Top tips of students from the Overseas Entrepreneurship Programme who interned in China, Denmark and the US

by Derek Rodriguez

Even the COO learns from everyone, so I should too

“While I was interning as a research software engineer in Shanghai, I was struck by how everyone was driven and ‘on the ball’. This prompted me to adopt the same mentality.

China is often criticised for its work-centric culture but at Boonray Intelligent Technology, I saw how my colleagues thrived in a supportive environment that encouraged collaborative work.

The company designs algorithms that drive autonomous mining vehicles and my role was to improve the algorithms, such as to train them to ignore rain and noise while still sensing the obstacles around the vehicles. To do this effectively, I spent many nights on Coursera brushing up on my technical skills.

Even our supervisor, the COO, who has a PhD in robotics, was willing to learn from us interns and other newbies. Through him, I’ve learnt to admit my mistakes. Being open to gaining new knowledge has made me unafraid to ask questions, even if they seem wrong.”

Ng Daw Sern, Year 4
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Shanghai, China

I should be a team player, even if I’m working solo

“My biggest takeaway as a software developer intern is that I’m not writing code for me. I’m writing it for the next developer. When I create a new feature, I have to plan for how it will be integrated with the current infrastructure, and ensure that in the future, another developer can make changes to it without breaking the feature.”

I can pick my CEO’s brain about my future startup

“I was impressed by how hands-on and technically capable the CEO was. When we encountered issues, we’d often escalate them to him. I had many chances to interact directly with him. From him, I learnt about hidden operating costs, business models, customer risk appetite and the mindset required to run a cyber security company like Allthenticate. I also joined many industry events and connected with professionals. I’ve become more confident about starting my own cyber security business in the future.”

Hazim Ghazali, Year 4,
Computer Science
Houston, USA

I know what I want my next manager and company culture to be like

“This internship at Anthology Biotechnologies, where I design devices to test biological substances like DNA and proteins, has helped me figure out my preferences when it comes to company culture, and the importance of open communication.

Here, the founders sit beside other employees, making them approachable and connected to the issues we face on our projects. It’s also easy to have casual conversations with them.

In terms of collaboration, I feel that the teams plan ahead and communicate well with each other and with the founders. Because there is a culture of proactive communication, any miscommunication is clarified immediately, ensuring everyone’s efforts are meaningful and no unnecessary work is done.”

Liya Yeo, Year 3
Materials Science & Engineering
Cambridge, USA

I can ask for new roles even if it’s not in my job scope

“I’ve worked in an MNC and an SME in Singapore but my experience as a marketing intern in two startups in Shanghai was unique. Even as an intern, I had a lot of autonomy to put my ideas in place. Each time a project was completed, I would ask my manager for a new one. I also sought opportunities to do projects with other departments. For example, in my internship with online marketplace Coffee Exchange, I worked with the product development team to revamp the company’s WeChat interface.

Being open to trying new things also let me do things beyond my job scope. Although I had a marketing role with orthopaedic centre UP Clinic, I also worked with their physiotherapists and appeared in videos they filmed for clients, and attended events and workshops, where I negotiated potential partnerships with other businesses.”

Tricia Chua, Year 3
Marketing
Shanghai, China

It isn’t only about results. Effort should be appreciated too

“My manager at Normative.io, whose carbon accounting engine helps companies achieve net-zero emissions, was very supportive. He checked in on me regularly and asked if my deadlines were achievable.

Another aspect I appreciate is how, in Copenhagen, my colleagues would express their respect for a person’s work and effort when giving feedback. I now try to incorporate these same practices into my personal and professional life.”

Victoria Lin, Year 4
Communication Studies
Copenhagen, Denmark

This story was published in the Sep-Oct 2024 issue of HEY!. To read it and other stories from this issue in print, click here.