HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS THIS INTERNSHIP AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THIS INTERNSHIP?
I found this internship opportunity through NTU’s OEP programme. It was with a start-up in Taiwan (PenguinSmart) that provides digital health speech therapy services to children with special needs and developmental delays. As a linguistics student interested in both languages and speech therapy, I was drawn to this opportunity because it combined linguistic study with practical application in speech therapy.
The idea of working with a digital speech therapy company in Taiwan excited me, as it allowed me to explore how technology can help individuals with speech disorders. It also offered me a chance to gain valuable international experience in a different cultural and linguistic environment. I saw this as a great opportunity to apply my linguistic knowledge in a real-world and global setting while learning about speech therapy services outside of Singapore.
WHAT WERE YOUR MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AS AN INTERN?
My responsibilities were multifaceted, including working closely with children with speech delays and their families to provide comprehensive care. In addition to therapy operations, I helped improve existing speech therapy activities and developed new ones to better cater to families’ needs.
I also led content marketing and advertising efforts, creating engaging content to promote our services on different platforms. Through networking and research, I sought out business leads and opportunities to help grow the company’s client base and partnerships.
It was also important for me as an intern to stay updated on the latest developments in the field of speech therapy through extensive literature and market research. This research proved valuable when the company used the data I gathered on their website to highlight the importance of early intervention speech therapy for children with delays.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THIS INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE?
‘Like’ is an understatement. This internship experience was truly life-changing and eye-opening for me to understand how the knowledge and skills from my degree, can be applied to global markets, providing speech therapy to children with special needs. Other than the work itself, I could travel during weekends, meet new people, and create memorable moments with friends in Taiwan. This experience made me realise how big the world is and how important it is to step out of our comfort zone to achieve great things.
WHAT WERE SOME CHALLENGES YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM?
Adapting to a different work culture was challenging at first, but I soon overcame it by observing and learning from colleagues, for example, how to communicate with the company’s executives and proactively engage in events. Living alone in a foreign country could sometimes feel lonely, but things improved when I joined community events and social meetups to meet new people and make friends. These challenges became easier to manage over time and I grew a lot as a person from when I first arrived in Taiwan.
HOW DID CAO HELP YOU IN PREPARING FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP AND FUTURE WORK?
By attending CAO workshops and seminars, I gained practical knowledge and developed essential skills that helped me secure and succeed in my internship. Before our overseas internship, we participated in a workshop that taught us how to prepare for the internship and future career opportunities. This event gave valuable insights into various aspects of professional development, including communication skills and networking strategies.
Engaging with professionals and alumni during CAO events also allowed me to expand my professional network and receive valuable advice and mentorship. These interactions not only enhanced my understanding of the global industry but also gave me a clearer view of workplace expectations and dynamics.
HOW HAVE YOU DEVELOPED THROUGH THIS INTERNSHIP?
My internship experience has strengthened my adaptability and flexibility. Embracing the unfamiliarity of a new environment and learning to navigate cultural differences taught me the importance of being open-minded and adaptable in diverse settings. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in future professional roles that may require me to work in multicultural or unfamiliar environments.
Alongside the professional growth during my internship, the cultural experiences I shared with friends overseas were invaluable in shaping me as a person. Interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds deepened my understanding of diversity and broadened my worldview.
Through conversations, shared meals, and exploring local traditions together, I gained insights into Taiwanese culture that went beyond what I could learn in a classroom or workplace setting. These interactions challenged my preconceptions, encouraged me to embrace new perspectives, and fostered a deeper appreciation for cultural differences.
SHARE ADVICE WITH YOUR PEERS WHO WILL BE GOING ON INTERNSHIPS.
It will be an amazing journey of growth and self-development, and it is not going to be easy! However, that is exactly what helps you grow as a person. During your internship, don’t be afraid to learn and ask questions — that is the main purpose of an internship. Most importantly, have fun and be open to embracing different cultures and people. You can always reach out to your seniors or alumni for guidance whenever you have doubts!
