HOW TO MAXIMISE YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE

Knowing how to play your cards right when it comes to your internship can go a long way in kicking off your career journey.

Research the role and company well

In a way, internships can be seen as a “test run” for your career. Still, it is important to apply for the right role to ensure that you are gaining the desired knowledge, skill sets and industry insights you are after. You can start by reviewing each job description and its responsibilities before applying. Ensure that they align with your own career goals as well as provide ample opportunities for you to develop the skills you want.

If you have any questions, feel free to check with the CDC or consult your seniors and peers. Remember that this internship will last four months, so be meticulous about it – the last thing you want is for the internship to not be what you were after!

When checking up on the company, read up about their values, vision and mission statements to help you get a better understanding of the company’s beliefs and priorities. You should also look through other platforms like their website and social media accounts. You can also consider checking out job review websites to see what employees both past and present have to say about their working experience.

Set personal goals

Internships are a good way to fill in the gaps between school and entering the working world. By utilising everything you have learnt in school over the years, taking an internship providesyouwiththeopportunitytoapplytheminaprofessional environment.

Additionally, not only does it help to build up your work experience, it can also serve as an avenue to learn and develop the relevant skill sets you need in your chosen industry. Moreover, you can gain valuable insights and figure out if the job role you are gunning for is something you want to commit to in the future.

With that in mind, it is important to start your internship with a positive mindset, and be prepared to do your best from start to end. Here are some guidelines on how you can make the most of your internship experience.

Once your internship is confirmed, take time to review the goals you want to achieve during this period. Whether it is acquiring certain technical skills or developing specific skill sets, writing them down will help you stay on track. Check on it every so often so you do not forget.

Try to be as concise and targeted as you can. Avoid setting vague goals (such as “I want to do well here”) and instead, define what success means to you and work up from there.

For example, if you embark on an internship at an architecture firm, success to you could mean that the projects you are involved in meet the standards and objectives of your clients. It includes being able to tackle challenges as they pop up, which can range from rapid urbanisation to transportation planning.

Your supervisor will also have deliverables for you to fulfill. Having a clear direction to work towards both your personal goals and deliverables will help you stay focused, and in turn, boost your productivity. If you find yourself needing to adjust your goals to meet the deliverables as your internship progresses, that is perfectly fine.