Most Difficult Interview questions for Externship and Internship

I am no career expert. But these seem like pretty interesting questions that I would like to share :)

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Never say "I don't know". Employers want to see that you are someone who has personal goals and aspirations and that you have realistic plans for your life. They want to know your level of commitment in the career path you have undertaken and want to know how long you intend to stay in this particular career field.

What salary do you think you deserve?

In anticipation of this question, it is important for you to do a bit of background research on the market salary for your job. This sets a sort of dilemma  in which if you name a low figure, it might seem that you're too desperate for the position and employers might doubt your qualifications. If you state a high range, you might not get the job as compared to similarly qualified candidates. Tell your employers a realistic figure, slightly higher than the median, if you're really keen on the job, you can state that you are open to negotiation.

Why should I hire you?

List out your past performances and focus on your positive traits - qualities that differentiate you from the other candidates. You can provide examples on past projects and highlight your experience, hw you have encountered difficulties and overcome them. Let them know that you are the most suitable for the job.

What is your biggest weakness?

Never show yourself in negative light such that you will seem not suitable for the job. What you can do is to explain a weakness, and how you overcome it. Or else, turn your weakness into something positive. For example, you are a person with a high sense of responsibility and can get over committed when it comes to work.

What didn’t you like about your last job?

If you have a valid reason that would place you in favourable light. Go right ahead. If not, this seems like a good one.  “I did not feel my responsibilities were challenging enough.” This would definitely be the best reason for a job switch actually.

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

How to get an externship/internship

1. Engage in career guidance workshop or seek a career advisor

If you're unsure of what you want to pursue in the future or have burning questions on how it is like in the workforce, approaching a career counselor at school would lead you to the right answers. Career counselors can help critique your resume and cover letters. Small sessions can also allow you to discover your passion or interests in the working field, provide you with information on various industrial scholarships or recommend you job portals or hiring managers for work opportunities.

2. Have an open mind-set 

Job hunting is never easy and if you did not secure a job in your first attempt, you are not alone. It is perfectly normal to send out a couple of applications, receive multiple offers or receive nothing at all. Employers understand if you have applied for multiple job positions as they probably receive many application for one vacancy on their side. Do not be intimidated if you are interested in a job but do not feel good enough for it. Even if you are unsure about a particular job, there is no harm in turning up for the interview or asking more questions related to the job. You do not have to restrict yourself from applying just because you feel under-qualified. 

3. Practice Practice Practice 

Most students probably lack the experience of a professional interview and would feel nervous. You can easily overcome this by practicing, doing your own research about the company and anticipating interview questions. Being prepared will give you a confidence boost.

4. Persevere Persevere Persevere
Who says job hunting is easy? There are many people job hunting everyday and student probably would not face as much pressure as adult who need to support themselves. Always bear in mind that an internship experience will make it easier for you to find a job in the future. You can count failed attempts as practice so do not stop searching, applying and networking as you will eventually find something that is suitable for yourself.

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Tips for an externship

1. Impress your employers

It is important to note that externships are short programs of about 6 to 8 weeks. This is a very short period of time and it is important to leave a lasting impression. Conduct yourself professionally and bear in mind that you are there to learn as much as possible. Maximise your time spent there. 

2. Have an inquisitive mind-set 

During the externship, externs would be supervised by practitioners who have a wealth of experience in that field. It is important to ask questions related to their field of work and gain knowledge in addition to career advice. Some questions include challenges faced on the job and any considerations for certain procedures that were taken during work. It would be helpful to have a notebook to take down learning points and questions so that you will remember them and not ask the same questions again. 

3. Go above and beyond 

When you are new to the field, you will experience a lot of uncertainties and a lot of questions. It is possible for you to refrain yourself from asking a question or clarifying a doubt as it might sound silly. However, asking questions is important and you should never keep it to yourself. You can always do a bit of research on the subject or topic before asking your supervisor. Carry yourself confidently and if unsure, do your homework in your spare time. 

4. Have a positive learning attitude 

Refrain from complaining or gossiping at work. At work, externs are expected to be focused. As above, externships are a short stint. You should maximise your time and learn as much as possible. 

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Cover letter for externships and internships

Ever wondered how to write a cover letter for an externship or internship? Here’s how! 

Dear XXX, 

First paragraph:

Introduce yourself, state the objective of your email your date of availability or express interest in the advertised position and how you heard about it. 

I am a [level of study] student from [your school and faculty], and I am seeking an [externship/ internship] opportunity at [where you are applying to/ name of organisation and department] for a period of [X months or weeks] from [start date] to [end date]. 

Second paragraph:

Individualise your letter. State your prior work experience, excellent academic records, personal qualities, interests, talents or achievements. Relate how these attributes would contribute to your externship or internship. 

For Law students: Did you have any prior work experience in the legal industry? If not, talk about personal qualities that can contribute to the organisation (independent worker, meticulous worker) Did you complete any relevant specialised courses related to the organisation you are applying for? Are you currently or previously active in any volunteering work or student association? 

For medical/ nursing students: Did you have any prior work experience in specialised fields that is related to the position you are applying for? (Diabetes care/patient care) If not, talk about personal qualities that can contribute to the organisation (team worker, meticulous worker) Did you have any certifications/ conducted any research or study related to this particular specialised field? Did you complete any relevant specialised courses related to the organisation you are applying for?

Final paragraph:

Request for an interview and offer references and writing samples. Attach your resume, academic transcript if it works to your advantage and any supporting documents such as referral letters. Include means of contact such as email and mobile number. 

For law students: Include a writing sample 

I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate an interview at your earliest convenience. A brief writing sample (and transcript, if appropriate) is/are enclosed and references are available upon request. Should you require any further information, you may reach me at [email and contact number] and I will follow up with you shortly. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully yours/ yours truly, [your name] 

It is crucial to keeps things simple and check for any spelling and grammatical errors. Be sure to use a formal tone a well. Try your best to edit the English to suit your writing style so that your cover letter is differentiated from other applicants. 

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Externships vs Internship – Singapore

Externships are pretty common in America and Europe but hardly anyone has ever heard of them in Asia. Most people in Singapore (including myself), have probably never heard of the term externships. Do we have externships in Singapore? How are externships like in Singapore? Are externships in Singapore worth undertaking? These questions would be addressed shortly.

Do we have externships in Singapore? 

Apparently, externships do exist in Singapore, though you will probably not find any information related to externships in Singapore through a google search or any search engine for that matter. Certain school programmes do offer work shadowing programmes at secondary school level for young students to have a slight taste on how it is like in the working world and it is also possible to write in to organisations, requesting for an externship over the school break. Though, it is not recommended to use the term externship in writing the email or letter as the recipient might not know what an externship is. Basically a short working stint at a company is considered an externship. But the term job-shadowing would probably be a preferred term used.

Recently, online talent recruitment startup - Glints, has announced that externships are available from their site though it seems not possible to find or obtain the term externships specifically as mentioned earlier, the term externships itself is not common in Singapore. But it is worth a try, to leave a message requesting for an externship.

How are externships like in Singapore?

Referring back to the very first post, externships are in short periods of about 1 to 6 weeks. Thus, students should not have extremely high expectations. It is highly unlikely that the extern would play a major role in huge projects. However, students would get to experience greater work exposure as compared to internships where students will be conformed to a specific role.

Are externships in Singapore worth undertaking? 

For full-time students, an externship would be much more convenient as compared to a full-time internship role. With school commitments, flexibility is pretty important and this is what externships offer. This is in line with the government’s efforts in incorporating studying and job training in order to better prepare students for the workforce. Externships in particular, would be suitable for younger students aged 15-18 who are interested in the working world.

Though many would think that externships are frowned upon due to their short duration, companies are understanding and more open minded to such programmes as they would be able to tap on talent and fresh ideas that externs can contribute. Externs are a helping hand at the workplace and building positive relations can lead to full-time or part time opportunities in future. Thus, externships are suitable for students from any level.

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Legal Externship vs internship. Which to choose?

Legal Internships

Legal internships provide students the opportunity gain knowledge and real world experience in different aspects of law by providing support to a legal practitioner. It is not common for legal internships to be paid at present. Nowadays, the completion of an internship is a prerequisite to graduation and students will receive schools credits. 

Judicial Clerkships 

Judicial clerkships are among the most popular law school internships. Students intern in places such as the state and federal court judges and gain valuable insight into the workings of trial and appellate courts. However, it is important to note that these positions are very research and writing intensive as they perform a wide range of duties that include reviewing and researching trial records and legal documents and draft formal memoranda. Thus, they are excellent resume-boosters, especially for those who wish to practice civil or criminal litigation or appellate law. Judicial Clerkships are extremely popular and prestigious, making the application process very much competitive with successful applicants having impressive academic records and strong interpersonal skills.

Legal Clinics
Legal clinics allow second or third year students to gain legal experience within law school. Student get to put their knowledge into practice under the supervision of a legal practitioner. This is most suitable for students are unable to secure an internship.

Legal Externships 

Externship programs offer students the opportunity to work in legal practice settings outside the school. Similar to the above, students can gain real work experience in specific areas of interest. Students in externships are usually supervised by a licensed attorney who will be in charge of assigning specific tasks and providing oversight and feedback. Full-time faculty members and staff may also provide additional oversight and supervision. 

Although some externships are paid, externships are mostly offered to legal students for school credit. Externships provide students with the opportunity to serve the public, build valuable networks in the field, learn about the rigors of daily practice in a specific field of law and acquire valuable legal skills.

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Nursing Externship vs Internship. Which to Choose?

Nursing Externs vs Interns

Generally, externships are completed during the summer break between a nursing student’s junior and senior year. They are usually full-time, paid and are six to eight weeks in length. Internships are usually available during the academic year, are part-time and are also paid.Both Nursing externs and interns provide patient care, maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients and their families and assist in medical treatments 

 Nursing internships and externships allow nursing students to hone their skills and put knowledge into practice in a professional setting and enhance work experience. Similar to an internship, a Nurse Extern is exposed to a hospital setting on a variety of healthcare departments. Although nursing internships are mostly integrated into the school curriculum or programme during summer break, nursing externships do not necessarily lead to full-time employment in future though it is a common recruitment platform for employers. 

Here’s an official definition of a nurse extern from medical-dictionary.com “A student nurse employed by an institution to provide care and develop clinical skills outside of hours spent in school” As for nursing internships, considering that the internship is part of the school curriculum and requirement, the expectations are for student nurses to conduct themselves just like an actual full-time nurse and not just a learner.

Here are some tips on how to identify a suitable internship or externship

1. Consider your areas of interest and be sure to communicate your goals and aspirations to the interviewer 
2. Gather advice and guidance from classmates and professors on suitable path for nursing and find out which option is best for yourself. 
3. Understand what is offered and required in the internship/externship and if the requirements and expectation meet your personal goals and career plans in nursing. 
4. Be prepared the for application process by ensuring that you have our resume ready and anticipate interview questions. 

Disclaimer: This is a work for the sole purpose of an academic project. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.