MY ASEAN Internship Programme: Interns Have It Best

For most graduates, the big question is where do you go from here?

In today’s hyper-competitive industry, internships set you apart, and they are a big deal. If you are an undergrad nearing your final semester, or if you have recently graduated, then an internship with an established employer of your choice is a natural segue into working life, and a very smart career move.

What is so smart about internships?

Here are a few good reasons to consider becoming an intern:

1. Job opportunity

For new graduates, an internship is an opportunity provided by the employer for potential employees. But it is more than just a soft landing into the workforce for you.

It is a way of holding the door open for future career opportunities. You get to know industry leaders and their businesses and they get to learn about you and your potential.

2. Employability

Internships are a large part of establishing a firm footing in the industry. It brands you as employable, and in many streams today such as IT (information technology) and finance, internships are almost a necessity. It isn’t very hard to see how easily you can jump off a page with a big company name on your resume.

3. Hands-on experience

Don’t wait for an actual job to happen. Before embarking on your career, as an intern you may enjoy the wonderful opportunity of familiarising yourself with the working culture of a variety of employers.

You will learn the ropes as an intern, but with less pressure and expectations. In fact, this is the best place to practise falling down and getting up, without being seriously hurt.

4. Your value increases

Internships are about learning, first and foremost. You want to be in a position where you’re constantly sponging more knowledge and gaining more experience about the people, the projects, and the overall landscape of the industry.

Good internships set you up for greater success once you go full-time.

How do I become an intern

The MY ASEAN Internship programme is inviting applicants for a 10-week internship programme with selected, top-notch organisations at various ASEAN locations.

As a collaboration between the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MITI) and Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp), this internship programme is available to those currently studying or have completed their studies in any university based in Malaysia.

MY ASEAN Internship is supported by 12 leading organisations with business operations in one or more ASEAN countries.

To learn more and to apply, visit ready4work.my

 
Published in English daily The Star, Malaysia, 28 February 2015