DECC

Internships

Internships – The Essential Facts

“80,000 unemployed graduates nationwide…”
(Source: NST February 22, 2005 – Public Services Commission)

“Experience required, preferably in related field”
(Source: Leading online recruitment website)

Do these statements worry you? Know someone in a similar position? Or are you facing these problems yourself?

We at the DECC would like to highlight the importance of a possible, but very often overlooked solution to the problem – INTERNSHIPS!

Why should I intern?

The short answer – you will stand a better chance of gaining the position you desire.

Much has been said about how a university education does not give the appropriate exposure to the working world. Well, it is always easier to “blame the system”, but how about finding a solution instead? This is where an internship position might work its magic.

Having a 2-3 month placement at an organization which interests you will provide:

• Hands-on-experience in the working world
• A feel of what it is like working in the particular organization
• An edge over other applicants who have no such experience
• An opportunity to actually use what you have learnt in lectures
• An excellent way to spend time during long vacations
• The chance to build up a network of contacts

What sort of positions can I fill?

When asked to describe interns, the first thing that might come to mind is the poor ‘office-boy’, running around the office performing a lot of menial tasks – making coffee for the supervisors or stapling stacks of documents.

Admittedly, although there might be some truth to the above scenario, there are other positions where you can fill which would not require such ‘exertions’. In general, there can be 3 categories of internship positions which you can fill:

1. Corporate internships - where companies usually advertise for a specific position, with a certain job-scope. These positions are especially sort after, as they usually benefit the employer as much as the intern, the companies get to ‘test out’ fresh talent, with the option of hiring, and the intern receives on-the-job experience. Even if one does not receive a job offer, the experiences gained during the placement might serve as a selling-point for subsequent applications.
2. Voluntary positions - this broad category would cover positions which are not directly linked to either the university course or the preferred career option of the individual. Very often, students who have long vacations take the time to help out on issues which they feel passionate about, for example working with NGO’s on environmental issues, human rights concerns or charity organizations. Many are skeptical about such positions, as they are usually not funded, but we feel that the soft skills that are picked up, such as the ability to work in a team, leadership and organizational skills might just make you stand out over other students.
3. Research positions - this would mainly apply to those who are looking at post-graduate education or considering a career in academia. Good results are necessary, but definitely not sufficient for securing post-graduate positions. Working experience in the relevant field of research has almost become a prerequisite for doctoral courses. The possibility of your work being published in journals should be another motivating factor when considering internships in research.

How do I apply?

Here are a few pointers on securing your internship placement

Trawl websites for relevant organizations. Many put up advertisements for internship positions. Do check these websites from time to time, as the adverts may only be over a specific period, for a limited time.

If you do not come across advertised positions, WRITE. E-mails are particularly convenient – a short enquiry to the relevant department (HR, instead of the GM’s office!), stating your interest and attaching your CV will not do you harm.

Do not be too worried if the remuneration for the position is minimal/non-existent; look at it as an investment for the future.

Ask for help! Do write to us at the DECC if you have tried all of the above and are still unable to secure a position. The team might just be acquainted with the right people who might be able to help you. We also plan to initiate tie-ups with relevant organizations for promoting internship placements, so do watch this space!