Benefits of Internships

Internships get a bad reputation at times. It is understandable why you’re worried—some companies see interns as "cheap labour" who are relegated to menial tasks. However, don’t shy away from pursuing internships! Well-structured internship programs in Singapore are extremely beneficial to your professional development.

Joining a company as an intern is your first foray into the corporate environment. It allows you to gain valuable on-the-job experience which no academic institution can provide. For instance, a Communications major will learn firsthand how to conduct press releases—and manage PR crises—during an internship with a PR agency.

Besides beefing up your resume, an internship can even open doors to your first full-time role after graduation. If you're a university student in your penultimate year, performing well at your internship may land you a return offer as a permanent employee.

So you've managed to land a summer internship through your school’s career fair! The summer break draws near—and so does the first day of your internship. Follow these 3 strategies to excel as an intern:

1. Perform with Excellence

Even though you’re an intern, you’re not insignificant; you can make a difference in the organisation which you’re a part of. Promptly finish the projects you have been assigned to by the stipulated deadline.

Take ownership of your work! When you inevitably make mistakes (which is part and parcel of the learning process), frankly admit them to your manager. It is also wise to suggest potential ways to resolve the issue.

If the company you’re interning at occasionally gets you to perform menial labour, don’t grumble. Mundane errands like photocopying documents should still be attended to with the same deliberate effort and thought. Despite being dull and monotonous, some administrative tasks may give you a glimpse of the company's operations.

2. Be Proactive

Whenever you’re unsure what is expected of you, always clarify as soon as possible. The onus is on you to approach your manager to clear your doubts. Schedule a weekly slot with your manager to align expectations and garner feedback—don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions!

Furthermore, volunteer to help your manager and team members in small ways. Instead of asking "anything I can do to help?", just do what needs to be done based on your observations. If you are shadowing your manager for meetings, help to take clear and well-structured meeting minutes for him or her.

3. Network Extensively

While you’re building trust with your team, remember to network with stakeholders from different departments. Make as many connections as you can during your internship stint. Consider setting up short coffee chats with other employees to gain additional insight on industry practices.

In the same vein, get to know your fellow interns better. You never know who you'll be working closely with in the future.

Although social events such as happy hours are not mandatory, you are highly encouraged to attend them. Your active participation will reflect well on you, that you’re a good fit for the company culture. Remain sober and have fun!

What should You do if You don’t get a Return Offer?

If you don’t receive a return offer at the end of your internship, don’t become too dejected. The company may simply lack the budget to increase their headcount this year due to prevailing macroeconomic uncertainties.

What you can do is approach your manager—and express your gratitude for their constant guidance. After giving a token of appreciation, seek their candid opinion of your internship performance. You can thus learn what areas you need to improve on, be it your technical abilities or presentation skills.

Finally, politely request for a referral before you leave the company. If you have been going above and beyond during your internship, your manager will probably be happy to vouch for you!

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