The concept of on-the-job learning is a study method that has been proven time and again to be invaluable. On-the-job learning allows us to apply our skills directly to a problem and that application sticks in our mind better than any amount of reading or classroom learning can offer. As such for young students an internship program is the best way to get on-the-job learning experience.
By taking on a short stint with a company, they will be able to immerse themselves in the working world whilst still being in a safe environment. During the program they will be able to not just apply what they have learnt but discover and develop new skill sets along the way. For young students being able to experience what working is like can also be helpful in providing clarity for what they want to do in the future
Don’t just take our word for it, we spoke to some of our industry partners and this is what they have to say about the subject: –
Name: Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan
Position: Executive Director
Organization: Malaysian Bio Technology Information Centre (MABIC)
Industry: Bio Technology
“Taking on interns as young as 16 or 17 has been done overseas and it has proven to be extremely effective however it is a new concept in Malaysia and therefore less common. I feel that this is the age where the students are at the first crossroad of their career – deciding what or where to major in. As such an actual on-the-job experience is able to provide so much insight and information for them to make the best decision possible.
An internship can help the student realize their potential, their strengths, even weaknesses and sometimes help them discover a latent talent. In some cases, it can also help to strengthen their resolve to the career path of their choice. I strongly believe that an internship experience can provide a strong platform for young students to launch their careers.
My experience mentoring an intern from the Future Leaders Internship Program has been an enjoyable one. The student was able to take on a variety of tasks from despatch duty to assisting in event planning. She’s learnt how to work with her peers and has been exposed to what the real world working environment is like. During her time with us she was also able to contribute an article to our newsletter as well as learn how to network and work with colleagues and other people in the industry, including senior officers.”
For the full interview please visit http://www.fliplacement.com/
Name: Mr Yogaraj Parmanathan
Position: Audit Associate
Organization: Kenneth David & Co.
Industry: Accounting
“I was able to mentor a FLIP intern for one week and I found it easier than expected. I believe it is because it is easier to provide information to younger students. I found that they are less set in their ways and it was easier to mould them to be a productive member of the team.
As an intern they have to be willing to learn, they should ask the right questions and be willing to take both positive as well as negative feedback. The experience they get is a stepping stone to greater things for them in the future.
I believe companies should support the program because it’s a great way for students to gain exposure to working life. This is an invaluable experience that one cannot get in a class room and this will help them in their future careers.”
For the full interview please visit http://www.fliplacement.com/
Name: Ms. Munira Gunshu
Position: Human Capital Manager
Organization: Nano Malaysia
Industry: Technology
“I think FLIP provides a fantastic platform for the students. It allows students to explore their options and decide what career they wish to pursue.
Students can truly gain a lot from an internship experience. They can pick up skills on how to collaborate with others from different backgrounds and they can learn how to apply creative problem-solving techniques. Even simple knowledge and day-to-day skills such as time management, minute taking and how to follow up with others can be learnt and applied through this program.”
For the full interview please visit http://www.fliplacement.com/
Name: Mr Nicholas Wong
Position: Partner
Organization: IPP Financial Planning Group
Industry: Financial Services
“This was my first experience with an intern and it was a pleasure working with him. What we do at IPP is help our clients achieve their financial goals through systematic financial planning. The intern we took on was only 18 years old and he was looking to pursue a career in economics. As such this was an eye-opening experience for him, on what his potential career path could be.
I feel that an internship experience can help students learn things that they can never get from the safety of the classroom. For example, our intern will actually be shadowing us during our meetings with the clients (as an observer). From there he will be able to see how we actually deal with real-life clients and real-life challenges.
Speaking from experience, I myself majored in Bio Technology and I was never given the opportunity to be exposed at such a young age (16 to 18). I wish I could have had the chance to, as it would have given me a much clearer picture into what an actual day in the life of a bio tech engineer could have been like. Perhaps then I might have majored in something else?
All in all, I would encourage students to take up this opportunity to be part of an internship and to experience an actual working environment. I think the experience will be challenging but also very rewarding.”
For the full interview please visit http://www.fliplacement.com/