At HUFLIT, internships are an essential part of the training program. Many majors at the University require students to complete an internship as a graduation requirement, ensuring that students are not only solid in professional knowledge but also ready to face the practical challenges of their chosen profession. Through honest stories from students who have been and are currently interning after participating in the HUFLIT Interview Week 2024 program, you will hear about the challenges and difficulties that HUFLITers have overcome, as well as the practical experiences they have accumulated. This is not only an opportunity to learn from “seniors”, but also an opportunity to better prepare for your upcoming internship and work journey.
1. ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR INTERNSHIPS
Communication skills: Clear and effective communication helps you understand job requirements correctly, while conveying your ideas and contributions coherently. In addition, good communication helps build positive working relationships, making it easier to receive support and guidance.
"In my opinion, to adapt well during an internship, the most important skill is communication skills. Because communication skills help me quickly integrate into the working environment and receive support from colleagues and superiors."
“I overcame it by trying to practice on my own and not hesitating to ask senior colleagues about things I was not clear on.”
Self-learning skills: The working environment often has many new things, from work processes to new tools and technologies. Quick self-learning skills help you grasp new knowledge and skills quickly, thereby integrating into the work early and contributing value to the company. Minh Thu also shared her internship experience: “Adaptability and quick learning skills to quickly grasp new knowledge and skills to complete assigned tasks.”
Proactive spirit: Being proactive not only helps you complete work effectively but also helps you show confidence and readiness to take on responsibilities. Not being afraid to ask when facing difficulties also shows that you have a progressive spirit, always wanting to learn and complete work in the best way. This will make a good impression on your boss and colleagues, helping you develop quickly in the new working environment.
2. DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTACLES DURING THE INTERNSHIP
Lack of practical experience: When starting an internship, you may feel quite unfamiliar with the professional working environment, especially applying theory to practice. To overcome this, proactively observe how your colleagues work, research information in advance, and don’t hesitate to ask them questions. In addition, you should also spend time self-studying and practicing the skills required by the job.
“As an Information Technology student, at first, I was quite unfamiliar with technologies that I had never accessed or heard of before. To overcome this difficulty, I learned from the experience of both my Mentor and Manager to work better.”
Workload management:
Transitioning from school to the labor market, students easily face difficulties in time and workload management. You may feel overwhelmed and gradually lose your enthusiasm. That is also a challenge that HUFLITers have encountered.“In the beginning when I started my internship, I had some obstacles when getting acquainted, being unfamilar with the work yet needing to complete tasks in a short time, with high demands on skills and knowledge. When facing such obstacles, I made a specific plan for the work, such as breaking tasks into smaller parts and prioritizing important ones first.”
3. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS PREPARING FOR INTERNSHIPS
To make the most of this time, students need to prepare thoroughly, not only in terms of knowledge but also mentally and in working skills. Below is some advice from those who participated in the HUFLIT Interview Week 2024 program.
- Research the company: Thoroughly research the company, culture, and applied position to show your interest and prepare smart questions during the interview.
- Perfect your CV: Invest time in building a professional CV, highlighting skills and experience suitable for the internship position.
- Learn the necessary knowledge and skills for the job: Proactively self-study and practice before starting the internship.
- Don’t hesitate to ask when you encounter difficulties or need something clarified: This not only helps you better understand the work but also demonstrates proactivity and enthusiasm on the job.
- Practice clear and coherent communication skills: It is very important for you to convey ideas, request support, and solve problems effectively.
- Be confident and proactive: Don’t be afraid to express yourself, ask questions, and actively seek learning opportunities.
Through practical experiences and sincere sharing from HUFLITers, hopefully you have drawn valuable lessons and prepared thoroughly for your internship. Do not hesitate to face difficulties, because these very challenges will help you grow and develop. Always maintain a learning spirit, proactivity, and readiness to embrace every opportunity to make your internship a memorable and meaningful experience on your career path.
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