Much like the concept of the infamous TV show ‘The Apprentice’, the concept of entering a work place as a learner, a newbie almost, especially for a fresh graduates is just as exciting as those who greeting them at the office door.

After 4 years of hard-core studying, students are, well hopefully, eager to finally get to their work environment, their first step in the real world. School like RMIT, where I normally receive a handful of ‘apprentice’ always preempt their students with a 3 months intensive internship program.

Expectation is high. The pressure is on.

To my view it’s almost like Spongebob Squarepants. Apprentice is going to absorb, inhale, digest all the information, culture, modus operandi of a professional working environment. The info alone can be overwhelming on top of trying to get along with all the senior, boss, junior team members. Here is what normally expects of an intern:

1. Attitude change. No longer in the safety net and comfort of a schoolyard it’s business now. Employers are seeking for those with the best positive mentality: willing to learn, eager to receive and act upon information, contribute and proactive thinking and action.
2. Speed. It it true. Fast learners simply get more out of the time being at work. Slower learner need to be uber organised and prioritise what to learn. From the technical PR skills and the basic to the business and agency side of thing.
3.After-effect potential for hire. Generally speaking at times people dont expect to keep intern, they come and go. But talents are appreciated and nurtured at an early stage esp those with the sparks. Same goes for the intern I hope, employment is one of the key winning factors.

Here are some of the past verbatim of those who have walked through our door and ‘survived’

Nicky Khanh Ngoc – intern in 2007 now head of Consumer Practice. ‘It was  challenging but nurturing. I coped with the most difficult boss ever under the sun. After that I can forever deal with all the toughness come my way’

Tuan Dung Dao – intern in 2010 now 360 Digital Influence Specialist. ‘It was intensive but fun. I got lost in the new world’.