Starting Early: The Growing Trend of Secondary School Internships and Its Impact on Future Careers
In today’s competitive landscape, more secondary school students are proactively seeking internships—sometimes unpaid—as a strategic move to explore career options and build their professional portfolios. While this approach may seem unconventional to some, it’s increasingly becoming a valuable part of early career development.
Early Exposure to the Workforce
Take the example of Aloysius Lim, a 16-year-old from Temasek Secondary School. Instead of spending his school holidays on leisure activities like badminton, Aloysius chose to immerse himself in the working world through an internship at a social enterprise called Make the Change. Initially hesitant due to peer opinions, he eventually questioned why he hadn’t started sooner. His dedication allowed him to extend a planned week-long program into a two-month practical experience, during which he represented the organization at youth festivals and facilitated workshops.
The Power of Initiative and Personal Drive
Aloysius’s interest in social innovation was piqued when he designed interactive booths promoting healthy lifestyles at a school event. Recognizing his desire to create tangible social impact, he realized that taking the initiative to seek out internships himself was crucial. His experience underscored an important lesson: students don’t need to wait for formal school arrangements—they can actively create opportunities aligned with their passions.
Diverse Experiences and Building Portfolios
Similarly, Sarah, a Year 4 student at Raffles Girls’ School, has embraced an aggressive approach to gaining practical experience. Starting as early as Year 3, she shadowed nephrologists at a primary care clinic and interned at a dental practice to explore different medical specialties. Her motivation is not only driven by curiosity but also by a desire to strengthen her university applications—showing a strategic perspective among ambitious students.
Unpaid Internships: More Than Just Experience
Both Aloysius and Sarah emphasize that the value of these internships extends beyond any financial compensation. The insights gained, the skills acquired, and the clarity about future career paths are invaluable. Parents often play a key supporting role; Aloysius’s mother, for instance, encouraged his pursuit despite language barriers, while Sarah’s father helped her secure her internship placements.
Overcoming Challenges and Limited Opportunities
However, access to internships isn’t always straightforward. Nadia, a 15-year-old secondary student, faced difficulties finding opportunities in her desired field due to age restrictions. She expressed her willingness to undertake any relevant experience, hoping