how to score A for internship!
📑For context: I’m nearing the end of my intern in a travel company in Shanghai - yes my school provided us this opportunity😛 (but v costly -$$$ will be making another post abt this)
🍀Lucky enough to have made it in but to be frank, there wasn’t competition ! LOL if you wanna experience this amazing opportunity: just apply, don’t gotta overthink it. The best scenairo is that you get to live an insane 5 months abroad, and the worst? well just believe that you’ll succeed
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1. CHOOSE your internship company + role wisely.
This is so important. Glassdoor your company / ask your network of people (linkedin) regarding their past experiences for the company you’re interested in. Company culture is what will make or break you. Whether your boss is not* psychologically crazy, your co-workers are DECENT.. ya it is very important. THE ROLE TOO. You must be interested in the position you’re applying for. I applied for a customer-facing role, despite being a marketing student because I loved the industry of my company (and the marketing position got filled). BUT omg wow I hate customer-facing jobs now, I’m bad at it, it’s so mundane and I do the same shit everyday I was so bored. ya so this is very important!! At least, I learnt that I DISLIKE this job scope now
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2. Your value to the company despite being “just an intern”
Internships are usually boring, there’s not much tasks to complete - we all know this which leads to complaining about the fact that we have nothing to do, watching the clock pass by slowly. However! There is so much we can do and occupy our time with. Asking for MORE work when you’re bored will definitely leave a good impression. Another being: looking for flaws or problems in the structure/ products of the company then you try to fix it or suggest solutions, this is actually such an amazing way to prove your value to the company especially if it’s a SME - The full timers will really appreciate you. In the end, it’s better not to slack in the office since you’re supposed to learn in the months you’re deployed here!
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3. Don’t assume you know everything
By this, I mean asking questions if you’re not 100% sure. I have made so many mistakes because I assumed, but I assumed wrongly la so it caused issues… I WAS SURE and confident but no use, everything must ask. You can’t feel paiseh to ask, they’ll be happy to answer ( trust ) and the best thing is that you’re doing your job properly -1 chance of fking up.
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4. Co-worker relations
It’s very normal to have a toxic workplace where the full-timers talk shit about e/o non-stop. The only way around this is TO NOT TAKE SIDES. Just observe, shut up and DO NOT contribute. Well, if you’re affected as in you’re getting unfairly treated….tolerate it bc it’ll make you stronger for your future corporate jobs. Honestly, the liasing officers - most of them don’t give a shit and rarely offer help to students. ( From what I heard, my friends had to just suck it up bc no help was offered)
🙁🙁 In reality, this is how being an adult is bah which is obviously tragic. In an actual FT job setting, the only correct answer is to quit! But, we’re interns and our grades are at stake. Endure… 忍着
Based on my internship experience, choosing your company and position with care is crucial. I highly recommend researching your prospective company through platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to gain honest insights about company culture and management. This helped me avoid roles I’m not suited for and understand the environment I’d be entering. Another valuable lesson is to never assume you know all the answers. Asking questions—even if you fear it might seem trivial—is essential. It prevents mistakes and shows your dedication to learning and doing your job well, which supervisors really appreciate. Building healthy relationships with co-workers is equally important. It's common to encounter workplace gossip or negativity, but staying neutral and professional is the best approach. If you face unfair treatment, enduring it can be tough but also a learning experience for future careers. Remember, as interns, we’re there to learn and grow, even in challenging environments. Also, demonstrate your value beyond assigned tasks. When boredom hits, proactively ask for more work or identify issues within the company and suggest solutions. This shows initiative and can elevate how full-time employees perceive you. Lastly, keep in mind that every internship is a unique opportunity to understand what fits you best professionally. I realized through my role that not all jobs suit me, and that’s okay—it’s part of growing and determining your career path.
seconded! so real about being alone and needing to suck it up 🥲