Haziqah, an incoming Year 1 Social Work student at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), shares her reflection about her first internship experience at Skillseed.

As a post A-level graduate, I thought it would be best to explore meaningful internship opportunities while waiting for my university semester to start. With no prior experience of working in an organisation, apart from a few part time or ad hoc jobs before this, I came across the Youth Corps Community Internship (YCCI) programme. This programme develops youths by enabling them to intern in the social sector, while also volunteering to serve the community. I was amazed by the opportunities offered as YCCI interns are provided with opportunities for Skills Training, Career Explorations, and Learning Journeys as part of their 5-6 months journey.

Subsequently, I decided to apply to Skillseed as I resonated with their commitment to social impact and innovative social projects, along with a friendly culture. I was eager to pursue the role of a Programme Management and Business Development intern. As I was relatively new to the workforce, I was not familiar with what to expect, but I kept an open mind. As the internship commenced, I found myself grappling with the adjustment to the routine nature of an office-based job. The transition from a more flexible lifestyle to the structured schedule of the workplace presented a new set of challenges to me. Another challenge I faced in the initial stages of my internship was to organise my tasks efficiently.

As I grew into my role, I realised that adapting to this new routine required patience and a willingness to embrace change. I recognized the importance of discipline and task management in effectively navigating the structured work environment. With the guidance and support of Skillseed team members in ensuring team welfare and efficiency, it has helped me adapt to changes. Their insights and strategies proved invaluable towards my journey of improvement.

Through my role in programme management, I was involved in reviewing survey feedback from participants and analysing data into reports. For example, I had worked on reports for Project Hai Khun III, an Overseas Community Service Project we had co-created with SMU students and our overseas community partner, BEAM, and our flagship community programme, Resilience Trails. My creativity and design skills were put to the test as I designed social media posts and infographics, as part of the organisation’s marketing and recruitment efforts. During the process of creating posters for Skillseed, I gained a deeper appreciation for the development and use of a visual identity. I got to see how colour palettes and fonts could embody a company’s unique brand persona and how adhering to these helps to maintain a uniform and cohesive identity across materials.

Another component of my responsibilities is focused on Skillseed’s team welfare. This was highlighted through our Team Bonding Day which I organised and meticulously planned with another team member to prepare fun-filled activities for everyone. We ended the day with a Laser Tag activity and had so much fun! Being able to spend time with my colleagues outside our usual professional setting not only provides stress relief, but also enhances our communication and overall team dynamics through an informal atmosphere. I had also captured our fond experiences from that day in this special video compilation. Watch here!

Besides my regular office tasks, the developmental aspect of my internship programme includes volunteering service sessions. In the first 3 months of my internship, I have spent my Saturdays at the Moral Home for the Aged Sick, as part of the YOLDEN programme, which engages senior citizens through Arts, Physiotherapy and Sports. This led to my realisation that the senior citizens have differing needs that we might tend to overlook. For example, carrying a ball might be challenging for some seniors as they might have weak hand strength or control. This prompted my awareness that not all struggles faced by individuals are necessarily visible to others. In June, I was also involved in engaging primary school children through a Coding Games for Kids programme, where children learn how to code through interactive games powered by CodeSpark. As I worked alongside with people from different age groups and backgrounds, I realised the significance of being understanding and inclusive, in order to cater to their varying needs.

Time flows swiftly and 6 months went by. As someone who encountered multiple challenges at the start of her first internship, to an individual who’s grown much more confident in her strengths and skills set, I am heartened to have spent my first internship experience with Skillseed. Keeping an open mind and staying adaptable towards different challenges would prepare one through this learning process. With the unwavering support from an understanding team, I am sure that anyone would have a good learning experience and personal development under Skillseed’s internship.

𝐀 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐝