A Singapore internship for students opens a world of opportunity to soon-to-be graduates and students of all years. Singapore remains one of the top countries in the world for business for more than five years straight, followed by Canada and Denmark.
Considered an entrepreneurial nation and one of the best for businesses, students who may want to enter the following should consider the country for an internship:
- Startups
- Large multinational companies
You need to understand Singapore’s culture if you want to land an internship in the country.
Navigating the Professional Environment in Singapore
An opportunity for a Singapore internship for students is all about opening the right doors. You can take advantage of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, make connections and learn from professionals who are already in the position you desire.
If you want to make the most out of your Singapore internship, you must know the culture.
Singapore is home to 291,600 enterprises and 99% of these are SMEs that employ more than 70% of the population. The work culture is a fusion of Asian and Western influences with:
- Strict rules
- Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
- Hierarchy
Working with a company like Capital Placement will help you immerse yourself in the country’s deep culture and can make the internship more fulfilling and beneficial for you.
How do Professional Practices in Singapore Differ?
Whether you pursue a full- or part-time internship in Singapore, you must know the difference in professional practices when compared to your home country. A few professional practices to consider are:
- Hierarchy is important, with strict lines of authority that surpass many Western countries.
- Age is more important in Singapore because it plays a role in the hierarchy of most organisations.
- Workplace rules and regulations vary, but they’re often very strict. You’ll find far more rules than in other countries, such as punctuality rules.
- Teamwork and collaboration are promoted more than individual success, which makes everyone feel like they’re on an even playing field.
You’ll have many things to consider when entering the Singaporean workplace, even as an intern.
What to Expect in a Singaporean Workplace?
Cultural diversity is far more vast than in many other countries. Singapore is a melting pot, but you can expect to learn from some of the brightest minds in the world. You’ll learn to be punctual and work in a team-oriented environment.
Work hours can be long, but the law restricts working more than 12 hours each day.
Practical Tips for Quick Adaptation
Adapting to a new culture and country can be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. Here are some tips for quick adaptation.
- Focus on understanding – not judgment. Some customs and cultural norms may seem strange or even inappropriate in some cases. However, it’s important to focus on understanding the context and rationale for why things are done the way they are done.
- Be prepared to make mistakes and accept them as par for the course. Be kind to yourself. You will make mistakes as you adapt. Treat these experiences as lessons and find the bright side. Others will likely respond to your mistake with friendliness.
- Find a mentor. Having the support of others can help you feel more confident and adapt more quickly. A mentor can explain how things are done.
Overcoming Challenges
Even if you are quick to adapt to your new work environment and culture, you will still face challenges as an intern abroad.
These challenges include:
- Feeling like there isn’t enough to do. You may have been given menial tasks, or your coworkers may be so busy with work that they’re not sure how to put you to work. Take initiative and find ways to contribute to the success of the team without overstepping.
- Lack of communication. You may be unclear about your responsibilities, or some days may be so busy that your boss fails to communicate your tasks for the day. If there’s a disconnect and communication has broken down, reach out to your coworkers and boss to ask questions.
- Adjusting to a new country and culture. Settling into a new country and culture takes time. Initially, you may be dealing with culture shock and feelings of homesickness. Focusing on building strong relationships with your coworkers can make it easier to adjust and feel more comfortable in your environment.
Every intern will face challenges, especially when interning abroad in a new culture. Overcoming these challenges can help you make the most of your internship.
Making the Most of Your Internship
Adapting quickly will help you truly immerse yourself in the experience and spend less time trying to navigate and understand cultural norms.
To make the most of your internship:
- Set goals for yourself.
- Watch and learn. Observe your coworkers to understand how to interact with others and the culture of the organization.
- Be open to feedback, which will give you an opportunity to learn and grow.
At the end of your internship, take the time to reflect on your experience and all the things you’ve learned along the way.
In Conclusion
Whether you choose a long-term or part-time internship Singapore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with their work culture and customs before you arrive. The more you know, the easier it will be to adapt and integrate into the work environment.
