HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS INTERNSHIP AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS INTERNSHIP?
I have a keen interest in pursuing a career in communications and hence, I specifically sought out internship opportunities in this field. I completed internships in both the private and public sectors, including a Public Relations agency, a government agency, and a local unicorn startup. I self-sourced all these internships through LinkedIn and the Careers@Gov portal. My goal was to explore both sectors and different types of organisations to gain diverse experiences and determine which environment I prefer working in.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INTERN?
For all my internships, which were in media and communications roles, my main responsibilities included media monitoring, writing and content development, preparation of materials, and stakeholder management. These internships provided me with numerous opportunities to take on a variety of tasks. I was even given the chance to work beyond my job scope, which helped me maximise my learning and gain broader exposure within the organisations.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES?
I thoroughly enjoyed all my internships and had valuable experiences at each organisation. I appreciated how nurturing each organisation was, allowing me to learn and grow exponentially through the many opportunities I was given. The internships also offered me a glimpse into the workforce, which is quite different from university life. I gained practical skills and experiences that prepared me for a full-time career. Additionally, internships offered a valuable opportunity to expand my network and connect with more industry professionals.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
One of the biggest challenges I faced initially was the fear of making mistakes. As some of my roles were external facing and required me to engage many different stakeholders, I was worried about saying the wrong thing or making mistakes. Over time, I recognised that internships serve as the perfect opportunity for one to try, make mistakes and learn from them.
HOW DID CAO HELP YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP AND FUTURE WORK?
Two notable CAO events I participated in were NTU PEAK and guest workshops conducted by industry experts. One particularly impactful experience was the Digital Marketing workshop by TEAM LEWIS. The hands-on activities were highly beneficial, as they closely simulated application assessments for marketing and communication roles. NTU PEAK, on the other hand, allowed me to work in an interdisciplinary team on a project, offering a firsthand experience of the actual workforce, where cross-team collaborations are common.
HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGH YOUR INTERNSHIPS?
Internships helped me sharpen the hard skills essential for my career path while also allowing me to pick up new, highly relevant skills for today’s workforce, such as learning how to work with and analyse data.
SHARE ADVICE WITH YOUR PEERS WHO WILL BE GOING ON INTERNSHIPS.
Keep an open mind, stay committed to your job responsibilities, and enjoy your internship. Ask relevant questions and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it is all part and parcel of learning.
“Internships serve as a vital bridge between academic learning and industry application. Reflect on the skills and knowledge gained from your curriculum and explore job descriptions to identify roles where these competencies align. During your internship, actively seek tasks that leverage your strengths and education. This deliberate approach not only enhances your resume but also helps you understand how classroom learning translates into tangible, real-world impact. By connecting these dots, you lay the groundwork for a purposeful and fulfilling career. Embrace internships as opportunities for growth and a chance to shape your professional journey.”
Phillip Tan, Career Coach
NTU Career & Attachment Office
