIn or the online directory of the organisation you are applying to. You can also make a phone call to enquire about who you should be addressing the email to before sending it out.

A good subject line states the purpose of the email with the recipient in mind. An ideal subject line will be “Application for (Role) – (Your Name)”. Make sure you do not have typos in the subject line as that will make a very bad first impression!

your message 4 Keep 5 Check for errors brief and

your email 6 Manage attachments

Your email should be succinct and not lengthy. Avoid smileys, emojis and exclamation marks in your emails to recruiters and prospective managers even though you may be excited about applying for your dream job. Keep the note brief, respectful and professional. Be sure to avoid using acronyms like “btw” and “fyi” as well.

Don’t forget to enclose your attachments, whether they are your cover letter, resume or other documents requested for! When it comes to sending out a few large attachments, you can place them in a zip folder, or create links for downloads.

professional

36 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Don’t just rely on autocorrect to spot your typos. Always re-read your email draft for grammatical mistakes, and read it out loud, thinking from the recipient’s point of view.

effectively

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

an effective 7 Follow up promptly 8 Craft signature Besides replying to emails from prospective employers swiftly, you should send them a follow-up note if you have not heard from them within the stated period in which you are expecting a reply. Similarly, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss out on an interview opportunity or potential job offer just because you forgot to check your inbox!

Lastly, your email signature should not only contain a link to your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio site, but also your mobile number, especially for your first email to any professional contact.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 37

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

MANAGING YOUR LINKEDIN PROFILE AS AN INTERN Your LinkedIn profile is more than your digital presence on the popular career networking portal. Here are some guidelines on how to make full use of your profile on LinkedIn as an intern so that you can get closer to your dream job as a young graduate.

Exhibit desired skill Highlight what Decide what you 1 want 2 3 sets makes you an asset to achieve on LinkedIn

Before you come up with a battle plan, you need to know what is it that you’re hoping to gain through LinkedIn. Are you looking to join a particular sector and clinch a certain type of job role? Check out profiles of individuals and companies in your interest areas to find out what skills are in demand and how the tone of your LinkedIn profile should be. What are you trying to market yourself as? What roles do you want to be shortlisted for? Answer these questions first before coming up with the content for your LinkedIn bio.

38 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Just like how an applicant tracking system works for job applications submitted, recruiters spot keywords on LinkedIn profiles to meet their hiring needs. Identify your current skill sets so that you can highlight them in your LinkedIn bio, the same way you would on your resume. When you are on LinkedIn, you can browse around and take a leaf from industry professionals in your chosen field with well-crafted profiles. If not, the descriptions of your dream jobs serve as good fodder. Show what drives you along with what you can do. For instance, if a job posting for a user experience (UX) designer calls for skills in collaboration, visual communication, user empathy, coding and interaction design, you can use “I’m a team player driven to deliver the best user experience with beautiful and functional designs” as a headline in your LinkedIn profile.

Illustrate your experience with concrete examples and details in a succinct manner. For example, mention the exact number of sponsors you brought onboard for your final-year project so as to demonstrate your negotiation and partnership management skills. Show how you stand out for the sector and job role you are applying for. For example, if you are looking at a commercial research role for a specific locale or demographic group, state your familiarity with trends within a particular market segment.

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

your 4 Translate skills into value

recruiters 5 Show what’s next

Always take that extra step to prove the value of your knowledge in a professional setting and demonstrate how you contributed to the company you did your internship at. For example, do not leave out that you used search engine optimisation (SEO) in a digital marketing plan, which resulted in a 10 per cent growth in revenue. Go beyond merely listing your mastery of skills, softwares and languages. Show how you have applied the knowledge in a professional setting, such as how you used your command of a second or third language to gain insights into a regional market.

Other than statements about yourself, don’t leave out the most important information at the end – none other than a point of contact for potential employers, recruiters, clients, or anyone who wants to engage with you. Don’t forget to include a link to your portfolio if it is digital and online!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 39

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

A QUICK CHECKLIST Applying for your first internship can leave you feeling a little lost, so here’s a quick rundown to make sure you have everything!

1 Your resume Ensure its updated with your relevant skills, related projects and achievements and successes

2 Cover letter Don’t be afraid to get others to look through it

3 Keep it clear and simple Make sure your resume and cover letter are easy to follow and free of mistakes

4 Cement yourself digitally Create a LinkedIn profile, and manage and maintain it

5 Apply! There’s no one correct way to apply, so apply speculatively, online, and directly

40 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP “The ideal intern is committed, creative, organised, ambitious, independent, and able to crack a smile, whether meeting a celebrity or folding socks.” − Emily Weiss

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 41

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

BEFORE THE BIG DAY It’s the big day. Your first interview for your internship is coming up. Don’t panic. Instead, take a deep breath and break down the run-up to the interview into a series of manageable chunks and actions.

Quick grooming tips For gentlemen: • The clean-shaven look is always a safe bet. Get rid of stubble or wispy facial hair • Keep your hair neat and make sure that your fringe doesn’t spill past your eyebrows • Don’t be afraid to accessorise. Go for a solid watch or a simple pair of cufflinks to complement your outfit • Don’t overdo the cologne and aftershave.

For ladies: • Keep your nails in neutral or natural colours – glaring colours or designs may unnecessarily distract interviewers • Make sure to style your hair so that it stays in place and out of your face • If you plan on wearing jewellery and make-up, keep things subtle and simple. You want your personality – not your accessories – to shine through!

42 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

ONE WEEK BEFORE Start by getting the dress code right

Objective: Look the part of an impressive candidate. Your interview is a chance to show how you’d fit in, and this includes your appearance. Take a look at the recruiter’s website for clues about what the staff at the organisation consider to be appropriate business wear and copy them. Err on the side of formality if you’re unsure – it’s always better to come overdressed instead of underdressed. Your clothes should be clean, fitted and pressed. Be sure to cover up any tattoos. If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, make sure your teeth are stainfree.

THE NIGHT BEFORE Prepare everything you’ll need in advance Objective: Have everything you’ll need ready so you don’t panic the day of. • Hang up your interview outfit so you won’t have to stress out about what to wear • Pick a handy, compartmentalised document bag or folder to store your stuff in. Be sure to organise everything for easy access • Prepare three additional printed copies of your resume on good, solid paper. You’ll never know if additional interviewers show up unannounced! • Get a good night’s sleep to ensure that you’ll be well-rested when the morning comes. You’ll want to be as sharp and alert as possible in the interview room.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

2 HOURS BEFORE Depart for your destination Objective: Arrive at the interview venue with plenty of time to spare. You know how traffic generally has a way of working against you when you need to get somewhere in a hurry? This is not a good day to test that theory! Leave early to ensure you arrive at the location before your appointed time. Remember that when it comes to interviews, arriving “on time” is tantamount to arriving late.

10 MINUTES BEFORE

30 MINUTES BEFORE

20 MINUTES BEFORE

Arrive at the premises and get comfortable with your surroundings

Introduce yourself to a stranger and break the ice

Objective: Decrease your initial stress and get into a positive frame of mind.

Objective: Get used to talking in your new surroundings by striking up a conversation with someone who works for the employer but won’t be interviewing you.

Arriving at the location a good 30 minutes before your appointment will give you enough time to breathe and get to where you’re supposed to be with the least amount of aggravation. Now is not the time to fret about what you’ve remembered and how you’ll come across at the interview. Draw up a mental list of things you like so far about the place – it could be the colour of the carpet in the reception area or the pile of magazines on the coffee table – and focus your mind on that. This will help calm you down.

CRUNCH TIME

Meet and greet the interviewers

Demonstrate your skills!

Objective: From the very start, treat the interview as if it’s a meeting between two parties, not a one-way interrogation.

Objective: Use your innate skills and experiences, putting to good effect what you have learned through this magazine and other sources.

There’s usually a short explanation of how the interview will be structured. Commonly, the interviewers will begin with an overview of the company and the internship role you are being interviewed for. This preamble is the most “non-judgemental” part of the interview, so enjoy it and take the opportunity to ask some smart questions.

With any luck, the first person you’ll encounter is a receptionist expecting your arrival. He or she may ask you to sign in before taking you to the visitors’ area. Be friendly and appreciative, as you should be towards anyone you come into contact with in the building, be it the cleaner or the CEO.

Introductions are typically followed by the most time-consuming part of the interview: Questions to find out whether you can do the job and whether you have the motivation to do so. Finally, you will get the chance to ask questions of your own.

You may also be given a short test to complete before or after the interview. This may be to establish the level of your skills pertinent to the job, or a more general evaluation of your preferred working style. Follow all instructions carefully, plan your time, and focus on the task. If you are applying for a graduate internship, the assessment process might be more extensive and carried out separately in an assessment centre.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 43

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

COMMON INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Worried that your internship recruiter will grill you with difficult questions that you might not know how to answer? Don’t worry – we’ve got you.

uite often, an internship interview is one of the first formal interviews a student or graduate will go through as they start building the foundation of their career journey. Needless to say, it can be quite daunting given how this is something new for many students. Doing the proper prep work will help you get over those nerves, and it will also help you with expressing yourself during the session. One good way to start your preparation is to list common questions recruiters ask their candidates, as well as how to respond by highlighting your strengths. To help you, we’ve prepared a list of common internship interview questions and how you can answer them in a way that will impress your internship recruiter.

me about 1Tell yourself Similar questions: “Why do you want to work here?” and “Why should we hire you?” Job and internship interviews typically start with this question to get you warmed up. But avoid getting too relaxed and regurgitating information your interviewers already know, such as your name and age.

44 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Your answer should sell your strengths and show your personality in relation to the internship role on offer. To kick things off, you can form a response with these four points: • Your year and course of study • Your career aim or the career path you are interested in • Your interest or hobby • Your reason for applying to the internship Aside from the first point, your answer should emphasise your strengths in relation to the internship role on offer. For instance, if you are a business student interested in the programmer intern position, you can talk about how you intend to pursue a career in the same line of work in the future, and how this position will help give you the relevant work experience. You could also talk about the activities you spend your spare time on, such as hackathons and app development courses online, where you’ve honed and developed technical skills that will be essential for the internship. Go the extra mile by talking about how your business degree has made you more commercially aware of the industry, and how you can contribute business strategies and ideas to the IT company you are applying for.

Why did you apply 2for an internship with this company?

Similar questions: “What do you know about our company?” and “How do you relate to our company values?” This question is usually asked to test your knowledge about the employer. Your response should demonstrate that you have done sufficient research about the company beyond a quick skim over the “about us” section on the employer’s website. Read up on the company’s history, values and press releases to get an indepth understanding. If the employer maintains a presence on social media, follow their accounts to get the latest news. With enough research under your belt, you should be able to connect the dots by aligning your work goals, style and personality to what the company stands for, or how you can relate to its business. Think about the company’s areas of specialisation and how they relate to your career aims and interests. What is their vision and mission, and how do they relate to your own values? For example, if the company you are applying to has a strong corporate social responsibility branding and is a strong advocate for animal rights, you can win your interviewers over by giving an example of how you have also participated in relevant activities, such as volunteering at an animal shelter. Your research will show your enthusiasm and reassure your interviewers that you are truly interested in the company, which will win you generous brownie points.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Similar question: “Give me two positive and negative adjectives that you would use to describe yourself.” This question is a tricky one. You have a chance to sell yourself, but also risk revealing traits that may jeopardise your chances of getting the internship. However, the purpose of this question is for your interviewers to learn more about your abilities and your motivation to improve on your weaker qualities rather than judging your weaknesses. Talking about your strengths is fairly straightforward – think about the skills and traits you possess that are relevant to the company and role. Selfmotivation is usually a good selling point to highlight as employers generally like candidates who are proactive and keen to learn. Use examples from school projects, activities or student clubs to back up your strengths as well. However, when it comes to talking about your weaknesses, students and graduates alike tend to make the mistake of nervously stating a negative trait about themselves and leaving it at that. First of all, you need to remain composed and confident. Stating your weakness is a bad thing only if you are doing nothing about it. Secondly, there is a strategy to answering this question – talk about your weakness and then follow your statement by describing what you are doing to improve yourself. For example, you can talk about how you do not have the best memory and tend to forget things when there’s an information overload. Follow up by talking about the steps you have taken to overcome this,

such as always jotting down the tasks you are assigned to do so that you will not forget them.

us about a time 4Tell when you had to deal with a difficult situation.

Similar question: “Give me an example or a situation where you encountered a challenge.” This is a competency question to evaluate your behaviour and strength, and is also meant to understand how you would respond to difficult situations. By asking such questions, your interviewers can predict how you would handle a workplace conflict or issue, from managing deadlines to interacting with difficult clients or co-workers. When it comes to competency interview questions, you can always use the STAR approach to structure your response: • Situation: Provide the context by describing the situation to your interviewers • Task: What were your goals? • Action: Explain what your specific actions were • Result: Describe the end result – even if the overall project did not end on a good note, make sure that it reflects you in a good light Here’s an example of how you can come up with an answer using this approach: • Situation I was President of the Music Society on campus, and was in charge for the Battle of the Bands event in January this year. We experienced a major hiccup on the day of the event when one of the judges who was supposed to be on the judging

panel informed us that he couldn’t make it at the last minute. • Task We had only two hours to inform the contestants of the change, update the emcee’s script for the event and edit the Powerpoint slides that were supposed to show pictures of the judges against the backdrop of the stage. • Action I delegated the last-minute tasks according to my team members’ roles. Within the first hour, I told the emcee liaison to make sure that the emcee was informed of the change. I assigned the PA system team to ensure that the picture of the absent judge was removed from the slideshow. Since we were a lean team, I personally took on the task to gather all the performers on stage to inform them of the last-minute change. An hour before the show, I did a final check on the Powerpoint slides and emcee script to make sure they were all updated. • Results The team was nervous about the unexpected problem at first, but because the last-minute tasks were delegated well and everyone did their part, the event went smoothly. Our audience was very happy with the event, and the contestants were excited to participate again the year after.

Tip: Avoid ‘blaming’ someone else for a problem or challenge you face. The focus of your answer should be on your actions and results.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 45

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

BODY LANGUAGE TIPS FOR INTERVIEWS We all know that body language is important – but how important?

s much as you prepare the right answers for your upcoming interviews, the way you carry yourself can affect the recruiter’s impression of you much more than you think. Don’t over-rehearse, but remember to be aware of how you’re possibly coming across to your interviewer(s). If anything, keep in mind that first impressions matter when it comes to job interviews – until you successfully secure the job, that is.

EYES • Go for an open, confident gaze, but don’t stare • Maintain a decent level of eye contact throughout the interview • In a panel interview, make sure to alternate eye contact with all of your interviewers, but always look back to the person you’re addressing • Don’t wink or flutter your eyelashes! • Remember to blink.

HANDS • Keep your handshakes firm and as dry as possible – especially at the end, as it’s your last chance to leave a lasting impression • No flabby handshakes or bonecrushers • Gesture appropriately to emphasise your answers: Right hand for giving out info, left hand for receiving info • Don’t crack your knuckles. It’s a bad habit anyway • Signs of nerves: Tapping fingers on the table.

46 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

MOUTH • Smile naturally. Don’t overdo or fake it • Fresh breath matters, so pop some breath mints before you head in • Be aware of your tone of voice. There’s no point in saying you’re passionate about something when you sound utterly bored • Excessive lip-licking is a no-no. Put on some lip balm just before the interview to keep them from cracking if you need to • Avoid breathing from your mouth. Heavy breathing isn’t particularly presentable • Signs of nerves: Pursing and biting your lips.

A study at Harvard Business School tells us that of the messages we send out:

38%

tone of voice

55%

body language

POSTURE • No slouching! Sit up straight to give recruiters a more confident impression of yourself • Square your shoulders and raise your head to give a more self-assured and reliable quality • Don’t be stiff • Stay comfortable. Don’t be afraid to change positions throughout the interview, but avoid excessive fidgeting • Mirror your interviewer’s posture from time to time to create solidarity between the both of you • Lean forward a little to show interest in what your interviewers are saying.

words

MAJOR TIP Calm those nerves! The one thing that affects your body language the most is your nerves. You can mask them slightly by going into an interview well-prepped with positive examples and stories about how you’re undeniably ready for the job. But if you don’t calm yourself before the session starts, your body language will give you away! You might go into defensive mode and end up crossing your arms, let loose all your nervous tics, or worse, overdo everything and come across as a phoney. Experienced recruiters can tell when you’re faking it, so stay away from that. They’re looking for someone who’ll fit right in with the team, so take a few deep breaths before walking through the door, relax, and remember to stay professional.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 47

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

HOW TO ACE YOUR INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW Going for your first internship interview? Make sure you know what to expect, as well as what is expected of you before walking through that door.

ou’ve filled up the application form and sent out your resume and cover letter to the organisation you want to intern at. Before long, your wish came true and you received a call to schedule an interview with your potential employer. Everything has been smooth sailing so far and your interview is the last hurdle that will make or break an employer’s decision to take you on as an intern. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the interview process by thinking that recruiters expect less of you because the position you are applying for is only for the short term! On their part, some employers see interns as future investments that may move into full-time employment, as shown in a study conducted by CNBC. In that study, it was found that in the accounting sector, interns had a 31 per cent rate of conversion to full-time employees. Thus, there are certain levels of expectations for interns brought in. It is therefore important that you do your homework and figure out what to expect before you walk into the interview room.

48 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

What to expect from your internship interview Depending on the internship position and line of work you are applying for, you may have one or multiple interviewers ranging from HR team members, managers from the relevant department of the organisation, experts from the related area of work, or a mixture of all. Most interviews are made up of structured questions that have been set by the interviewers in a particular order. However, your responses may sprout new questions on the fly from interviewers so that they can learn more about you. Go along with the flow of the interview questions, and do not be afraid to ask questions as long as they are relevant and appropriate. Typically, there is a chance for you to ask questions at the end of the interview session.

How to shine in your interview There’s no better way to impress employers than to show that you have done your research and come to the interview prepared, so don’t hesitate to show your understanding of the company and its culture. For instance, if your research has identified the organisation’s emphasis on communication and teamwork, you can use this knowledge to your advantage and demonstrate your personality, skills and experience to complement that facet of the organisation. Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to internship interviews is that you have to show how the internship will benefit you. Indicate that you have reflected on the advantages of completing an internship with that specific employer, and how that will affect your future career prospects – no employer wants their intern to regret his or her internship because they discovered too late that it won’t advance their career.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Wrap it up: Interview dos and don’ts To sum up, here are a list of things you should and shouldn’t be doing before and during your internship interview:

Dos

Typical interview questions It is not uncommon for bigger employers to conduct two rounds of interviews when recruiting interns. Quite often, the first would be a HR interview, whereby the interview questions tend to be quite standard. The second would typically be a more technical interview with a line manager. Internship interviews usually involve: • Why you are interested in the industry, field, employer and the role you applied for • Your competencies • Technical questions related to the role • Previous relevant experiences • Hypothetical questions relating to the role, such as “How would you react if this happened?” • Core skill questions much like “Tell me about the skills you can bring to this role?”

How to appear professional One of the key considerations employers have is whether the person they’re going to hire can behave appropriately and professionally in the workplace. This is especially important if your role involves interacting with people outside the organisation during your internship, such as clients, partners, or suppliers. You can prove that you are perfectly capable of conducting yourself professionally simply by dressing appropriately for your interview. First impressions can really go a long way! Also, greet your interviewer with a firm hand shake, make eye contact and smile sensibly throughout the interview. Some polite small talk with your interviewers is a good idea too, as it’ll help create a more amiable and pleasant atmosphere. However, do stick to safe topics such as the weather or your journey to the interview venue. Avoid personal stories, such as your wild night out – even if your interviewer appears to be friendly and acting casual.

• Find out as much as you can about the employer, role, and industry prior to the interview • Research typical interview questions and prepare responses with examples for each, using extracurricular activities and any work experience you have • Plan your journey so you arrive on time • Ensure your interview attire is clean and prepared in advance • Be polite to everyone, including the cleaners! • Engage in a two-way conversation with your interviewers.

Don’ts • Give monosyllabic answers. If you get an unexpected question, think quickly on your feet and use a relevant example • Use offensive language. Even if you are joking and your interviewers are friendly, stay professional at all times • Mention your interview on social media. A study by CareerBuilder shows 65 per cent of employers check candidates’ social media accounts to see if the job seeker presents himself or herself professionally. Boasting about an interview online can be off-putting, and if a separate employer notices that you have been interviewed by another company, they may decide not to waste their time contacting you.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 49

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

BOUNCING BACK FROM REJECTION Nobody likes being turned down from a promising internship. Flip this negative into a positive and make it worth your while.

ere’s the truth: Not getting that internship you’ve pined and prepared so thoroughly for doesn’t make you a failure. You’ve put in the 110 per cent for your grades, somehow made time for an internship or two, and ensured that you did everything perfectly right up to the interview. Getting that rejection email might make you question everything – your efforts, capabilities, and your unpredictable future. Allow yourself to go through the grief, briefly. But once you’ve cleared your mind of any self-defeating scenarios, take the time to re-attune your focus towards achieving your goal of securing gainful employment. Take rejections as experience and work on ways to improve your odds for upcoming applications. Don’t let the words “we regret to inform you” define you as a person. Get through the different stages of rejection and watch as it strengthens your character and enhances your approach to the application process. With experience, you’ll understand that getting an internship is unlike

50 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

the passes and fails that have defined your academic career so far. There’s no clear-cut way of determining the real reason behind your results, and the only person keeping count of the number of rejections is you. Be patient, humble, and trudge on – in time, you will get matched with the right internship and find yourself safely established in a career you enjoy.

with 1 Dealing rejection The most important rule about dealing with rejection is to not take it personally. Respond professionally and prevent yourself from overthinking about the reason behind your unsuccessful application. Understand that sometimes the odds are just not in your favour – there may have been an overwhelming number of equally excellent candidates applying for the same position. Stay confident in your abilities and know that you’ve got plenty to offer.

2 Ask for feedback

When in doubt, ask. If you’ve gotten though several rounds of interviews and various assessment tests and still come out short, ask the interviewer for feedback and decide how best to tweak your next application. Was there a better qualified candidate? Did they think you were not the best fit for their company culture? Look for opportunities to gain relevant work experience. The information you receive may seem vague at times – “we decided to go in another direction” – but ask anyway as you never know when you’ll get something constructive. However, don’t be overly persistent if recruiters take a while to respond or don’t get back to you at all.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

3 Trust the system

The process of getting an internship isn’t as straightforward as you might think, so dwelling on something that isn’t within your control will only do you more harm than good. Instead, count every rejection as a learning experience and let it hone your hunting skills. Remember to respect the recruiter’s decision – it is possible that you were simply not a good match for the role on offer. Don’t forget that paper qualifications and excellent interviewing skills are not enough to secure a position with an organisation; it is also up to the recruiter’s discretion to ascertain if you’re the best possible fit for the company. Be humble and take this as an opportunity to do some realistic selfanalysis on the type of role and work environment you’d be most suitable for. Once you’ve gained perspective on the recruitment process and some selfawareness on what you can offer, you’d be able to better market yourself to recruiters at your next interview. With a bit of patience, you may possibly end up with the right role for your skills and personality.

4 Moving forward

Once you’ve fully come to terms with your first rejection, work on getting back in the game. At this point, you should be armed with a stronger resume, be more adept at handling interviews and have a more realistic expectation of the process. Don’t give up on other applications. Resilience throughout the process of getting an internship is necessary, as it is common for an applicant to receive several rejections before securing one. There is no fixed rate of success or shortcut, so you might get accepted for an internship after the first few tries,

or find yourself sending out dozens of applications before finally getting a foot in the door. Have faith that your tenacity will pay off in the long run. Also, keep in mind that it is more than likely your friends are going through the same experience – sharing your feelings may help diffuse your frustrations. Don’t be discouraged if your peers get internships before you do. Focus your energy on improving your situation instead. If you’re in need of guidance, don’t shy away from seeking the counsel of your school’s career advisors. Their pool of resources and expertise may help you move in the right direction.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 51

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

PREPARING FOR YOUR FIRST DAY OF INTERNSHIP Read, understand and implement the following tips to help you shine on your very first day.

fter countless applications and non-stop interviews, you’ve finally landed yourself that coveted internship. Congratulations! Pat yourself on the back for a job well done, but remember, that was only the beginning. As your first day approaches, you can expect to break out in cold sweat and feel butterflies permanently settling themselves in your stomach. It’s completely normal to get those first-day nerves – it happens to all of us, after all. However, it’s important to make a good impression from the first day so you can set the stage for a successful internship experience. Good preparation and understanding a few key workplace basics can go a long way in helping you achieve that. Here are some tips to ensure your first day goes smoothly.

52 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

The day before • Know exactly where you’ll be based and where you need to report to on your first day. Check the map on your phone and figure out how to get there. Usually, the company website also gives directions to their respective offices • Remember the name of your reporting officer so you don’t show up at the front desk looking clueless and disorganised. You’ll likely be reporting in the morning when everyone is just walking into the office or busy preparing to start their day, so they may not be too pleased to help a new intern who shows up on his or her first day underprepared • Plan your journey. Give yourself some breathing time for bad traffic, MRT breakdowns, or bus delays. If you’re unfamiliar with your office area, include additional time in case you get lost. If you’re driving, find out where the nearest parking area is. Take note that not every office building provides parking for those without season parking passes • Revise any specialised knowledge or skills you may need for the job. You may be lacking in experience,

but make sure you’re armed with impressive theoretical knowledge • Research and read up about the company. While this may be something you’ve already done when applying for the internship, it is good to tune in to the company’s latest news. You can start by checking out their social media profiles. You may also read about the history of the organisation, their vision and mission, or what they’re currently working on if you haven’t done so already • Ensure you have enough workappropriate attire. Some companies can be quite uptight about what their employees wear to work while others are more flexible. If you’re unsure, dress smartly on your first day; it’s better to overdress than underdress in this situation

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

• Pack your bag the night before with essentials, such as extra money, some snacks and a notebook with a pen. Bring along a blazer or jacket in case the office is cold.

While at the workplace • Confirm your working hours with your supervisor, and if you need to take your lunch break at a particular time • Keep your desk neat and tidy. This is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression, so do it well • If you’re expected to answer the phone, learn how to use the office phone system. You should have a sheet with the names of your colleagues, their designations and extension numbers. Keep it accessible by the phone

• Take note of email protocols to adopt, such as using a particular signature file, salutation or sign-off. It goes without saying that the tone of your email must remain formal and professional at all times • If you’re invited to attend meetings with colleagues or clients, clarify beforehand whether your input would be welcome or if you are expected to sit and observe. This is the perfect time to make use of your notebook and pen to take down meeting notes. Regardless of whether you’re involved in the discussed projects or not, use the time to learn more about what the company does • When briefed on a task, take the time to fully understand what you need to do and ask questions if necessary. Don’t be shy or feel intimidated. This is the time for you to break out of your shell and learn on the job with practically zero fallout

• As mentioned earlier, bring extra cash on your first day; you may not know how much lunch costs at your workplace. Even if you do, the extra cash will come in handy if your colleagues decide to take you out to a restaurant or café instead of the nearby hawker centre for lunch • Check in at the end of the day with your manager(s) to tell them you’re getting ready to leave. Always ask if there’s anything else they need you to do for the day. Don’t just disappear! This is the rule of thumb not just for the first day, but the rest of your internship So you’ve survived your first day. What’s next? Continue to listen attentively and learn well during your internship. Use the time to network and gather as much experience as you can. You never know – the good first impression you’ve set may eventually lead to a permanent position in the company.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 53

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

SURVIVING YOUR FIRST DAY AS AN INTERN Here are some ways to seize the opportunity to make a good impression on the first day of your internship

t’s the moment you’ve been looking forward to – starting your internship! Are you excited about your new role, yet nervous about adapting to the workplace? Fret not, follow these pointers for a smooth Day One.

1Dress well

Legendary costume designer, Edith Head, once said, “You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.” What you wear on your first day of internship is important as it contributes to the image your colleagues will form of you. Take pride in your appearance at work as it reveals the attitude you are bringing to your work tasks and assignments.

54 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re unsure about the dress code of your workplace, it is always safe to dress more formally on your first day. Neutral colours count towards a professional image. Most importantly, you must feel comfortable and confident in your attire.

attention to 2 Pay briefings Most companies provide an orientation for employees and interns at the very beginning that includes information on your role, company policy, procedures, and rules and regulations. Listen intently and jot down important notes such as contact details, useful key facts and other relevant information for yourself.

to know your Mastering the 3 Get 4 colleagues systems You cannot survive the workplace without getting to know your colleagues well. After all, they will be the ones sharing both delightful and sad moments with you at work as part of your project and assignment teams, or even as friends. Get to know each of them by name, and identify those whom you will be working with most closely or needing help from for crucial needs. Usually, your colleagues will want to engage you more during lunch, so say yes to having lunch together!

Some companies might have their own database systems or applications for day-to-day work, so you will have to learn how to navigate them. When your colleagues are teaching you the ropes on how to use it, take notes so that you can make references in future. That said, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to ask for help if you are unsure or have any burning questions. Besides these practical tips, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget about observing workplace etiquette such as arriving on time and minimising your distractions at work. Good luck and put your best foot forward as an intern!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 55

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

HOW TO BECOME A STAR INTERN Life as an intern is not a bed of roses – you have to prove yourself despite your inexperience. Here are some tips on how you can shine during your internship!

ou’ve applied for an internship with your dream employer and received a confirmation to join the company. Congratulations! Now, what can you do to be a star intern to increase your chances of getting hired upon graduation? Here’s how you can stand out as a promising intern.

in the hard 1 Put work As an intern, you need to be extra hardworking in completing your assignments, so prove to your superiors that you are capable of the tasks assigned. Sometimes, this may require you to work overtime unpaid, or even odd hours. Value the opportunity to work hands-on in your chosen environment. Although an intern’s pay is usually meagre, the experience gained helps you learn a lot more about yourself professionally and puts you in better stead for future work stints, including a potential conversion to a full-time hire.

56 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Take on challenges

If you’re keen to get a full-time opportunity with your internship company, start by making sure there is such a possibility. Set out to accomplish all the tasks assigned to you and more. Keep a look out for areas where you can contribute and take the initiative to propose new assignments with your boss or manager. Ask for more challenging tasks if you are up for it.

Solve and minimise problems

Initially, you will be faced with many unknowns, but don’t feel embarrassed about asking your colleagues or superiors about anything related to the job. That said, you should be proactive enough to solve your problems on your own first before going to someone for help. Clarify how to use a certain application, or raise any questions you may have regarding your duties. The key is to always ask your colleagues or your

superiors if you’re unsure – two heads are better than one! Don’t linger in doubt or you might end up with errors. If you encounter a roadblock in your work, you can come up with a few solutions to present to your boss or manager who can help you decide on the best course of action.

from your 4 Learn mistakes Mistakes are a part and parcel of life – especially when you’re starting out in a new role or field. As an intern, there will be mistakes that you’re bound to make as compared to your colleagues who have been working for years. Learn to face your mistakes and don’t be fearful of them. Accepting your errors and learning from them are crucial skills in the workplace. If you’re unable to deal with errors and failure, your work performance is bound to be affected. Be brave enough to admit to your mistakes and move on positively.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Bond well with your team

No man is an island, especially in the workplace. As an intern, you’re embedded in a network of professional contacts while being the most junior, so make sure to learn something from everyone you meet. Develop good relationships with your colleagues so that you can work on projects together with efficiency and enjoyment. The ability to mingle and interact with people of different dynamics across a team is also key to your professional growth.

Seek feedback

As an intern, you want to know that you are making progress and are on the right track. Asking for feedback is the easiest way to find out if you’re doing well in your role, and how else you can improve yourself professionally. Consult your supervisor and colleagues, and listen to their guidance and advice. Weekly feedback sessions will help you monitor your progress and development as an intern, and will come in handy when you have to write a report to summarise your experience.

It should be obvious by now that a star intern is one who takes charge of his or her own learning, takes the initiative in getting things done, and actively seeks to solve problems. This intern is also a valued contributor on the team, instead of someone who needs hand-holding. Go the extra mile to prove yourself, and if you’re the right fit for the role, you might just get converted after your internship to a full-time hire.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 57

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AT THE END OF YOUR INTERNSHIP? The end of your internship doesn’t always mean the end of your time there. Find out how you can get the most out of your internship in the long run, even beyond your last day.

ou’ve learned important lessons, forged invaluable relationships and enjoyed yourself during your internship – it’s been fun! However, before you know it, the time for you to bid goodbye to your co-workers and bosses is only a few days away. How do you draw your internship to a graceful close and put your work experience to good use? How do you ensure you can make the most of the contacts you’ve made during your internship? Fret not, here are five things you can do to ensure that you end your internship on the right note.

Reflect on your accomplishments and what you’ve learned This is important both for your selfawareness and future job applications. Take the time to think about your milestones and what you have done throughout your internship. These are great points to talk about with future potential employers during job interviews.

58 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Write them down in detail before your internships ends so you can still check with your co-workers or fellow interns if there is anything that slipped your mind. Do remember to include these key points in your notes: • • • •

What you worked on Who you worked with Training received Skills learned

Additionally, aim to make your description as detailed as possible. You may include names of people, projects, products, cases, training courses or software packages of note – whichever is applicable – and any relevant numbers. For instance, you can document that you worked in a team of six or increased sales by 15 per cent. Detailed descriptions are as useful as concrete examples and they often make you more believable and persuasive in your job applications. Also, note any feedback you have received, especially praise. These can earn you brownie points if you mention them in your job application process as well.

Update your resume and LinkedIn profile After taking down what you’ve done and achieved during your internship, it’s time to make things official by updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. Try to do this while everything is still fresh in your mind so you can accurately transfer what you wrote in your notes onto your resume and LinkedIn profile. When updating your LinkedIn profile, make your updates public so that you can increase your visibility online. Besides, you deserve some attention for all the accomplishments you’ve realised. More importantly, you are making recruiters on LinkedIn aware of your experience.

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Keeping in touch

Confirm your internship employer as a referee Most job applications require applicants to share details of their referees. While you are still interning, don’t forget to check if your employer is willing to provide a reference for you for future jobs or internships. Confirm with your line manager or the HR manager if it is alright to add them to your CV as a referee and if they are comfortable with providing their contact details when the time comes. To be safe, you can also ask them for a letter of recommendation. Do take into consideration that your managers may have to find the time to write one for you, so it’s best to request a letter well in advance before your internship ends. In addition, you may also ask if they’re willing to leave a recommendation for you on your LinkedIn profile.

Follow up on suggestions If your colleagues have made suggestions that can help you progress in your career such as introducing contacts or some things you should read up on, it’s time to get to it! Your window of opportunity to follow up on new contacts shrinks every passing day towards the end of your internship. Introducing yourself to someone by saying “I met Jane Doe a year ago and she suggested I get in touch” will not reflect well on you. And although background reading may not be quite as pressing, it can be a thoughtful gesture as well as a good excuse to get back in touch with a soonto-be-ex-colleague and say you found it helpful.

Before you leave, think about who you would want to stay in touch with – they may be colleagues who have helped you, or might be willing to do so in the future. Ask them if they would like to stay in contact. If they are, you can exchange email addresses or connect via LinkedIn. Once you’re done with your internship, you may get busy very quickly with school or job-hunting, and may eventually fail to keep in touch. Do make a concrete plan to follow through on your commitment to avoid this. To make things easier and more efficient, you can create a group email list of the people you requested to keep in contact with during your internship. Instead of dropping them an email only when you want something – which can reflect badly on you – make an effort to check in with them from time to time. It will show your sincerity, and it doesn’t hurt to refresh their memory of you too!

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 59

INDUSTRY SECTORS Employer A-Z Accounting and Financial Management Arts and Design Banking and Financial Services Charities and Social Services Construction Consulting Education Engineering Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Healthcare Hospitality, Leisure and Tourism Investment Banking and Investment Management IT and Technology Law Media and Advertising Property and Real Estate Public Sector Sales and Marketing Scientific Research and Development Uniformed Services

60 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67 67 68 68 69 69 70 70

INDUSTRY SECTORS

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT n internship in accounting is an excellent opportunity into a career in this field, and there is no shortage of openings for accounting students and graduates in both the private and public sectors. On top of allowing interns to pick up skills and gather experience firsthand, some companies offer their best interns full-time roles upon graduation.

An overview… Roles tend to be specific, such as in finance, tax, insolvency, and even analysis, so be sure to brush up on what you’ve learned. Moreover, due to the nature of the work, you will need numeracy and communication skills as well as an ability to work well under pressure. Placements are usually either mid-year or end-year, though there are opportunities for off-cycle internships as well.

Did you know?

Briefly: When: Mid-year, end-year, off-cycle. Application deadlines: January for midyear, August for end-year, January and August for off-cycle.

Most popular accounting employers keeping track of taxes paid in sheep and agricultural produce, during which the practice of writing was invented. Before this, tokens were used to document the exchange of goods and services.

Internship hunting tips • Make sure your resume has been updated • Most accountancy employers use online application forms and interviews to recruit interns.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

PwC Deloitte EY KPMG BDO LLP Baker Tilly TFW Shell RSM Stone Forest Grant Thornton

Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

Luca Pacioli, the father of accounting, was born around 1447. The world’s first accountants worked for temples,

ARTS AND DESIGN Internship-hunting tips

ingapore has established itself as a gateway to Asia’s arts and design scene, and multi-national corporations who have taken note are using its unique and strategic location to further their expansion into the Asian markets.

• Networking is key as opportunities are typically found through wordof-mouth. Freelancing is worth considering, particularly if you are resourceful enough to seek support from organisations like the National Arts Council or DesignSingapore Council

An overview… Internships usually encompass a wide range of disciplines, and interns in the design sector can be found in the fashion, advertising and marketing fields while artists may apply their skills in the education and healthcare sectors as teachers or art therapists. On the other hand, interns who wish to enter arts management may look at curator or administrator placements. This sector also values creativity as much as business acumen and encourages independence and persistence.

• A combination of creativity and professionalism is required, so interns must be able to market and brand themselves effectively

Did you know?

• More enterprising individuals may consider launching a start-up to monetise their work.

The National Gallery of Singapore is one of the largest visual arts venues in the region and showcases significant artwork unique to the history and heritage of Singapore and Southeast Asia. Singapore was also named a UNESCO Creative City of Design in 2015 and shares best practices and partnerships with civil society on cultural life and liveability.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 61

INDUSTRY SECTORS

BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ingapore’s banking and financial services industry is one of the world’s top. But with financial institutions under increased scrutiny in the wake of the global crisis, compliance and risk have taken on more significant roles.

An overview… Internships are highly coveted as there are opportunities for full-time roles upon graduation, so think carefully about which area you wish to go into and get a head start, whether it be as a corporate or investment banker, a financial planner, or even a trader or broker. Employers in this sector look out for team players with analytical, organisational and time management skills as well as commercial awareness and an ability to solve problems.

the currency market sees a daily average trading volume higher than Hong Kong and Japan.

Internship hunting tips • Recruitment is stringent as opportunities to work on real-life projects are offered • Be sure to show how you can contribute to the role and department that you are applying for.

Internship Deadlines Application deadlines for summer internships are in November and December and last for about 10 weeks though there are longer internships available during the semester as well.

Did you know? Singapore is Asia’s biggest foreign exchange (FX) hub and, according to a triennial central bank survey in 2016 by the Bank for International Settlements,

Most popular banking & financial services employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

DBS Bank OCBC Bank MasterCard Ministry of Finance (MOF) Maybank Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) 7. United Overseas Bank (UOB) 8. Visa 9. Citi Singapore 10. HSBC Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

CHARITIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES oluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and philanthropic foundations in the not-for-profit sector provide support in achieving objectives and drive programmes. Social services, on the other hand, can be found in both private and public sectors, delivering services that meet public needs.

An overview… There are many internship opportunities and placements in areas that range from service delivery to administration, research and strategy to marketing and outreach. But to be successful in this sector, you need more than just perseverance as well as interpersonal and organisational skills – you need to be highly empathetic and committed to a cause.

62 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Did you know?

Internship hunting tips

A group of philanthropists established the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) in May 1962 promoting equal opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities in education and as contributing citizens. Since its inception, MINDS has grown to become an established NGO championing the needs of persons with intellectual disability (PWIDs) in Singapore.

• Identify the organisations that interest you based on their mission and focus. Contact them directly even if they don’t appear to have job openings on their websites • Entry requirements may vary depending on the type of work involved. However, interns and graduates must always demonstrate their commitment to the organisation.

INDUSTRY SECTORS

CONSTRUCTION he Building and Construction Authority (BCA) projected a $2526 billion growth in 2018 and 2019 in demand for public construction, propped up with the building of new MRT lines, public housing, and healthcare institutions. Moreover, given Singapore’s recent drive towards environmentallysustainable land development, the green economy is expected to make significant contributions as well.

An overview… This sprawling sector includes multidisciplinary and general construction firms, government development boards, demolitions companies, and even financing and investment companies. As such, there is a wide spectrum of internship roles ranging from that of health and safety officers to engineers, and construction estimators to quantity surveyors. However, due to the nature of the sector, you need to have sound technical knowledge while remaining detail-oriented, and be able to work independently as well as in a team.

Did you know?

Internship hunting tips

A local condominium, the Interlace, has won multiple awards for its design, which features 31 blocks of apartments stacked in a hexagonal arrangement. Some of these prestigious awards include the World Building of the Year in 2015 and the Urban Habitat Award in 2014.

• The construction sector tends to be low-key about hiring graduates and interns. Take proactive steps to look out for internship opportunities in the companies you wish to join or check with your careers services centre on campus.

CONSULTING M anagement assess how

consultants first organisations can improve their profit-making ability, efficiency, or position in the market before implementing a plan to help the client achieve its goals. While most major consulting firms offer end-toend solutions for a range of business functions, especially in areas like IT and finance, specialist consultancy firms offer specific services.

Did you know?

Internship hunting tips

Management consultants rarely have two identical workdays; the broad range of work means solutions are tailored on a case-by-case basis, so there is a very wide scope of tasks.

• Practise your case studies before applying as those will make or break your applications • Read business pages for commercial awareness. Keep your eye on successful or innovative advertising and branding campaigns, and figure out what makes them work.

An overview… Though internshipa are coveted in this sector for its varied work, exposure and attractive opportunities that include travel, interns must be prepared to work in high-pressure environments, assessing situations and recommending successful solutions within tight timelines. Because of that, no matter which employer you are looking at – whether a strategic, human resource, IT, financial advisory or public relations consultancy – you will need creativity, commercial awareness and interpersonal and analytical skills along with problem-solving abilities.

CONSULTING

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 63

INDUSTRY SECTORS

EDUCATION Did you know?

ingapore’s education industry is primarily run by the Ministry of Education (MOE), though other teachers are employed by private education institutes such as pre-school centres and local and private tertiary institutions. However, in this noble profession, teaching experience and real-world exposure – such to as parent and classroom management – are highly critical in assessing one’s suitability.

MOE teachers are entitled to about 100 hours of professional development annually. They are also appraised every year with multiple measures such as contributions to their school and colleagues as well as student academic and character development alongside collaborations with parents and community groups.

Internship hunting tips

An overview…

• For internships within the education field in the public sector, applicants are required to apply directly at the respective portals

Though many internship roles revolve around teaching from nursery to junior college and technical institutes as well as lecturing in polytechnics, universities and adult education centres, there are also opportunities for educational psychologists, career counsellors and TEFLs. But you need more than just a passion and desire to teach, impart knowledge, and inspire and groom students – you also need organisational, time management, interpersonal and communication skills on top of strong leadership skills.

CONSULTING

• Check the MOE website for application timelines each year, as well as for shortlisted candidates and expected training • For other opportunities, you can apply to the organisation directly.

ENGINEERING thriving sector with a strong local supplier base and vast connectivity to the region alongside formidable research and development infrastructure, key growth areas include biomedical and chemical-related industries, aerospace and precision engineering. Other significant areas include the engineering solutions and automation sector, nano- and biotechnology fields, and the growing green economy.

skills alongside an understanding of programming languages such as Python and Java.

Did you know? The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) is the premier engineering institution which the government often calls upon for feedback on professional engineering matters.

64 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

• Large companies typically recruit directly on campus through collaborations with engineering schools and career service centres • Smaller companies normally recruit on an “as needed” basis, advertising through websites and newspapers.

When to apply? • Most employers usually recruit continuously.

An overview… Employers run the gamut from manufacturers and engineering firms to construction companies and even organisations in the medical device industry. To that end, internships can be found in the electronic, biomedical, structural and environmental fields as well as in business and management. On top of being able to work in a team, skills in project management and communication are important, though you will also need strong technical

Internship hunting tips

GNITLUSNOC

INDUSTRY SECTORS

FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS ast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) refer to products that are highly indemand and sold quickly and affordably. Products categorised under FMCG include toiletries, cosmetics, processed food, detergents and plastic goods.

Did you know?

An overview…

Internship hunting tips

As there is constant growth in the consumer market and plenty of room for progression, detergent manufacturers and companies dealing in food and drinks, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals place importance on recruiting interns and often offer the best and brightest full-time positions upon graduation. Interns can find themselves working in areas covering food technology, sales and marketing, research and development, and even supply chain management. As such, commercial awareness, good communication and interpersonal skills as well as an ability to solve problems and work in a team are traits employers look for.

To fashion label Zara, “FMCG” means “fast, meme, cheap and good.” Originating from Spain, the fast fashion retailer used this strategy to expand to almost 100 countries.

• Once you’ve identified the company that you want to do your internship with, conduct your own research to get a good understanding of the company’s products before sending in your application • Bigger FMCG companies offer internship programmes for a period of 12 weeks or more.

An overview… Placements can be found in pharmaceutical companies, medical laboratories, dental and private surgeries, care agencies and hospitals in the forms of medical, dental, nursing and even hospital operations, optician and nutritionist internships. However, you would need to have resilience, a passion for serving others, good technical knowledge, organisational, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work with others.

Most popular FMCG employers 1. Unilever 2. Procter & Gamble 3. Nestlé 4. L’Oréal 5. Shopee 6. Johnson & Johnson 7. Sephora 8. Dyson 9. Samsung 10. Carlsberg Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

HEALTHCARE ne of Singapore’s hallmarks is its healthcare system, and, at present, there are three regional healthcare provision systems spread out islandwide to facilitate integrated healthcare delivery. Several top international private healthcare providers have also established operations in Singapore to advance into the Asia Pacific region.

CONSULTING

Did you know? International research organisations such as the American Association for Cancer Research, Duke University and Johns Hopkins University have established their presence in Singapore. Companies and scientists work alongside these research institutes to accelerate drug discovery and develop novel therapies to meet healthcare needs.

Internship hunting tips • Due to the nature of the sector, interns should be able to commit for a minimum of eight weeks • Internships with the public sector usually last eight weeks. To apply, students need to go through MOH’s website and look out for vacancies.

Most popular healthcare employers 1. Ministry of Health (MOH) 2. National University Health System (NUHS) 3. National Healthcare Group 4. GlaxoSmithKline 5. Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) 6. Novartis 7. Abbott 8. Alexandra Health 9. Pfizer 10. Merck Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

CONSULTING

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 65

INDUSTRY SECTORS

HOSPITALITY, LEISURE AND TOURISM etween 2017 and 2018, Singapore experienced a 6.2 per cent spike in visitor arrivals – and continued growth is expected in the local tourism industry, especially with continued outreach efforts.

An overview… Internship opportunities range from management roles in hotels and events to supporting functions such as IT and human resources in restaurants, entertainment venues, tourism organisations and social clubs in roles including travel agents, managers, events coordinators and even fitness instructors. As the sector is focussed on customer satisfaction as well as the creation of specific experiences for them, you need to be a team player, customer-oriented, have skills in communication and organisation, and able to solve problems.

Did you know? The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) promotes responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism as a catalyst for economic advancements, such as developmental and environmental sustainability.

Internship hunting tips • Work experience is highly prioritised. Contact an organisation to state your interest • Find out if there are graduate internship schemes that you are eligible for when contacting a specific employer • Always highlight relevant work experience and skills such as customer care and retail exposure • Be prepared for shift hours and working on weekends. Demonstrate high commitment to your duties during your internship.

INVESTMENT BANKING AND INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT nvestment management involves the safeguarding and maximising of investments on behalf of institutions, corporations or individuals. Contrary to popular belief, a business or finance degree is not needed to enter this sector as the relevant skills can be acquired – you just need an interest in the markets.

An overview… Activities normally occur on three levels – front office (financing, sales, trading, research), middle office (risk management, strategy, compliance), and back office (operations and technology). For an internship or graduate position, you can apply to all three offices in investment banks or funds industry organisations, though joining smaller boutique or brokerage firms is an option as well. Adaptability as well as an interest in the markets is required, but you will also need good interpersonal

66 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

and communication skills alongside numeracy and analytical know-how.

Did you know? Investment banks and institutions value graduates with backgrounds in engineering and computer science. This dynamic sector hires graduates from a variety of fields.

Internship hunting tips • Graduates and interns typically start out as financial analysts, so it is imperative that you research on the role and organisation that you intend to apply to, and figure out where you stand • Investment banks typically conduct on-campus recruitment once or twice a year, so keep an eye for potential opportunities • Investment bank internships usually run for at least 10 weeks.

Most popular hospitality employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Changi Airport Group Singapore Airlines Resorts World Sentosa The Walt Disney Company Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) 7. Ritz-Carlton Millenia 8. Scoot 9. Park Hotel Group 10. Starwood Hotels & Resorts Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

Most popular investment employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

DBS Bank J.P. Morgan OCBC Bank Goldman Sachs Bank of America Merrill Lynch 6. Barclays 7. Maybank 8. Morgan Stanley 9. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) 10. Citi Singapore Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

Briefly: When: Summer and winter. Analyst programmes are available as well, lasting a minimum of 10 weeks. Application deadlines: Check company websites for application deadlines.

INDUSTRY SECTORS

IT AND TECHNOLOGY a developing vibrant cloud W ith computing system, Singapore’s position

as a global Information Technology (IT) hub is evident – and many leading technology companies have made it a key node in their global network.

An overview… Virtually every organisation uses IT, from government departments to international investment banks, and the latest trends in IT and technology, such as fintech, cybersecurity and cognitive technology, are permeating other sectors. As such, internships in this sector are valuable as the work experience and skills gained are highly transferrable with software companies, telecommunication service providers and start-ups looking for data and network engineers, cybersecurity analysts and web developers, just to name a few. Adaptability, commercial awareness, problem-solving abilities, and technical and communication skills are also prized.

Did you know? Singapore is a regional base for the world’s top infocomm multi-national companies such as Microsoft, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, and Google. It is also home to international tech startups.

Internship hunting tips • Your internship in this sector may last between three to six months, depending on the employer.

Most popular IT & technology employers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Microsoft Amazon Accenture Sea Group Micron Grab Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) 8. Ubisoft Singapore 9. Razer 10. Intel Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

LAW n exciting and competitive profession for those who are passionate about serving justice, specialisation is also becoming increasingly important for medium to large firms of solicitors, particularly in areas such as insolvency, litigation, and employment law. However, experience in corporate law, renewable energy, and commercial contracts will also help you progress in your legal career. However, in order to practise law in Singapore, you must be either a Singaporean or Singapore PR, have a second class honours law degree or higher, and be admitted to the Singapore Bar.

An overview… To get experience, you can take up paralegal or legal internships at an NGO, in-house corporate solicitors’ departments, a private practice or the public sector. Networking ability is as highly valued as good language, analytical and communication skills, and you need to be highly committed and able to work under pressure.

Did you know? Singapore has one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Crime is generally non-violent, except for crimes that occur in neighbourhoods and housing developments.

Internship hunting tips • There are some law firms that offer four-week internship programmes, though applicants would need to apply for these internship positions via the firm’s official websites • Students should apply to firms based on their interest in areas of law • Internships in some law firms may be longer, lasting up to three months.

Internship periods • Some solicitors’ firms hire all year round, while others have fixed recruitment dates. Check the respective websites for specific details, and how you can apply.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 67

INDUSTRY SECTORS

MEDIA AND ADVERTISING he media, public relations and advertising field offers a range of career choices across platforms such as print, online and broadcast in areas including brand management, copywriting, content writing and market research.

An overview… Opportunities include roles such as photographers, videographers, content marketers, researchers and writers in PR firms, broadcasting channels and publishing houses, just to name a few. However, you need more than just creativity and an eye for detail; excellent communication and interpersonal skills on top of organisational and time management skills are valued, along with a sound grasp on social media.

Did you know? Foreign news organisations such as Reuters and Dow Jones maintain bases in Singapore. In addition, the Asian editions of the Wall Street Journal Asia (WSJA), Newsweek, The Economist and TIME are printed in and distributed here.

Internship hunting tips • Your portfolio is key, so keep creating and telling stories. You can also post your work on social media to reach a wider audience • Skills and experience count a great deal towards getting an internship placement in this competitive sector. So get involved in PR roles for school events, write for your school newsletter, or volunteer for your campus radio station. This will boost your experience and develop your skills.

Internship periods • Media companies typically recruit interns for three or six months, depending on project needs. Check for vacancies and when you should apply, especially if there is a major project or event that you would like to work on.

An overview… There are opportunities no matter your discipline, but backgrounds in business, economics, law, construction and engineering will be particularly helpful though certain areas of work, such as property surveying, require specific qualifications. Internships with the public sector, larger corporations and estate agents are especially valuable work experience, but you will need good interpersonal and communication skills as much as strong quantitative and analytical skills. Attention to detail, commercial awareness and problemsolving abilities are boons as well.

68 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

1. 2. 3. 4.

MediaCorp The Walt Disney Company Lucasfilm Singapore Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) 5. Bloomberg 6. HBO Asia 7. Ogilvy & Mather 8. NBC Universal 9. Saatchi & Saatchi 10. dentsu Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

PROPERTY AND REAL ESTATE areers in property range from sales and rental to property management and consultancy services, and, as such, you may work with clients interested in investing in residential, commercial and industrial property, as well as land development.

Most popular media & advertising employers

Most popular property & real estate employers Did you know? The Singapore government owns more than 70 per cent of land. Since 1989, the government has also maintained the Ethnic Integration Policy to ensure that each neighbourhood and public apartment block follows a regulated ethnic quota.

Internship hunting tips • Look out for internship postings on company websites. Alternatively, send in speculative applications as internship opportunities may not be widely advertised • Recruitment also takes place by wordof-mouth and through networking • Communication and marketing skills are key, so make sure they are highlighted in your application • You need to show business awareness, so keep up-to-date with property trends and the trade press.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Mapletree CapitaLand JTC Corporation City Developments Limited Housing & Development Board (HDB) 6. Far East Organisation 7. Keppel Corporation 8. Knight Frank 9. The Ascott Limited 10. Jones Lang LaSalle Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

INDUSTRY SECTORS

PUBLIC SECTOR ingapore’s largest employer, with an estimated 145,000 officers sprawled across 16 ministries and more than 50 statutory boards, the the public sector also offers training opportunities and job security. Besides policy planning and frontline roles, hands-on positions in this sector include those that shape the society we live in, influencing lives and helping people in professional capacities.

An overview… Internships are available at both ministries and statutory boards such as the civil service and higher education institutes, ranging from accounting, administration and management to foreign affairs, specialist roles, and even community care and welfare. With such a wide spectrum of placements, not just good interpersonal, communication, analytical and organisational skills are needed – you also need to be a team player, as well as highly empathetic.

Did you know?

and procedures used in the Palace of Westminister, the location of the United Kingdom’s Parliament.

Internship hunting tips • With such a diverse range of work, there are opportunities to transfer to new areas that interest you. Conduct your own research beforehand so you can get a better idea on the purview of each ministry or statutory board and how you can contribute • There might be specific assessments or entrance tests for internship positions so that interviewers can get a sense of your skills and aptitude for the role on hand • Some ministries will require interns to commit to at least eight weeks.

Most popular public sector employers 1. Ministry of Education (MOE) 2. Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) 3. Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) 4. Ministry of Health (MOH) 5. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) 6. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) 7. Ministry of Finance (MOF) 8. Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) 9. Ministry of Communication and Information (MCI) 10. Singapore Tourism Board (STB) Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

Internship periods • Check the Careers@Gov portal, as well as individual ministry and statutory board websites for application details.

Singapore is a republic with a parliamentary system of government based on the Westminister model, a series of conventions

SALES AND MARKETING career in sales entails business development, promoting a business and its products and services, obtaining orders, and maintaining customer relationships. Marketing, on the other hand, involves the promotion of products, services or ideas to maximise profits through developing strategies that cater to the demands of the market.

An overview… Market research, store management, brand development and merchandising are just some opportunities that can be found in sales and marketing. But no matter the placement, insurance companies, product vendors, manufacturers and corporate firms look for the same qualities – research, interpersonal and communication skills, a sound understanding of local trends, creativity and abilities to problemsolve, strategise, as well as to be highly empathetic and client-oriented.

Did you know?

Internship periods

Customer service, as well as sales and marketing expertise, are still in demand despite technological advancements. For instance, sales and marketing professionals with experience in the fields of big data, e-commerce and digital transformation are highly valued.

• Internships under this sector usually last for a period of three months • Companies usually recruit interns all year around, as and when needed.

Internship hunting tips • Conduct your own research on prospective employers and their products thoroughly before applying • Sales internship applicants will often be given case studies and role plays within interviews, and the same applies to those interviewing for marketing internship roles • In your application and at the interview, show your understanding of different market segments for the company’s products and services.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 69

INDUSTRY SECTORS

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT s the government has committed to investing a substantial amount in scientific R&D since the 1990s, Singapore has become one of the world’s most R&D-intensive countries, with environment and renewable energy remaining hot topics even in the economic downturn. Moreover, many of the world’s leading medical device and pharmaceutical companies maintain bases in the country, and the biotechnology sector is growing as well.

An overview… Internships and assistantships in research and development, production and operations, environmental control, engineering and quality assurance and control are available at research institutes as well as biotechnology, industrial chemicals, energy and oil, food and beverage, and medical devices companies. As interns have the chance to work with some of the best minds in the world, communication skills and sound technical ability are prized, as well

as passion, business acumen, and the capability to work in a team.

Did you know? NuTonomy, an MIT spin-off tech start-up, piloted an R&D fleet of self-driving taxis in Singapore in 2016.

Internship hunting tips • Many of the larger science-related employers offer internship training programmes – find out about their application procedures in greater detail • Keep reading and updating yourself with recent developments and investments in science-related industry in Singapore and around the world.

Internship periods • Some companies in this sector run biannual recruitment drives. Refer to their websites for specific details.

UNIFORMED SERVICES his sector can offer a rewarding career that gives you the satisfaction of serving your country, and, as such, the defence forces welcomes people from all academic disciplines to develop a career in a variety of areas.

An overview… The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) dominate this sector, though there is also the option of working for a private security contractor, with security being a top priority for Singapore. Internship placements for paramedics, fire officers, engineers and fleet managers can be found alongside positions for finance, logistics, IT and telecommunications. While discipline, tenacity, resilience and passion are needed, skills in communication and being a team player are just as important.

70 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Did you know? Hokkien used to a common language of instruction for trainees within the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The dialect was banned as a language of instruction in October 1978, and all instructions have been given in English, Malay or Mandarin since.

Internship hunting tips • The MHA offers a number of rotating internship positions • Candidates may be required to undertake rigorous physical assessments for roles in the defence forces • Selection for the police force requires tests on physical and mental stamina, and there is a protracted training period for job positions.

Most popular Scientific Research and Development employers 1. 2. 3. 4.

GlaxoSmithKline Abbott DSO National Laboratories Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) 5. Procter & Gamble 6. Pfizer 7. Baxter Healthcare 8. Bayer 9. Mitsui Chemicals Asia Pacific 10. Mundipharma Source: Singapore Graduate Barometer 2019 edition

Think Change. Think Future. Whether or not your interest lies in traditional banking, technology or entrepreneurship, to name a few â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we offer various internship opportunities to help you discover your passion or start a new one. From our flagship FRANKpreneurship programme, to bank-wide internships and industrial placements of your choice, choose to begin your professional journey with us. We see talent. We see you. www.ocbc.com/careers

EMPLOYER LISTINGS Employer A-Z BDO LLP Deutsche Bank DSO National Laboratories Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Great Eastern Singapore Micron Semiconductor Asia Ministry of Education (MOE) Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) NTUC Income OCBC Bank ResMed Asia Pte Ltd Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd

72 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

73 73 74 74 76 76 78 78 79 79 80 80

LISTINGS

BDO LLP

Established in 1972 and a member firm of BDO International since 1979, we offer a full range of services including audit, corporate finance, business restructuring, tax advisory, management consulting and risk advisory. Our clients are from most fields of business in Singapore and include subsidiaries of multinational corporations, public and private companies operating in industries as diverse as hoteliers, property developers, electronics manufacturing, marine, transportation, solicitors and publishers. Some of our clients are wellknown, and many more are medium-sized emerging businesses. Our size is at its optimum; we are large enough to provide the full range of world-class services while also allowing clients to benefit from our breadth and depth of expertise as the world’s fifth largest accounting network.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES • Audit & Assurance: Year-round (Winter/Summer)

600 North Bridge Road, Parkview Square, Singapore 188778 Tel +(65) 6829 9609 Web https://www.bdo.com.sg/ en-gb/home Email career@bdo.com.sg

• Tax: Year-round (Winter/Summer)

Sector

• Accounting & Payroll: Year-round (depending on availability)

• Accounting and Financial Management • Banking and Financial Services • Consulting

• Management Consulting: Year-round (depending on availability) • Corporate Advisory: Year-round (depending on availability)

Number of employees

• Restructuring & Forensic: Year-round (depending on availability)

Open to undergraduates from:

50,000 – 100,000 employees University

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

Deutsche Bank One Raffles Quay, South Tower, Level 17, Singapore 048583 Web db.com/careers At Deutsche Bank, we’re changing what it means to be a bank. It’s about making a positive difference and cultivating new perspectives. That’s why with us, your ideas have an impact. We’re always looking for creative thinkers who are ready to make a difference from day one.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you want the opportunity to shape your own career as well as the future of the financial industry, we will give you the platform and foundation to do so. No matter which part of our business you join, our structured training programmes will support your continuous development and give you the chance to work on live, global projects alongside colleagues and senior leaders across the globe.

An internship at Deutsche Bank is your stepping stone to success and your first look into what life is like in our Graduate Programme. You’ll become part of a collaborative and inclusive workplace as you build your skills, hear from senior leadership and grow your network. There is also a wide variety of opportunities within the technology field that you can be a part of, and we’re looking for bright minds like yours to make pioneering strides in today’s fast-moving digital world.

If you have the drive to succeed in the fastpaced financial services industry, Deutsche Bank is an exciting, supportive place for you to begin your career. Grow your potential and make an impact.

• Deutsche Bank Internship Programme • Deutsche Bank Technology Internship Programme INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Sector • Accounting and Financial Management • Banking and Financial Services • Insurance and Risk Management • Investment Banking and Investment Management • IT and Technology • Management and Business

Number of employees 50,000 – 100,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: University

Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 73

LISTINGS

DSO National Laboratories 12 Science Park Drive Singapore 118225 Tel +(65) 6776 2255 Web https://www.dso.org.sg/ Email campusrelations@dso.org.sg

DSO National Laboratories (DSO), Singapore’s largest defence research and development (R&D) organisation, develops advanced defence and weapon systems to give the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) a technological edge on the battlefield and support homeland security.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Join us, and 1,500 defence engineers and scientists, in transforming ideas into reality and pushing the boundaries of science and technology across air, land, sea, space and cyberspace.

• Software Engineering

• Engineering • IT and Technology • Scientific Research and Development

• And more...

Number of employees

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

1,000 - 10,000 employees

Take this unique opportunity to get a glimpse into the world of defence R&D, work alongside experienced scientists and engineers, and experience the thrill of solving real problems.

Open to undergraduates from:

Keep enhancing your soft skills with structured training programmes, add to your technical knowledge, and gain global exposure with local and overseas scholarships and development programmes. This is more than just a career. This is where you make a real impact and shape the future of defence.

• Artificial Intelligence

Sector

• Cyber Security • Embedded and Guided Systems • Robotics

Polytechnic

University

Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

At the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), we develop leading-edge technological and engineering solutions for Singapore’s defence. The multidisciplinary nature of our work in engineering, infocomm technology and cybersecurity will give you many opportunities to innovate and push the boundaries of science and technology. Our diverse portfolio includes cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence, robotics, machine learning, sensors, space, communications and military systems. If you are looking for a fulfilling and meaningful internship, join us to make an impact on the defence and security of the nation.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY Scan the QR code for more information on internship opportunities with DSTA. INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION During your internship with DSTA, you can look forward to an immersive, hands-on experience and expand technical and leadership skills while building innovative solutions. You will be guided and mentored by our dedicated engineers and experience what it is like working with cutting-edge technologies at the forefront of defence science and technology. Scan the QR code to find out more.

Find out more at

74 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

1 Depot Road Singapore 109679 Web https://www.dsta.gov.sg @SingaporeDSTA @ SingaporeDSTA DSTA Email internship@dsta.gov.sg

Sector • Engineering • IT and Technology

Number of employees 1,000 – 10,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: Polytechnic

University

INTERN PROFILE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Gabriel Yik JOB: Intern at Enterprise IT Programme Centre EMPLOYER: Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Gabriel Yik was an intern at the Enterprise IT Programme Centre. He will be completing his Bachelor of Computing (Computer Science) from the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2021.

“

IT’S ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER, AND A SNEAK PEEK INTO WHAT I HOPE TO WORK ON IN THE FUTURE.

8.30 AM:

1.00 PM:

Mornings are usually dedicated to my main project – an innovation management platform developed by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for ground-up innovations in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). It is a web application that helps to quickly crowdsource ideas and solutions to promote innovation, be it in day-to-day operations such as saving water and energy in camps, or how to run MINDEF/ SAF processes or programmes like InCamp Training (ICT) more efficiently.

In the afternoon, I’m likely to be attending project meetings and discussions. Through these, I get to hone essential skills like communication, aside from my core development work.

My role is to build a prototype that expands on the platform’s gamification module to improve user engagement by extending elements such as rewards, points systems, and avatars to other parts of the platform. Hence, I would usually be coding or designing software interactions. As an aspiring developer, I applied for an internship with DSTA to learn how software is developed, and also improve and learn new software development skills. In university, I have been exploring how to create apps, games and even a university course planner software as part of a group project. I feel that internships go one step further in putting what you have learned into real-world contexts. It’s about the opportunity to be part of something bigger, and a sneak peek into what I hope to work on in the future. I have been exposed to many learning opportunities in DSTA, especially while doing hands-on projects that will have a real and tangible impact.

It is also meaningful to interact directly with users of our platform, and get valuable feedback on how it’s working or which parts can be improved. For example, I observed a trial test for the platform’s new capabilities during DSTA’s inaugural Industry PITCH day, where various companies were invited to present their innovative solutions and challenge statements to a panel of MINDEF/SAF and DSTA judges. Our platform was used to help in scoring and evaluating the solutions’ feasibility and effectiveness. User feedback was collected after the event and the development team later assessed them for feasibility and incorporation as a continuous effort to improve the platform.

4.00 PM: If I encounter an issue or design consideration that I cannot resolve myself, I would drop by my mentor’s desk for consultation. This would be on top of our weekly meet-ups to discuss the progress of the project and challenges faced. I appreciate that my mentor gives me freedom to try out new ideas and methods while providing guidance to ensure I’m on the right track.

4.30 PM:

I might be debugging my codes or doing research and experimentation to explore how I can improve certain aspects of the module.

Continue to work on my project or other ad-hoc tasks. Towards the end of my internship, I also attended a cross Programme Centre (PC) sharing session with other interns to share more about our projects and learn more about each PC’s work.

12.00 PM:

6.00 PM:

10.30 AM:

I look forward to having lunch with my fellow interns everyday, and there are also lunchtime tech talks conducted by DSTA engineers or visiting experts to broaden our perspectives and work approaches beyond our ‘usual’ areas of expertise.

Wrap up my work for the day and head home.

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 75

“

LISTINGS

Great Eastern Singapore

A market leader and a well-established brand in Singapore and Malaysia, Great Eastern was founded in 1908. With $85 billion in assets and over four million policyholders, it also has three successful distribution channels. Operating in Indonesia and Brunei, the Group maintains a presence in China as well as a representative office in Myanmar. Since 2010, Great Eastern has held the financial strength and counterpart credit ratings of “AA-” by Standard and Poor, one of the highest among Asian life insurance companies. Moreover, its asset management subsidiary is one of the largest private sector asset management companies in Southeast Asia. As a LIFE company, inspiring people to LIVE GREAT, we believe every employee is a talent and can make a difference. We are constantly building an engaging environment that fosters effective synergies, creating a place for our employees to discover and develop their potential to the fullest.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES • Financial Representatives: The Great Internship (Winter/Summer) • Corporate Positions: The Great Step Programme INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION The Great Internship aims to create an experience and an over-arching appreciation of the financial industry, and the area of financial advisory in particular. On the other hand, The Great Step Programme seeks to offer students insights into Great Eastern’s business and operations with opportunities to work on various business and digital projects.

1 Pickering Street, #01-01, Great Eastern Centre, Singapore 048659 Web https://www.greateasternlife.com/ sg/en/careers.html Email career@greateasternlife.com

Sector • Banking and Financial Services • Insurance and Risk Management • Investment Banking and Investment Management

Number of employees 1,000 – 10,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: University

Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations Pte Ltd 1 North Coast Drive, Singapore 757432 Tel +(65) 6776 2255 Web micron.com/careers Micron Technology is a world leader in innovative memory solutions and storage that accelerates the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever. We deliver the world’s broadest portfolio of technologies at the core of today’s most significant disruptive breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) and autonomous vehicles. With more than 40 years of technology leadership and 40,000 patents contributing to the advancement of the industry, Micron’s team of engineers, researchers and business thinkers share a common goal: To use our expertise in the relentless pursuit of innovation for our customers, partners and communities.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY • Internship at Micron

Sector

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

• Engineering • IT and Technology

Scan the QR code for more information on internship opportunities with Micron.

10,000 - 50,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: University

Find out more at

76 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Number of employees

LISTINGS

Ministry of Education

The wealth of a nation lies in its people - their commitment to country and community, their willingness to strive and persevere, their ability to think, achieve and excel. Our future depends on our continually renewing and regenerating our leadership and citizenry, building upon the experience of the past, learning from the circumstances of the present, and preparing for the challenges of the future. How we bring up our young at home and teach them in school will shape Singapore in the next generation. The mission of the Education Service is to mould the future of the nation, by moulding the people who will determine the future of the nation. The Service will provide our children with a balanced and well-rounded education, develop them to their full potential, and nurture them into good citizens, conscious of their responsibilities to family, society and country.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

1 North Buona Vista Drive, Singapore 138675 Tel +65 6872 2220 Web www.moe.gov.sg/careers Email contact@moe.gov.sg

Teaching Internship Programme INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION If you have always wanted to experience the life of a teacher, here is your chance to do so! Teaching interns will have the opportunity to experience what it takes to be a teacher– from drafting lesson plans, classroom teaching, attending meetings, organising school functions, to taking charge of a Co-curricular Activity (CCA).

Sector • Education • Public Sector

Number of employees 10,000 - 50,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: Polytechnic

University

Scan the QR code to find out more.

Find out more at

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions. At the Ministry, we create “strategic space” to safeguard and advance Singapore’s interests. With over 50 Overseas Missions around the world, a career with MFA offers unique opportunities and rewards. Join us, and be on the frontline of global developments. INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

and Corporate track or the Political and Economic track. During your four-week internship in Singapore or at one of our Overseas Missions, you can look forward to the following:

Sector • Public Sector

• Dialogue sessions with senior diplomats and/or management

Number of employees

• Meetings, conferences and seminars on foreign policy issues

Open to undergraduates from:

• Research assignments

• Undergraduate Internship Programme

• Directorate or Mission-specific projects and events

INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Scan the QR code for more information.

The Undergraduate Internship Programme provides interns with insights into the life of a Foreign Service Officer in either the Functional

Find out more at

78 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

1 Sherwood Road, Singapore 248163 Tel +(65) 6379 8000 Web www.mfa.gov.sg/career Email mfa_career@mfa.gov.sg

1,000 - 10,000 employees University

LISTINGS

NTUC Income

Established in 1970 to provide affordable insurance for workers in Singapore, today, two million people look to Income for trusted advice and solutions when making their most important financial decisions. Our wide network of advisers and partners provide life, health and general insurance products and services to serve the protection, savings and investment needs of customers across all segments of society. As a social enterprise, our purpose to maximise value for our policyholders defines us as we continue to make insurance accessible, affordable and sustainable for all. In 2018, Income had over $37 billion in assets under management, our financial strength and diversified investment portfolio reflected by our strong credit ratings – which also underpins the delivery of our commitment to customers.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY

75 Bras Basah Road, Income Centre, Singapore 189557 Web https://www.income.com.sg/ careers/internship-programme Email hr@income.com.sg

• Internship Programme INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION We offer a 12-week structured summer internship programme which will put you through actual projects with plenty of opportunities to learn from your mentor. Expect to gain insights and experience that will give you an edge when you make the next leap in your career.

Sector • Insurance and Risk Management

Number of employees 1,000 - 10,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: University

Scan the QR code to find out more.

Find out more at

OCBC Bank 65 Chulia Street OCBC Centre Singapore 049513 Web www.ocbc.com/group/careers The longest established Singapore bank, now the second largest financial services group in Southeast Asia and one of the world’s top rated banks, OCBC Bank also boasts an Aa1 rating from Moody’s.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

We are committed to creating a conducive work environment – one that is inclusive, welcomes innovation and encourages continuous learning and development. As an intern, take the opportunity to work on real business projects as you experience what working at OCBC entails.

The OCBC FRANKpreneurship is a 4-month summer internship programme for penultimate undergraduates, designed to empower and equip you to be a fearless gamechanger and impact the future of banking. On the other hand, the undergraduate internships allow you to explore and develop your potential in your areas of interest. Applications from all disciplines are accepted.

Placements are available across different divisions, so discover your interests and strengths with us. We want you to enjoy and take pride in your work, be passionate, driven and have fun – after all, joy does bring out the best in people. And we want nothing less.

We see talent. We see you.

• FRANKpreneurship Internship Programme • Undergraduate internships INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION

Sector • Banking and Financial Services • Investment Banking and Investment Management

Number of employees 10,000 – 50,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: Polytechnic

University

Scan the QR code to find out more.

Find out more at

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 79

LISTINGS

ResMed Asia Pte Ltd

At ResMed, we pioneer innovative solutions that treat and keep people out of the hospital, empowering them to live healthier, higherquality lives. Our cloud-connected medical devices provide care for people with sleep apnea, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other similar chronic diseases. Our comprehensive out-of-hospital software platforms support the professionals and caregivers who help people stay healthy in the home or care setting of their choice. By enabling better care, we improve quality of life, reduce the impact of chronic disease and lower costs for consumers and healthcare systems in more than 120 countries worldwide. With over 800 employees and growing, Singapore is a key innovation, smart manufacturing and commercial hub in Asia. Our people are key to our growth and our ambition to positively impact millions of lives in Asia.

To continue to do that and more, we need people like you. INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES • ResMed Internship Programme INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION We offer internship programmes to undergraduates from all disciplines, and interns will get the opportunity to work on real world engineering and business problems under mentorship and guidance. You will also have the chance to make an impact and grow your professional network through participation in projects.

1 Fusionopolis Way, #07-01, Connexis South Tower, Singapore 138632 Web https://careers.resmed.com/ Email careersapac@resmed.com.au

Sector • • • •

Engineering Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals IT and Technology Scientific Research and Development

Number of employees 1,000 – 10,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: Polytechnic

University

Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

Visa Worldwide Pte Limited

We are a payments technology company who enables digital currency for consumers, businesses, banks and governments in over 200 countries and territories. From creating the first general purpose credit card to launching VisaNet, our work has revolutionised how the world pays and gets paid – and the best is yet to come. If you’re curious, intelligent and passionate about making an impact in the world of payments, we have a seat for you. Join our diverse team of people who boast a wide range of educational backgrounds, experiences and life goals.

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY • Summer Intern, Software Engineering • Summer Intern, Systems Engineering INTERNSHIP DESCRIPTION Often leading to full-time opportunities, over 12 weeks, gain real-world experience while working on meaningful, challenging and rewarding assignments. Engage in out-of-thebox problem-solving even as you learn from Visa’s business leaders and executives and enjoy social and networking activities – you’ll be a vital part of our team, experiencing all that Visa has to offer while exploring career options. Scan the QR code for more information.

Find out more at

80 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

71 Robinson Road, #08-01, Singapore 068895 Tel +(65) 6671 5800 Web https://www.visa.com.sg/ careers.html Email UniversityRecruiting@visa.com

Sector • IT and Technology

Number of employees 10,000 - 50,000 employees

Open to undergraduates from: University

Deutsche Bank db.com/careers

We’re changing how banking works.

Our interns discover what’s possible. #PositiveImpact At Deutsche Bank, we’re changing what it means to be ¥ ¦¥²¯ ¸Å· ¥¦³¹¸ ±¥¯²« ¥ ´³·¸º© ¨Ï©¶©²§© ¥²¨ cultivating new perspectives. An internship at Deutsche Bank is your stepping stone ¸³ ·¹§§©·· ¥²¨ ½³¹¶ Î¶·¸ °³³¯ ²¸³ »¬¥¸ °ª© · °¯© ³² ³¹¶ ¶¥¨¹¥¸© ¶³«¶¥±±© £³¹Å°° ¦©§³±© ´¥¶¸ ³ª ¥ collaborative and inclusive workplace as you build on your technical and interpersonal skills, take on real ¶©·´³²·¦°¸©· ¬©¥¶ ª¶³± ·©²³¶ °©¥¨©¶·¬´ ¸¬¶³¹«¬ ³¹¶ speaker series, work on live projects, grow your network ¥²¨ °©¥¶² Î¶·¸[¬¥²¨ ¬³» »© ¨©°º©¶ ª³¶ ³¹¶ §°©²¸· Expand on your knowledge and learn everything you need ¸³ ¦¹°¨ ¥ §¥¶©©¶ ½³¹ §¥² ¦© ©¼§¸©¨ ¥¦³¹¸ ³ Î²¨ ³¹¸ more about opportunities at Deutsche Bank and to apply, please visit db.com/careers.

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY Company

Sector

BDO LLP

• Accounting and Financial Management • Banking and Financial Services • Consulting

Deutsche Bank

• • • • • •

DSO National Laboratories

• Engineering • IT and Technology • Scientific Research and Development

Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA)

• Engineering • IT and Technology

Great Eastern Singapore

• Banking and Financial Services • Insurance and Risk Management • Investment Banking and Investment Management

Micron Semiconductor Asia

• Engineering • IT and Technology

Ministry of Education (MOE)

• Public Sector • Teaching and Education

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)

• Public Sector

NTUC Income

• Insurance and Risk Management

OCBC Bank

• Banking and Financial Services • Investment Banking and Investment Management

ResMed Asia Pte Ltd

• • • •

Visa Worldwide Pte Ltd

• IT and Technology

82 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Accounting and Financial Management Banking and Financial Services Insurance and Risk Management Investment Banking and Investment Management IT and Technology Management and Business

Engineering Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals IT and Technology Scientific Research and Development

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

Internship Listing(s)

Duration

Availability

• Audit & Assurance • Tax

Three to four months

Winter and Summer cycles

• • • •

Varies

Year-round

• Deutsche Bank Internship Programme • Deutsche Bank Technology Internship Programme

Varies

On-going

• • • • • •

Three to six months

Year-round

• Internship @ DSTA

Varies

On-going

• The Great Internship

10 weeks

Winter and Summer cycles

Accounting & Payroll Management Consulting Corporate Advisory Restructuring & Forensic

Artificial Intelligence Cyber Security Embedded and Guided Systems Robotics Software Engineering etc.

• The Great Step Programme

On-going

• Internship at Micron

Varies

On-going

• Teaching Internship Programme

One month

Jun – Jul (University) Mar – Apr (Polytechnic)

• Undergraduate Internship Programme

Four weeks

From third quarter of the year

• Internship Programme

12 weeks

Summer

• FRANKpreneurship Internship Programme

Four months

Summer

• Undergraduate Internships

Six months

Year-round

• ResMed Internship Programme

10 to 12 weeks

On-going

• Summer Intern, Software Engineering • Summer Intern, Systems Engineering

12 weeks

Summer

gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020 | 83

GTI Media is the world's largest careers and graduate recruitment publisher. Founded in the UK in 1988, GTI publishes and distributes more than 100 careers and recruitment products around the globe.

FLICKING FROM THE BACK

GTI Media Singapore would like to thank everyone who |8´ b ¼|b± ¼8 b ¼|b ¼ b ¼ È± ¼b ± o Y È± ¼b±´ n ± ¼|b ÀÎ ´´Áb n + t8 ±b®´ ÎÎ b8Y t ±8YÁ8¼b Employers! Editor Sarah Si

GETTING STARTED

AIMING FOR AN INTERNSHIP

APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS

ACING YOUR INTERNSHIP

INDUSTRY SECTORS

EMPLOYER LISTINGS

Editorial Anne Grace Savitha, Sarah Si Design & production Amirah Azlan, Ili Zainal Advertising Ron Ong, Terence Teo, The GTI Media sales team Marketing & distribution Shirlyn Ting, Tang Weishan, Cheryl Tan Publisher Isaac Hee International managing director and co-founders Adrian Wood, Mark Blythe GTI Asia Pte Ltd (Company number: 200301978M) ± t À , 8 (8Ê | #05-04 Braddell House Singapore 319637 T+(65) 6294 6505 F +(65) 6294 1043 Printer , b´ (± ¼b± (¼b ¼Y 16 Tuas Ave 5 Singapore 639340 © GTI Asia Pte Ltd, September 2019 Ü ± t|¼´ ±b´b±ÇbY¡ 8±¼ n ¼| ´ ÁF O8¼ 8Ê Fb reproduced by any means including, but not limited to, photocopying or storage in a retrieval system in any n ± È ¼| Á¼ ± ± È± ¼¼b O ´b ¼ n , ¡ ,|b Ç bÈ´ bÉ ±b´´bY ¼|b 8±¼ O b´ 8±b ¼| ´b n 8Á¼| ±´ 8 Y ¼|b ± publication does not necessarily imply that such views are shared by GTI. Whilst every care has been taken ¼|b O 8¼ n ¼| ´ ÁF O8¼ V ¼|b ÁF ´|b±´ O8 ¼ 8OOb ¼ ±b´ ´ F ¼Ê n ± 8 Ê 8OOÁ±8O b´V ± n ± O ´b¦Áb ¼ 8 ´´ 8± ´ t n± ´ÁO| 8OOÁ±8O b´V ± n ± any loss, direct or consequential, arising in connection È ¼| n ± 8¼ ¼| ´ ÁF O8¼ ¡

84 | gradsingapore Internship Guide 2020

Your Story

Career Advice Company Insights

Memes

Job Openings

gradsingapore

FIND IT ALL UNDER ONE ACCOUNT

@gradsingapore

gradsingapore Follow us on Instagram #AdvicewithGS #TipswithGS #GetHiredwithGS #FridayswithGS

Whatever internship you choose, we'll be there for you.

Find internship advice and opportunities at