You’re interested in interning in a new industry, but you’re not sure if you should because of your age. You don’t want to feel embarrassed being an older person in the room.
Here’s the thing: there’s no shame in being an intern later in life. In fact, it can be a great way to learn new skills and gain experience in an unexplored field.
Let’s talk about what to expect and how to make the most of your internship in a new industry. We will also dispel any myths about interning later in life and show you that it can be a fantastic opportunity for growth.
The perks of being an older intern
There are plenty of perks to being an older intern in a new industry. For starters, you have a lot of life experience and knowledge under your belt, which can be a huge asset.
You’re also more likely to be taken seriously, and people will respect your opinion more because you’re not just some greenhorn trying to learn the ropes. Plus, you’re more likely to have the drive and motivation to succeed, since you’re not as worried about making mistakes having work experience.
Of course, there will be times when you feel like you’re the most senior person in the workplace, but that’s okay. Just embrace your experience and use it to your advantage. And most importantly, enjoy the process!
Why you shouldn’t feel embarrassed
Don’t feel sorry because you’re not as young anymore. Plenty of people have gone through similar experiences you’re going through now, and they’ve managed to make a name for themselves in their chosen industry.
There are a few things you can do to make the experience a little less daunting. First, focus on your strengths, and don’t be afraid to show them off. Next, build a network of people who can help you out and offer advice. And finally, stay humble and be willing to accept feedback.
How to make the most of your internship experience
Image Credits: unsplash.com
Everyone starting in any new field feels a little out of their depth. You’re not alone! And everyone has to start somewhere. Make the most of your internship experience by asking lots of questions and being open to learning as much as you can.
Take advantage of the opportunity to network with people in your new industry, and learn from their experiences. Finally, have fun and enjoy yourself. Internships are a great way to gain experience and learn new things, and you should never feel apologetic about that.
How to network and build relationships with other younger interns
Here’s a pro tip for you: don’t be afraid to network with other interns.
They’re in the same boat as you, and they can be a great resource for advice, support, and friendship. Plus, they’re likely to have fresh connections within the industry that can help you out down the road.
The best way to network with other interns is to attend company events or even just go for coffee or lunch together. It’s a wonderful way to get to know them better and form relationships that could last long beyond your internship.
No one is too old to intern in a new industry. If you’re passionate about learning and want to gain experience in a fresh field, don’t let your age stop you from pursuing your goals. There are many ways to make the interning experience work for you, regardless of your age. With a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, you can make the most of this opportunity and gain the skills and experience you need to build a successful career.
You might be considering hiring an intern to help you out in your business, but before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
While interns can be a great asset to your team, they’re not always the best hiring solution for every company. Here are the top reasons you should think twice before hiring an intern.
Short-term help
You might be thinking that getting an intern onboard would be a smart way to get affordable help, but that’s true only to a certain extent.
Interns are looking for a short-term learning experience that matches their academic schedule and most will leave after three to six months. If you’re looking for long-term help, you would be better off hiring an associate or executive.
Lack of time to train
Think about it—interns usually need a lot of training, especially if they’re very new to the workforce. They need to learn about the way you do things and how to complete their tasks properly. That’s a lot of time and energy that you don’t have to spare.
It’s much better to hire a full-time employee who is already familiar with the industry and knows what they’re doing. This way, they can hit the ground running and start contributing to your team immediately.
You need someone with more experience
Image Credits: time.com
You may be thinking, “I don’t have enough work for someone full-time, but I could use some help.” And that’s where an intern can be a suitable option.
But before you decide to hire an intern, you need to be sure that the work you’re asking them to do is appropriate for their level of experience. For instance, if you’re looking for someone to do basic content writing, an intern can be a great option.
But if you need someone with more experience in SEO and who can help you rank your website on Google or other search engines, you might want to consider hiring a full-time employee instead.
You’re looking for an individual to fill a specific role
Are you looking for someone to fill a particular role in your company? If so, an intern might not be a good fit. Full-time employees have specific job descriptions and are usually trained to do those tasks well.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for someone to help out with a range of tasks and you don’t have the bandwidth to train them yourself, then an intern could be an okay option. They are more likely to be eager to learn and will be willing to try a hand in various areas.
There are many justifications as to why you should be hiring an intern, but there are also grounds for reconsideration. For example, interns may not be as qualified and can lack the experience they need to get things done well. Since they may not stay with you for very long, you might have to start from scratch again when a new hire comes in. Do you have the time and energy to spare?
Do you know that it’s advisable to discuss your strengths only and avoid touching on your weaknesses during an interview? Unless the interviewer brings the topic up, it would be safer to state the former. Need more job advice? Hop over to read our career-related articles here.
Meanwhile, here are some fresh job openings from the Training Vision Institute, MOE, and Sport Singapore (formerly known as the Singapore Sports Council) for your consideration.
#1: Training Vision Institute – Business Development Trainee
Image Credits: Training Vision Institute
Allowance / Remuneration: S$2,500 – 3,000 monthly
Training Vision Institute is one of the leading training providers and human capital consultancy firms in Singapore since 1991. The institute believes passionately in developing human capital – an essential that contributes to the success of an individual, an organization, and a nation.
They are a WDA accredited Continuing Education & Training Centre for WSQ Employability Skills and EDGE (Executive Development & Growth for Excellence). The company provides an integrated and holistic approach to the design and methodology of training and capability development. They also offer consultancy services where customized solutions are created to suit various companies’ needs.
With 5 accessible centres, superior trainers, and excellent training methodology, Training Vision Institute makes the ideal partner for individuals’ learning needs.
Job Qualifications
Candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Studies/ Administration/ Management/ Finance/ Accountancy/ Banking or equivalent.
Prior work experience not required for this position
Preferably entry-level specialized in Marketing/ Business Development or equivalent
Meticulous and resourceful
Good organization and interpersonal skills
Independent worker, ability to work under minimal supervision
Good teamwork and presentation skills
Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work irregular hours at times to support events and activities
Key Responsibilities
Digital Marketing
Carry out digital marketing campaign activities and monitor digital marketing channels’ performance.
Execute digital marketing campaigns across different marketing channels to promote online presence with corporate clients and channel partners.
Events Planning and Management
Collect information, prepare reports to evaluate events, and coordinate event planning activities.
Implement and monitor event planning activities according to agreed timelines and budgetary requirements.
Market Profiling
Collect demographic data and/or psychographic descriptions of consumer profiles from various information sources.
Market Research & Analysis
Collect data by conducting research, support the analysis of market trends and developments and prepare research documentation.
Analyse market trends and developments to forecast emerging market needs.
Interpret and aggregate data and information, including categorisation, to provide observations relevant to research objectives.
Market Campaign Management
Conduct pre-campaign testing and collect information pertaining to campaign performance.
Execute marketing campaigns based on creative briefs, ensure compliance with budgetary requirements and collaborate with partners closely
Marketing Communications Plan Development
Support efforts in developing marketing communications plans.
Implement promotional briefs and assess the effectiveness of selected media options.
Social Media Marketing
Track social media activities and recommend improvements to social media marketing and promotion efforts.
Identify innovative marketing opportunities to enhance customer and corporate client engagement.
Public Relations Management
Manage public relations business communications with corporate clients and channel partners.
Support in Channel Partnering
Engage and support manager for potential channel partners to increase market share and maximize revenue
#2: Ministry of Education – Education and Career Guidance (ECG) Counsellor
Image Credits: SAJC
Allowance / Remuneration: Not stated
The Ministry of Education (MOE) formulates and implements education policies on education structure, curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. It oversees the management and development of Government-funded schools, and the Institute of Technical Education, polytechnics and universities.
Job Qualifications
At least 5 years of working experience. Good industry knowledge and/or experience in education and career counselling would be an advantage
Passion for working with young people, especially in guiding them on their education and career pathways
An open mind, flexibility, and cultural sensitivity
A positive and encouraging nature
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and networking skills
Strong collaborative and time management skills
Ability to develop system and structures
Key Responsibilities
Direct services to students through
Providing individual and group counselling services for secondary, JC/CI or polytechnics and ITE students as well as students in the transition from secondary schools to JC/CI/polytechnics/ITE and JC/CI/polytechnics/ITE to Institutes of Higher Learning (IHL)/workforce respectively
Conducting ECG workshops and small group sessions for students to help them explore their strengths, interests, aspirations, education and career pathways, including admissions and employment preparation, by using ECG counselling tools and techniques
System support and development through
Enhancing ECG capacity for school/polytechnic/ITE personnel by equipping teachers/lecturers with basic ECG advising skills and organising platforms for the sharing of labour market information, latest industry trends and up-to-date polytechnics, ITE and IHL course information
Conducting consultation with teachers/lecturers to provide feedback on students’ ECG needs and synergize ECG efforts and resources
Engaging students through conducting ECG talks and organizing career fairs and industry experiences
Organizing ECG outreach to parents
Establishing strong partnerships
With relevant industries and community partners to gather the latest labour market and career information
With employers and community partners to organize ECG experiences or provide useful ECG resources for students
Between MOE schools, polytechnics, ITE, IHL, and government agencies to facilitate students’ transition to tertiary institutions and into the workforce
A statutory board of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, Sport Singapore’s core purpose is to inspire the Singapore spirit and transform Singapore through sport. Through innovative, fun and meaningful sporting experiences, their mission is to reach out and serve communities across Singapore with passion and pride.
With Vision 2030 – Singapore’s sports master plan, their mandate goes beyond winning medals. Sport Singapore uses sport to create greater sporting opportunities and access, more inclusivity, and integration, as well as broader development of capabilities. At Sport Singapore, the team works with a vast network of public-private-people sector partners for individuals to live better through sports.
Job Qualifications
Strong project management, organization, and interpersonal skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong analytical and conceptualizations
Ability to work in teams, multi-task, and adapt to change
Able to multi-task and work effectively in a fast-paced environment, both in teams as well as independently
Positive vibes with strong interpersonal skills to interact with people of different age range
Key Responsibilities
They are looking for someone to develop sports volunteerism and raise the quality of sports volunteering by providing leadership and guidance to the team in areas of recruitment, opportunities, learning and growth, recognition, and continuous engagement of sports volunteers.
Build a nationwide movement by being a platform that offers multi-faceted and meaningful opportunities for Team Nila to give back through sport.
Enrich and empower by providing leadership training programmes for Team Nila who are committed and have displayed leadership qualities.
Deepen volunteer engagement by offering meaningful opportunities through deliberate designing of programmes and actively engaging Team Nila via various platforms i.e. social media, celebrations, and appreciations.
Create pilots and support activities for social lab and experimentation
Are you sometimes bothered by job-searching advice and wondering if they are true? James Goh, founder and CEO of ACCESS HR & Talents, weighs in on this issue so you can put a stop to thinking and start acting right. Click through this link to read the article.
Meanwhile, here are some internship opportunities with Capella Hotel Group, Platinum Yoga, and the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre you might be interested in.
#1: Capella Hotel Group – Business Development Intern
Image Credits: hospitalitynet.org
Allowance / Remuneration: S$1,000 monthly
Capella Hotels and Resorts – A personalized, unique, and memorable experience crafted to cater to the most discerning of luxury travellers. Curated service and cultural hospitality combined with extraordinary design make Capella Hotels and Resorts the benchmark in their respective destinations.
Patina Hotels and Resorts – An aspirational lifestyle brand that proffers a privileged and authentic experience in a vibrant setting that is distinctive, stylish, and energetic at every touchpoint.
Each hotel under the management of Capella Hotel Group upholds a legacy of crafted luxury design combined with the highest level of heartfelt service culture. The brand claims to invest more than any other hotel management company to conceive exceptional hotels with a creative response to its local culture and environment. Their hotels are imbued with a sense of place that truly inspires and captivates – each is a unique addition to a string of exquisite Capella-managed hotels worldwide.
Job Qualifications
It’s not listed in the job post.
Key Responsibilities
Learn to manage the underwriting of each project, including gathering and synthesizing critical market and competitive data.
Perform financial analysis (together with key assumptions supported by underlying market research) and learn to prepare presentations to present results.
Prepare a deal evaluation report for each lead. Conduct research, and evaluate market data and project brief, to analyze the feasibility of the project.
Evaluate related industries and markets, including current conditions, trends, threats, and new opportunities.
How to apply?
Send your application to Richmond Kok via this link.
Platinum Yoga is a privately held company that operates six yoga studios. The yoga centre offers all levels and styles of yoga in Singapore, with hundreds of classes available 7 days a week. Their yoga instructors and guest instructors are one of the best in the industry and represent the full spectrum of yoga disciplines.
Be it classical Iyengar yoga, ashtanga yoga, flow yoga, or specialized classes in prenatal, aerial yoga, yoga for kids, and more – you will definitely find a suitable class that will rejuvenate you after the session.
Job Qualifications
It’s not listed in the job post.
Key Responsibilities
Assisting the Marketing Manager in the implementation of the marketing strategies as well as post follow up on activities executed.
Integrate online (digital marketing – social media) and offline marketing activities (paid, earned, and owned media and other related channels).
Ensuring all studios are updated with the latest POS material.
Continuously drive awareness and leads for all studios through different marketing strategies within a given budget.
Track, analyze, and report on campaign effectiveness.
#3: National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre – Research Intern
Image Credits: CNA
Allowance / Remuneration: S$400 – 1,000 monthly
The National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) is the steward of the City of Good vision for Singapore, where individuals, organisations, and leaders come together to give their best for others.
Through their programmes and initiatives, NPVC facilitates partnerships with non-profits, organizations, public sector bodies, and individuals to enliven the giving ecosystem within Singapore.
Job Qualifications
Penultimate or Final Year students in Psychology, Sociology, Geography, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Business, or other related fields.
Have extensive primary and secondary research experience (prefers those with an academic publication).
Proficient in SPSS or other research software.
Good interpersonal and communication skills.
Curiosity and interest in looking for data and statistics that creates value.
Ability to sense-making and draw lateral connections across a large volume of data.
A keen interest in social issues and/or non-profit space.
Meticulous and detail-oriented.
A self-starter, independent individual that possesses a high degree of discipline and commitment.
Key Responsibilities
You will be supporting the Knowledge and Insights team with national-level research on volunteerism, philanthropy, and other forms of giving. You will be analysing data and trends to inform and influence key stakeholders. In particular, you will be supporting the assigned Project Leads on various ongoing research:
Primary (Quantitative) research projects, such as large-scale landscape studies on giving behaviour and attitudes among individuals and corporates
Futures and Translational Research projects, such as understanding how COVID-19 is shaping future giving landscape and scenario planning exercises
Foundational pieces such as documenting existing research, data gathering, and data entry, and assisting with Knowledge & Insights database management
Other responsibilities include:
Update and maintain intel database on various COVID-19 related groups and topics (such as Migrant Workers, Low Income, Mental Health) through data entry and data verification
Conduct secondary research, literature reviews, and/or policy reviews
Conducting fieldwork (either in-house or through a market research agency)
Data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation of data
Developing reports to make recommendations for internal and external audiences to inform strategy and enhance practices
How to apply?
Send your application (indicating your available days in the week for the internship) to Jiahui via this link.
How’s your job search coming along? If you need help brushing up your resume, read our recent article on the art of writing a resume as advised by experts. Meanwhile, check out these new job and internship opportunities with NTU, UOB Kay Hian, and Ezbuy.
#1: Nanyang Technological University – Trainee, Research Assistant in Parent-Infant Neural Connectivity
Image Credits: NTU
Allowance / Remuneration: S$1,800 – 2,500 monthly
NTU’s School of Social Sciences has nearly 100 faculty members and more than 1,700 undergraduates who major in the four-degree programmes the school offers: Economics, Psychology, Public Policy and Global Affairs, and Sociology. There are more than 180 graduate students in their PhD and MA programmes (by research), and MSc programmes in Applied Economics and Gerontology.
The Baby-LINC Lab in the Division of Psychology is headed by Asst Prof Victoria Leong. The lab conducts world-leading research on interpersonal neural connectivity between parents and infants, using a technique called “dual-EEG”. During early life, social interactions between infants and caregivers “gate” learning processes in the infant’s brain.
In this project, the candidate will learn to analyse dyadic-EEG data concurrently collected from infants and their parents during naturalistic learning scenarios. The aim will be to examine how the parent-infant neural network is modulated by social cues such as eye contact and infant-directed speech in order to facilitate early learning. This project can be completed through 100% virtual coaching since a large amount of data has already been collected and is ready for analysis. However, should circumstances permit, hands-on training in EEG data acquisition may also be provided to enhance the trainee’s learning experience.
Job Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
Basic proficiency in Matlab (preferred) or other programming languages
Good knowledge of statistics and statistical software packages such as R and Statistica (preferred)
Interest in neuroscience and/or psychology
Good attention to detail
Effective communication and report writing skills
Key Responsibilities
Assisting with pre-processing of EEG datasets (e.g. checking for errors, removing artefacts)
Video coding of infant and maternal behaviour
Statistical analysis of behavioural data
Recruitment and screening of participants
Coordinating day-to-day (online) research activities (e.g. recruitment and scheduling of participants)
Performing other related duties assigned in support of the research projects
UOB Kay Hian Pte Ltd claims to be the largest stockbroking house in Singapore with a strong presence in key financial centres in the region, UK and US. They provide a wide range of services to a diversified client base that includes corporations, institutions, and local investors. Clients can rely on the brand’s knowledge of key Asian financial markets to improve their investment decisions and portfolios.
Job Qualifications
Must be able to commit for at least 3 months, Mondays to Fridays
OT is required for this role
At least a Diploma holder
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
No experience required, fresh graduates are welcomed
Key Responsibilities
This position will report to the Contracts Department, with the following duties:
Perform trade processing for Equities and Unit Trust
Checking of reports, data entry, and processing contra
Handle administrative tasks such as photocopying, faxing etc.
How to apply?
Submit your application to Angel Wong via this link.
Formerly known as 65Daigou, owned by EZbuy Holdings Limited, Ezbuy is a provider of online global shopping services. Founded in 2010 by a group of aspiring entrepreneurs, Ezbuy quickly rose to become one of the largest global shopping platforms.
According to the company, they currently provide global shopping services from China, USA, and Taiwan to more than 1,000,000 customers across Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Job Qualifications
Poly students or university students are welcomed to apply
Possesses basic knowledge of HR procedure
Active, pleasant personality, and cheerful
Good team player and able to work under minimal supervision
Proficient in MS Office, especially in MS Excel
Excellent English and Chinese speaking and writing skills are advantageous (in order to liaise with the Chinese speaking associates)
Key Responsibilities
Monitor staff’s time attendance
Basic recruitment
Staff communication & correspondence
Employee welfare, benefits & compensation
Creating quarterly newsletter
Basic administration work
Communicating with vendor or supplier
Assist to fixed asset management
Ability to manage and organize data and information for HR and finance
Assist document filing and receiving, basic paperwork
Additional duties assigned by the Management from time to time
Formerly known as 65Daigou, owned by EZbuy Holdings Limited, Ezbuy is a provider of online global shopping services. Founded in 2010 by a group of aspiring entrepreneurs, Ezbuy quickly rose to become one of the largest global shopping platforms.
According to the company, they currently provide global shopping services from China, USA, and Taiwan to more than 1,000,000 customers across Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, and Thailand.
Job Qualifications
Ability to speak both English and Chinese – in order to liaise with Chinese speaking associates
Good skills in using office software including excel, ppt, etc.
Having photoshop skill will be advantageous.
Actively looking out for the latest trends.
Have good written and speaking skills.
Good understanding of beauty products.
Being fast and accurate.
Having analytical skills.
Being detail-oriented.
Able to adapt to different working environments.
Key Responsibilities
Communicate with beauty marketplace sellers to plan for campaigns and execute them with the guidance of the marketing team (in both English and Chinese)
Managing the beauty marketplace.
Creating new ideas to promote for sellers.
Managing and updating the website on the latest trends.
Analyzing sales, prices, and preparing recommendations.
Conducting research on the market competitiveness.
Critical thinking and able to work independently.
Assist in local marketplace operations.
Maintaining onsite assets such as campaign landing pages.
How to apply?
Submit your application to Tee Hao Wen via this link.
