Reflecting on My 2023 Internship Journey Part 1

It all began in March 2023: that time when everyone seemed to be either lining up job-shadowing gigs or locking in future internships to spruce up their already stellar portfolios, and there I was, feeling a serious case of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) about these experiences. Therefore, I decided to follow in their footsteps and started scouring my school's email for internship opportunities during the summer break.

When it came to choosing my internship, I was dead set against anything science-related. With NUS High School's heavy focus on Math and Science, my options were pretty limited. But lo and behold, among the sea of opportunities, the title 'Business Development Internship' stood out like a shining star for non-science folks. That's when I stumbled upon two intriguing prospects: Fabrica AI and Meetarts.

Fabrica AI

Fabrica AI is a startup company that specializes in building automatic tile grouting robots to enhance construction productivity. Their patent-pending robot simplifies the laborious and physically taxing process of tile grouting, offering a solution to quality issues while paving the way for future applications in harsh environments and beyond.

Though I lacked any coding expertise to enhance robot efficiency, I was intrigued by its Business Development Intern role, eager to delve into the tech world and experience the ins and outs of BD operations.

Meetarts

Meetarts is a fresh C2C ecommerce venture connecting visual artists and art enthusiasts in Singapore and beyond. This budding platform is currently being nurtured through the incubation program at Hangar, hosted by NUS Enterprise.

Being passionate about art myself, I've often pondered how a startup catering to the art scene could thrive in a relatively small market like Singapore. Intrigued by this notion, I took the plunge and decided to apply, eager to explore the possibilities within this unique niche.

After submitting my application, life went back to its usual hustle and bustle of school. Then, out of the blue, came the unexpected surprise one morning when I checked my email inbox: an interview invitation from Fabrica AI awaited me.

I was elated, and I scheduled the interview right after my exam, giving me ample time to brush up on interview skills and anticipate potential questions. As a first-timer, I meticulously prepared, but couldn't shake off the butterflies swirling in my stomach just 30 minutes before the meeting.

The interview stretched on for over half an hour, mostly revolving around questions about their business model and my understanding of it. The interviewer graciously pointed out where my answers fell short, offering insights beyond what was stated on their website. I admitted my lack of experience in Business studies, acknowledging my naivety but expressing eagerness to learn and broaden my horizons.

Despite my best efforts, it seemed the interview didn't meet the interviewer's expectations, and unfortunately, I received a rejection for the position.

At this juncture, you might be wondering, "What about the Meetarts internship I applied for?" I didn't receive any response from them yet, but they would make a comeback soon.

As the summer holidays approached and I found myself without any internship offers, frustration and self-doubt crept in. However, instead of dwelling on these feelings, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Turning to the adults around me for guidance, I discovered an opportunity through one of the boarding counselors who worked in the pharmacogenomics industry. Despite the lack of financial compensation, I eagerly accepted the offer for a Business Development Intern position, recognizing it as a valuable chance to gain practical experience and expand my horizons beyond the confines of school.

I was incredibly thankful for the opportunity I was given, and I kicked off the typical application process by reaching out to the Human Resources Department and sitting through interviews with her guidance. This time around, the interview went much more smoothly, thanks to lessons learned from previous experiences and more extensive research into the company. Below, I'll give you a quick rundown of what the business is all about.

Nalagenetics

Nalagenetics is a pharmagenomics company dedicated to empowering families in Southeast Asia with preemptive health measures. They specialize in analyzing genetic variations to predict individual responses to medications, enabling personalized treatment plans based on genetic profiles. Through their innovative technologies and algorithms, they aim to optimize treatment outcomes, minimize adverse reactions, and pave the way for healthier generations to come.

Internship Details:

• Duration: 6th of June, 2023 - 25th of June, 2023
• Schedule: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Format: On-site or Work From Home (WFH)
• Job Description: Initially vague, but evolved as assignments were completed.

Learning and Growth

"What did I learn in this 3-week internship? Did I acquire any skills? What challenges did I face?"

Upon receiving an in-depth briefing about Nalagenetics' business and its competitive advantages in the industry, my supervisor tasked me with revising a PowerPoint presentation for the company's sales playbook. This involved detailing key personnel, product lines, and the sales process. Researching the competitive landscape during this assignment provided me with a comprehensive understanding of the company's operations.

In addition to theoretical knowledge, I also soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the workplace. As a small startup, the office space encompassed areas for desks, a meeting room, laboratory, dining table, and a receptionist. Below, I've sketched out the office floorplan based on my recollection.

Throughout my internship, I had the chance to interact with a diverse group of colleagues spanning various age groups, from bright-eyed university interns to seasoned professionals fresh out of school, along with the company's founders. Initially, I felt a bit out of place during our lunch gatherings, but as time went on, I found myself relishing in the stories and wisdom they shared from their life journeys. These conversations turned out to be treasure troves of insights and values that I'll carry with me for years to come.

Honestly, in terms of tangible skills acquired, I didn't feel like I mastered any groundbreaking business development techniques. Being a novice in this field, I mostly shadowed my supervisor, who seemed to spend a significant amount of time in meetings and communicating with potential clients.

One of the main challenges I faced during the internship was feeling like my role wasn't significant. I didn't have a hand in the company's R&D processes, nor did I directly interact with clients. At times, I found myself losing interest in tasks like research and data compilation, thinking they wouldn't be of much use to the company. However, I reminded myself that I was there to learn and grow, and that shift in mindset helped alleviate the pressure I felt about my role.

Key Takeaways:

1. Prioritize 'learning' over 'contributing' during internships.
2. Business Development entails enhancing a company's competitive advantage by building extensive networks with clients and industry peers.
3. Effective presentation skills are crucial for making a confident first impression on potential clients and instilling trust in the company's products or services.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my three-week internship, I can confidently say it was a transformative experience, especially for a high schooler like myself accustomed to the routine of classes and hostel life. Throughout this journey, I'm immensely grateful for the guidance and support of my supervisor, Perseus Ang. His mentorship was invaluable, and I owe much of my growth to his encouragement and advice.

As my internship came to a close, I found myself back in the rhythm of school life. However, just when I thought my summer adventure had concluded, an unexpected email arrived in August — an internship offer.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my internship journey, where I delve into this next chapter of my professional growth. There's more to share, and I can't wait to take you along for the ride :)

Stay tuned for internship and career updates

as I explore and advance my career along the way :>