Interesting Experience From Internship

My 26 weeks of internship period in Bayan Lepas gave me a lot of really real insight on how to become a proper real engineer. Here, I share with you some lessons I learn from internship. 

(1) Don't act complacency a.k.a like it's yours holiday job.

Ok, for some the internship period is much much shorter, says ... 10 weeks, but hey treat it as your real job. Coming in late (traffic jam is a big-not-to-say excuse ) or take a two hour lunch break is a big no no. This will reflect you as your interns to your potential employees one day later.  

(2) Be pro-active in communicating with colleague

Being painfully shy is at a disadvantage here as the workplace no matter what department you are in requires constant communication with each other, even sharing gossips. First thing I learn is make a friendly eye contacts and picks up the correct words to start a conversation . :D (I am in the process of learning them) 

(3) Missing out on company's activities

Sometimes, ( my host company host once but I miss it due to my ticket balik kampung on that same day) a company will host an unofficial activities such as family day, environment day or whatever sporting tournament they had, just join them if can. Don't duck them out for the working excuse, as you might lead your colleague thinking you didn't appreciate about work-balance values and miss out knowing your supervisor and colleague at a much more personal level. 

(4) Forgetting to see big pictures

Sometimes, we as interns may not see the big pictures like gaining little allowance or OT without payment or any grunt that you have but we may fail to see the big pics behind it such as  the first time we played with hundred thousand ringgit equipment, learning the new management system such as ISO , 6 sigma , just in time manufacturing and more . As a note, when you feel bored, you can ask other supervisor who look busy and took over their job if you feel a little bit tedious repetitive with your current supervisor. :P ( I had at least 3 supervisor when I am in internship for 26 weeks) and being on set with smaller task, I am motivated to be able to reach of the task end goal. 

(5) In doubt ? Ask question, it didn't hurt .... 

Of course, that should be golden rule but in a typical Malaysia culture, the students is usually spoonfed . :] (I admit I am also product for spoonfed educations) But in working life, no asking is equal to sending yourself to eighteen levels of hell cos none of your colleague will be too free or too kind to help you voluntarily unless you ask. But there is a fine line between asking too much and asking none. You decides on the line . :)....

(6) Accepting rejections

 

There are some times , you had this kind of grand idea(s) of making things better but your colleague doesn't take time to listen to you or finds that the initial transition phase requires lots of money, time and energy. But hey, this is not the end of the world. Just like for the first time , I introduce to my fellow interns about the benefits of using the macro but he rejects it at first. After a few times , he asks help from an engineer and also my help to program a macro for his tasks. :) If you rejected for first time, have faith and perseverance. It will be worth it when your ideas is finally accepted and don't ever let your inner lion pride got better of you. :)