Leaderonomics

Photo source: Edwin & Kelly Tofslie

From the moment I walked into the office, I was prepared for coffee-making and some menial tasks. Instead, I was greeted with warmth, hospitality and importance.

To provide some background, I finished my high school studies in the IGCSE syllabus in the middle of this year, and decided to take a friend’s advice and take a six-month period to work.

As I was having difficulty in trying to pick which college to attend, the half-year break seemed ideal.

Thanks to the friend, I was encouraged to apply for an internship in Leaderonomics, which turned out to be one of the best decisions that I have made, despite initially feeling “slower” compared with my friends who have already entered college.

If you catch a glimpse of my work day, you would see me typing out new articles on the computer, managing a small section of the Leaderonomics website, or nagging at my desk mate.

While my given tasks have helped in honing my skills and prepared me for my tertiary education, I have also learnt many great lessons from my work mates on accountability, love, and care – all of which are also equally important characteristics to have in life.

Moreover, the trust that I have been given to complete my work, and the sense of accomplishment I get when I finish it, has greatly developed my confidence. And as a teenager, such a boost is necessary.

Although I have only been working here for over a month, the experience that I have gained so far is completely unexpected, for which I am truly grateful.

I am also fully aware that Leaderonomics is not a run-of-the-mill company, and that not every company will treat its interns in the same way.

We should have a positive perspective in every situation that we face – there are always lessons to be learnt from every situation.

I hope that this has encouraged you to consider going through an internship to prepare yourself in your career. Life is not a race, and the person who finishes first doesn’t necessarily gain more.

Sometimes, stopping to smell the roses allows you to spot hidden gems along the way.

The “past” me would have never imagined that I would be where I currently am, and I am excited to bring the “future” me to places that the “current” me will never dream of, too.