27 minute read
Exploring Internships
Committing to an internship can give you an edge over other graduate applicants; on top of giving you the chance to gain valuable experience, it is also an opportunity for you to develop the skills and qualities employers look out for.
Benefits of committing to an internship
1.
Boost your employability
An internship exposes you to the working world and gives you a chance to see how things work in a corporate setting. With an internship under your belt, you can also demonstrate the relevant skills and knowledge acquired beyond the classroom to prospective employers. Moreover, in the new normal and present economic climate, employers are on the lookout for candidates who stand out, are adaptable and able contribute. Internships can also set you apart from other applicants who do not have one under their belts.
2.
Better understanding of yourself
Internships are the perfect avenue for you to experience the industry of your interest and find out if you can see yourself in that line of work upon graduation. Internships can also help you gauge your abilities and working style, and help you realise how you can further improve your skills. This preview of the industry of your choice may help you better manage your expectations when you transition into the working world too.
3.
Connect to your chosen career
Employers often use internships and work placements as means to attract talents and later convert them to full-time graduate hires. So, during an internship, try your best to shine! An internship in your chosen industry will not only help you grow your network of professional contacts – which can come in handy in the future – but may also give you an insider’s perspective into the industry.
Chee Guan Jia
BSc in Banking and Finance, SIM-UOL Intern, Corporate Analyst Development Programme, J.P. Morgan
My role
Over my five-week internship, I was tasked with two projects. The first was a case study where I had to propose ways to streamline the bank’s operations in the account opening process. This exercise allowed me to understand how the bank leverages disruptive technologies, such as blockchain, in their business.
The second was a social impact project where I had to devise a technological solution to help the firm’s non-profit partner – a large NGO – to better attract funding and volunteers. This experience was particularly unique as it was a virtual internship and I got to witness how a company ensures business continuity during a crisis.
I was fortunate to secure an internship before the global coronavirus pandemic hit the job market, but what I can perhaps share is the importance of consistently upgrading our skills. To do so, we need to first think about whether our interests, skills and experiences match up to the job requirements.
Next, we should consider the necessary soft and hard skills, where there are gaps, and take up courses or traineeships to cover them. The most important reminder would be to stay positive and keep the faith! I would also highlight that the pandemic has accelerated digital transformation and we have to identify and pick up the relevant skills required as roles evolve accordingly.
My takeaway
My biggest takeaway would definitely be the new friendships and connections I made, along with exposure to working with colleagues across various business functions. I would also like to highlight the great company culture at J.P. Morgan. It was definitely a challenge to juggle between studying for my exams, leading a student club and taking on a full-time internship, but the genuine and inclusive culture at the firm made me feel well-supported.
There was never a dull day during my internship as I met several people who were very willing to share their experiences and knowledge, and this provided me with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. It also showed me how a company is only as extraordinary as its people.
Some words of advice
Focus on your soft skills and learn to be adaptable. Keep in mind that the “goal post” is constantly shifting; the skills in high demand now are artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing and data analytics, and this will keep evolving in the future. Hence, the ability to be creative and flexible in response to the changing circumstances is key.
In addition, be a sponge and absorb as much information as you can; go out there and gain as much experience as possible. An internship is a fantastic opportunity to learn and discover the inner workings of the corporate world.
Tung Mei Yuan
My role
My core duties included reviewing and onboarding sellers into the incubation programme, educating them and providing strategic recommendations based on their business needs to maximise sales performance. I was also responsible for helping the sellers curate and set discounts for flash deals on the platform.
Besides that, my day-to-day tasks also involved liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth business operations.
While the global coronavirus pandemic changed the game for many of us who are on the lookout for internships, it also fuelled the e-commerce surge in Singapore, as people were forced to stay home. It was because of this that Shopee still had openings for roles and internships.
I considered myself lucky to have secured this placement as I had been actively applying to Shopee and following up with the HR, whom I networked with during a career sharing session. I also attribute my internship placement to my tenacity in clocking credentials that would equip me with transferrable skill sets required in different workplaces.
My takeaway
As e-commerce was booming, it was difficult to get used to such a fast-paced environment and learn things quickly, especially when everyone was working from home. I was really overwhelmed initially, and there was barely time to take a breather, but I am nimbler now as I have co-workers who are dedicated to speeding up work processes.
I am also more diplomatic now, and my negotiation abilities improved as I had to deal with merchants – some are really not tech-savvy! – and provide them with strategic advice to improve sales as well as to ensure smooth operations.
Some words of advice
It is important to have a great sense of urgency and responsibility, especially when you have to work under pressure with deadlines to meet. You must not be afraid of making and owning up to mistakes because uncharted waters are scary, but that is where you grow.
Also, take the initiative to learn and volunteer to do things out of your job scope and be proactive in attending the networking sessions to meet others – it will be a rewarding experience!
Beatrice Chow
BSc in Business and Management, SIM-UOL Intern, Youth Engagement and Systems, Youth Corps Singapore
My role
I organised and conducted youth engagements that shared more about the Youth Corps to school partners and new youth members. I was also assigned as the Youth Overall-in-Charge for an ongoing volunteering project, Meals on Wheels. As a YOIC, I managed stakeholders – volunteers and Community Partners – online and offline, to ensure that senior clients received the meal support that they needed daily.
I was also part of the Youth Organising Committee for Fireflies 2020, the Youth Corps’ annual volunteer appreciation event, where I oversaw a team of youths who organised an appreciation package for more than 500 youth volunteers.
I had gotten acquainted with Youth Corps earlier through their volunteering opportunities; this gave me the upper hand when I was shortlisted as one of their interns. I also appreciated, and was aligned with, their organisational values in serving the community.
In addition, I planned ahead to secure my internship before the implications of the global coronavirus pandemic hit, which allowed YCS ample time to manage the reallocation of resources on their end – even with scarce internship placements available.
Finally, I possessed the skills needed to support new and dynamic operations within the organisation during this time, and kept an open mind to embrace new learning opportunities over the course of my internship.
My takeaway
One of my biggest takeaways was the opportunity to meet stakeholders from diverse backgrounds – volunteers, colleagues and clients. It made me more appreciative of the things that I have in life and honed my communication skills as I learnt to coordinate with them.
Overseeing multiple projects also helped strengthen my multitasking and organisational skills. Due to restrictions, working from home was a default arrangement during my internship, though my experience was not compromised. I was exposed to opportunities to learn new community leadership skills and uncover new knowledge about social services, and am now better prepared for my future career!
Some words of advice
Take the initiative when it comes to your own learning experience. Be proactive in seeking work opportunities, find spaces where you are able to grow and learn and be receptive to receiving feedback that can help you enrich yourself. Lastly, embrace new knowledge and skills with an open mind.
Ong Ying Rui
BSc in Business Management with Year in Industry, SIM-UOB Marketing Intern, Novartis
My role
My core focus was to assist the marketing team in coordinating activities and events. On top of that, I created marketing materials like invitations to healthcare professionals for our webinar series, creating Rep Triggered Emails to highlight the key points from marketing activities and newsletter updates as well. I was also extensively involved in adapting global promotional materials for local use.
One of the bigger projects I was assigned to was organising the World Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) Day from scratch together with the marketing team. Creative thinking was one of the valuable skills I picked up from the event, as I had to think of ways to get participants really involved. We ended up creating a TikTok challenge for our colleagues, which was pretty fun! On top of that, I was tasked to organise virtual bonding sessions for the team which encouraged me to think out of the box for interesting ideas.
I think it is very important to be your true self and be as authentic as you can during the recruitment process, so that the interviewer knows what to really expect if they choose to hire you. Also, always conduct research on the company to learn more about them and ensure what they do aligns to your interests and objectives for your internship. It will also give you the opportunity to ask interviewers questions during the interview.
My takeaway
One key challenge would be learning to adapt to terms used in the pharmaceutical industry as I did not have any exposure in this industry. It is very important for me to double check if the messages on the marketing materials were delivered correctly and in a succinct manner, with no spelling errors.
Since my internship took place over the Circuit Breaker, I worked from home from the first day. Communications were done solely through virtual means – which was a unique experience – although it could be difficult sometimes, as I could not ask for guidance easily.
Nevertheless, it was a great experience because I got to step out of my comfort zone and be exposed to an industry that I was unfamiliar with.
Some words of advice
Always take the initiative to ask for work if you have completed your tasks. An internship is a learning experience, so do not be afraid to ask questions when you are in doubt! An internship is also the best place where you can learn more about yourself, such as the things you may or may not wish to have in your future jobs. So, do not be afraid to try out different kind of industries or job roles if you are unsure of what you want to do in the future!
Even though there may be times where your internship is not what you desire or expect it to be, there will still be takeaways, like learning to work with different kinds of people and dealing with difficult clients, among others. Moreover, I got to apply what I had learnt from my previous internship, such as liaising with third-party vendors on this internship. Thus, it is important to keep an open mind and make the most out of each internship!
Nazreen (2nd from right)
BSc Economics and Management, SIM-UOL Digital Marketing and Recruitment Intern, Citadel Search
My role
Many organisations were unceremoniously impacted by the pandemic, and Citadel Search was not left unscathed. Being a boutique recruitment firm, its main service offering of recruitment was largely affected. As such, the company was in the process of pivoting their services and exploring new and innovative ways in which it could stimulate brand recall and remain relevant.
My role as a Digital Marketing and Recruitment Intern entailed curating engaging content for Citadel Search’s social media feed in the form of articles, videos and infographics. In addition, I worked alongside consultants in sourcing for potential new clients, reaching out to potential candidates on available job opportunities and carrying out operational duties. On top of that, I had the opportunity to plan and execute a webinar for HR practitioners within the region.
It took me around three months to successfully secure this placement. I think part of the reason I secured this placement was due to my past experience and Citadel Search’s willingness to provide me the opportunity to explore my field of interest. Receiving a call three months after an interview is not common, and I guess I was lucky.
My takeaway
There were countless learning opportunities over my internship! I had the chance to learn and experience various professional skills such as recruitment, digital marketing, business development, event management and project management, for instance. My particular focus was in content creation, which familiarised me with the setbacks the industry faced, as well as curate content in the form of videos and articles for the target audience.
Due to the restrictions caused by the pandemic, I found it hard to communicate with my team virtually. It was tough clarifying doubts, so there was a need to be resourceful and independent to meet project requirements. It was especially tough preparing for virtual events, which are starkly different from planning physical events. However, the endearing (virtual) support from my team helped me successfully execute my first virtual event!
Some words of advice
2020 has no doubt been turbulent, but it was also a time filled with opportunities. The rate at which the pandemic accelerated the use of technology in multiple organisations clearly indicated that business operations has, and will, change henceforth. I think the key is to cultivate a growth mindset and embrace change. Grab any available learning opportunity! You may just be surprised by the outcome and your gains from the experience.
Chang Zhi Yi
BSc Data Science and Analytics, SIM-UOL Business Development Intern, Kobe Global Technologies
My role
My responsibilities included lead generation, competitor analysis for clients and database management. Later in my internship, I also got the opportunity to help out in other departments, such as marketing and content strategy as well. Some tasks and projects assigned to me were to create marketing decks and electronic direct mails, as well as liaising with content creators in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia for social media campaigns.
Businesses have been holding back on providing internships as they are focused on bringing their businesses online in an attempt to adapt to the current circumstances. What I believe made myself stand out from the rest of the applicants was showing how I could harness skills from other parts of my life and apply them to the role. Demonstrating that I am a candidate who is not afraid of learning new things and illustrating my ability to deal with change were also key aspects during the interview process.
My takeaway
The biggest takeaway from my internship experience is to celebrate wins and learn from losses. There is no win too small to celebrate, and no loss too small to learn from. Although my colleagues used this mindset to empower and encourage one another to meet their weekly and monthly goals, I learnt that this can be applied to almost anything, be it in school or at work. Setting realistic goals and celebrating when goals are met is important. It is more important to learn from times when one’s goals are not met. Ask yourself questions like, “What can be done better?” and “How do we ensure they are met the next week or month?”
Some words of advice
Always have the mentality you had on your first day of your internship. Do not be too shy to ask questions because it will help you understand the business and their processes better. Do not hesitate to give feedback and suggestions because you do not know what kind of impact you can make.
From time to time, also make sure to take a step back and ask yourself “How can I apply the skills I have acquired in school to this task or project?” The workshops that you signed up and paid for in school are not for nothing! Apply the skills learnt because no one is too small to make a difference.
Sharwani Penna
BSc in Computing and Information Systems, SIM-UOL Intern, Network Information Security, PwC
My role
My main focus as an intern was application security. I was able to oversee the security clearance process and manage the risks for each of the 30 to 40 projects in progress, including commonly used applications.
As PwC was also driving major changes to its security services across the entire global network, I was privileged to have first-hand experiences with the models being implemented, provide analysis and make decisions on the implementation of this model. I was also given the chance to govern the firm for compliance with PwC’s Information Security Policy and engage with global IT to review these controls.
As I landed my internship during my penultimate year, and during this trying period, it was truly a blessing. I believe that perseverance and enthusiasm was crucial to finding an internship during this pandemic, as many companies were not hiring many interns. Background research into the company’s culture and showing a genuine interest in the role during the interview process also went a long way as it showed that I genuinely wanted to be part of the team.
My takeaway
During this internship, I was able to understand my working style, like what kind of environment I like to work in, as well as the type of challenges I prefer. On top of that, being involved in several projects that were being implemented really pushed me to be constantly on my feet, looking out for ways that I could better improve the workflow of these processes. This reinforced whatever I learnt over my studies and gave me a clearer picture of how software processes are like in real life. I was also able to work with professionals from various line of services, which exposed me to various perspectives.
Some words of advice
Seize every opportunity to learn and ask questions wherever possible. Even though a particular process may not be part of your job scope, you should still ask questions to further understand the purpose of your role, no matter how small. This will enable you to be more motivated to do your job well. Be open to taking advice and constructive criticism from your superiors too, and take note of their working styles; this will further equip you with skills to work with anyone when you go into the workforce.
Henry Ng
My role
I worked in different aspects of marketing throughout my internship, from digital to physical marketing. My main responsibility was to reach out to students from various universities in order to conduct a survey that provides the data in my company’s publication. I also assisted my team in posting jobs and maintaining the website, managing social media platforms and crafting electronic direct mails for the weekly newsletter.
To be honest, I was worried that I would not be able to secure an internship during this trying period. However, I also believe that the right attitude can help you get you the opportunities that you want. Thus, if you desire a role or position enough, you will do everything in your control to get an interview with the employer, from enhancing your resume to improving your people skills. And when the opportunity presents itself, seize it!
My takeaway
My biggest takeaway from my internship were the bonds I formed with my colleagues. This experience gave me a whole new perspective on how marketing strategies can be adjusted, especially in this time where everything has to be moved onto digital platforms as well. I even learnt that digital platforms have their limitations as compared to on-the-ground marketing, something I did not necessarily learn in the classroom.
It also taught me to adapt quickly, as capturing the target audience’s attention is not easy when every other company is using the same method to convey their message; you need to know your target audience well, and keep up with the trends to form a captivating message.
Some words of advice
Be a problem-solver, and do not be the one that causes them. If you constantly strive to improve yourself, you will have the skills to solve different challenges, which will bring more value to the company. Be hungry to learn, no matter the task. It will benefit you in the long-run as it makes you a more competent and independent worker.
Ng Ying Min (left)
My role
Because my responsibility was to manage accounts, I was fortunate enough to experience what an accountant does during my internship. Besides that, I also gave presentations to the finance department.
I am grateful that I was able to secure an internship during this difficult period. First, I conducted my own research into the internship position I was applying for. Later, I highlighted the school experience I had that was related to the position I was applying for, and tailored my resume to fit it.
My takeaway
I learnt to be more meticulous in the tasks I was given as I had to handle the accounts, and there was little or no room for error. On top of that, I also had the opportunity to learn how to use QuickBooks to key in daily transactions. It was a great internship experience!
Some words of advice
The purpose of an internship is to learn, so do not be afraid to make mistakes and ask your colleagues for help. Be proactive too – this will make your internship experience more meaningful. Even if you do not manage to secure an internship now, do not give up. There are still other opportunities!
Gillian Chiow
BSc in Data Science and Business Analysis, SIM-UOL Intern, Human Resources Department, Nestlé Products Sdn. Bhd.
My role
Due to the enforcement of the conditional movement control order (CMCO) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, my internship was completed virtually.
Being part of the human resources team, I aimed to drive people strategies to recruit talents, support business achieves business agenda and provide guidance to grow leadership and functional skills in a corporate environment. I was involved in employer branding research, idea brainstorming to reach out the youths, as well as initiating activities for the Nestlé interns.
Over the internship, my teammate and I even organised a video contest for all interns to share a day in the life of a Nestlé intern on social media as an initiative to show more people what working in Nestlé was like!
I began searching for internship opportunities in August 2020, upon completion of my exam, and was very thankful to receive two offers to interview. Although my internship was not directly related to my course of study, I truly appreciated every opportunity that came. During the interview with the talent acquisition specialist, she mentioned that my experience in organising virtual events attracted her, as Nestlé was aiming to look more into approaching youth virtually, such as how to make virtual events more interactive.
My takeaway
The main challenge I had in this internship was communication. Virtual internships require high commitment and a lot of selfmotivation, as well as the ability to collaborate and communicate with others online. This includes performing the tasks on time along with being accountable to other members of the team and keeping them updated.
Over the internship, I also realised the human resources department is not just about recruiting. Under the guidance of my supervisor, I found that a strong employer branding strategy can help the company attract top candidates and provide a larger pool of potential employees to select from.
Some words of advice
Do not get discouraged when there are failures – just keep on trying. Appreciate any opportunity that comes to you, even though they are not very related to your course of study. There is always knowledge behind the simple things that seems unrelated to your current status, but the experience will give you different perspectives that may benefit you in the future.
Moreover, if you are not able to land an internship in Singapore, do not be afraid to expand your horizons and look at other countries? Every experience makes you grow!
Converting an Internship into a Full-Time Job
Bryan Lim
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, SIM-UB Previous role: Talent Acquisition Intern Current role: Junior Acquisition Business Partner, Shopback
My role
As a Talent Acquisition Intern, I supported the recruitment processes, from screening of candidate’s resumes and doing first round calls with candidates, to conducting reference checks. I was initially assisting recruitment for Singapore, but was soon deployed to support my company regionally. I also assisted in managing our recruitment channels, such as our LinkedIn Job Channels and our Internal Employee Referral Programme.
My current role is largely similar to what I did as an intern, with more breadth and more opportunities to hire senior roles in the company. I am also now involved in other projects involving different stages of the employee lifecycle as well.
My internship experience really helped me acclimatise quicker and better into my current role, especially now where almost everything has moved to remote-working arrangements. However, keeping asynchronous communication arrangements with the team was tough when I was a fresh graduate trying my best to learn as much as I could in my new role.
My takeaway
I do not think there is a formula or “go-to steps” on securing a conversion from an internship. Being a recruiter has taught me that, apart from having a headcount for the role and having the technical skills the company is looking for, a huge part of hiring is also assessing the cultural fit with the team, as well as with the company.
I think what one can really do is to put their best foot forward, and work in a style that ultimately complements the team while being comfortable with that style as well. After all, you want to work in an environment where you can be comfortable, yet feel challenged and stretched to enhance your growth and learning at the end. I hope these thoughts help in your future internship experiences!
Some words of advice
Be open-minded and receptive to any learning opportunities given to you. You do not have to do what you only signed up for, so get the most out of it in your short stint with the company! Do not be afraid to ask about anything you are unsure of too; remember that you are there to learn, and clarifying your doubts will help you and them as well.
Most importantly, have fun and make meaningful connections. You never know where they can bring you in the future!
Seetoh Kian Wai
BA in Sports Studies and Marketing, SIM-University of Stirling Previous role: Business Development Intern Current role: Operations Executive, WhyQ
My role
I joined WhyQ as a Hawker Captain, which requires me to purchase up to 80 food orders con-currently within a single hawker centre, and coordinate the dispatch of these orders to the delivery partners. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of orders received through the phone but, as I gained more experience, I started to look for ways to streamline the entire operations process.
After three months, I was offered a conversion to the role of Business Development Intern. There, I was thoroughly involved in the onboarding of new Hawker centres and pushing to reach out to more business initiatives. This experience ignited my passion for the hawker business even further.
In my current role as Operations Executive, I lead a team in spearheading island-wide fleet management, along with a heavy focus on driving automation throughout the operations process to constantly streamline and upgrade the on-the ground operations of other WhyQ Hawker Captains.
I completed a two-month full-time internship, as well as a nine-month part-time internship prior to my conversion to full-time role at the height of the COVID outbreak.
I believe it started with the drive to learn and to maximise time outside of regular school curriculum in order to put myself in a position where I could compete with local university graduates. Throughout my internships, I gained valuable experience that were directly transferable to my current job scope in WhyQ. This relevant experience played a huge part in my subsequently securing a full-time role.
How did you manage to secure this conversion?
I attribute this to lots and lots of on-the-job experience! It is really not about what degree you hold, but rather how you shine during your interview and your performance throughout your internship. You have to work to the point where the company needs you instead of you desperately scraping to find a job.
What impact do you think your student life involvement had on your conversion?
Years invested in competitive canoeing shaped me into a student athlete who constantly seeks areas of improvement, and developed my ability to work under stress in a fast pace environment.
With help and exposure from SIM, I learnt a lot about job hunting, especially in the areas of resume writing, updating my LinkedIn profile and my interview skills. With SIM Career Connect’s help, I also exposed myself to various job opportunities in the job market before choosing which job scope suited me the best.
Some words of advice
Always take the initiative! Never think of yourself as just an intern, but a valuable asset to the company!
