Internship and Graduate Programs

From one-day insight days to a full year placement, here’s how each experience can contribute to your future career. If you’re at uni and thinking about work experience this application season, it can be confusing to know the difference between all the options. Here’s a breakdown of what each one offers (based on my experience), why it’s valuable, and the doors it can open: 💡 Insight Days ● Usually from an evening to 1 day long. ● Aim: give you an insight into the company, its culture, and career paths. ● Value: hear from grads and early-career professionals, start building your network, and get a sense of the industry. ● Potential: mainly learning and networking. A good first step before applying to their schemes! 🌱 Spring Weeks ● Typically 1 week, designed for first-year students (or second-year on 4-year courses). ● Aim: deeper introduction to the company through tasks, projects, and networking. ● Value: gain practical experience, meet professionals, and understand company culture. ● Potential: if you perform well, you may be fast-tracked through application stages for internship offers. ● Even if not: it’s still great experience to put on your CV for future applications. 💼 Placements ● Usually a year-long internship, often part of a placement degree. ● Aim: immerse yourself in a professional environment while contributing meaningfully. ● Value: develop skills, take responsibility, and gain confidence over an extended period. ● Potential: successful placements often lead to return offers to work full-time after graduation. ● Even if not: the experience itself strengthens your CV and gives you examples to use in internship/grad applications. ⛵ Internships ● Usually 2–3 months over summer or off-cycle. ● Aim: work on real projects and gain hands-on experience. ● Value: apply skills in a professional context, collaborate with teams, receive mentorship, and learn from professionals via events and coffee chats. ● Potential: if you perform well, you may receive a return offer to join full-time after graduation. ● Even if not: you walk away with skills, experience, and a stronger CV. ✨ Beyond these, some companies also run academies, hackathons, and skills labs which can help you build skills and even fast-track your applications to internships. Every opportunity teaches you something and provides insights that help with future applications. Even if you don’t get a return offer, the experience itself is valuable and puts you ahead of those with none. Now is the time to apply! Most schemes open Sept–Nov. Explore different options, focus on learning, and make the most of every opportunity. ✨️ I hope this helps anyone applying this season!

This morning, I’ve been looking into the latest updates from TalentCorp, and there are some great changes to internship support that I think every business leader in Malaysia should know about. Whether you're running a startup or a large corporation, these updates to the LiKES and MySIP programs make it much easier to invest in the next generation. Here’s the breakdown: • Faster Cash Flow: For eligible businesses, there’s now an RM2,000 upfront grant per intern. The best part? Approval has been slashed from 90 days to just 14 working days. • Quality Mentorship: These programs aren't just about financial aid. To qualify, we commit to a minimum allowance (RM500–RM600) and a structured training plan. This ensures interns get a real useful experience, not just "busy work." • Tax Benefits for All: While the upfront grant is a boost for smaller setups, larger firms still leverage the double tax deduction under MySIP to scale their programs. A quick tip for my fellow leaders: The RM2,000 "fast cash" applies to your first 5 interns (with a cap of 10 total per company). Also, there is a national limit of 25,000 placements for the year, so let’s move fast. I believe that when we invest in a student’s early career, we’re building a stronger talent market for all of us. If you’re not aware you can advertise for internship jobs for free on Hiredly, we did this last year to support our youth to get a great start to their careers.

To all the interns out there: this one’s for you. Internships are more than a line on your résumé—they’re an early chapter in your professional story. And how you write that chapter can shape the trajectory of your career in ways you might not expect. As you begin your internship experience, please remember that the purpose of an internship is to help you get professional experience and also help shape your thoughts about your early career priorities.   Whether you walk away from your internship thinking "I love this and want more of it,” or "this field may not be for me," that’s a win. The purpose of an internship is to gain real-world experience, explore your interests, and begin shaping your early career direction. Learning what you don't want to do can be just as valuable as discovering your passion. And here’s something every intern should know: 👉 An internship is also an audition. How you show up—your attitude, your work ethic, your curiosity—can position you for your first full-time job. When you stand out as an intern, people remember. You’re not just doing tasks; you’re building trust, demonstrating potential, and creating future opportunities Here’s my best advice for making the most of your intern experience: 🔹 Be curious. Ask questions—not just about your assignments, but about how the organization works, how leaders make decisions, and how people collaborate. Curiosity shows engagement, and it helps you connect dots others might miss. 🔹 Show up like you belong. Because you do. Don’t wait for permission to contribute. Speak up in meetings, offer to help on projects, and bring your fresh perspective to the table. Confidence grows through action. 🔹 Build relationships. The people around you are part of your learning experience. Find mentors, ask for coffee chats, and get to know the team beyond their titles. Relationships often matter more than résumés in the long run. 🔹 Treat every task like it matters. Whether you’re sitting in on a brainstorm or proofing a deck, your approach to the work speaks volumes. Excellence in the little things builds trust for bigger opportunities. 🔹 Reflect and reset. Take time each week to jot down what you’ve learned and where you want to grow. Internships are about learning—knowing what’s working (and what’s not) is how you evolve. An internship is a two-way street. Yes, you’re there to learn—but you also have value to offer. Be bold, be curious, and be open. You’re building more than experience—you’re building your professional identity. You've got this. 💼✨ #InternshipAdvice #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #ReputationMatters #Mentorship 

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆 Internship programmes are often treated as a seasonal exercise... something to fill the immediate gaps or to offer students a brief exposure to work. The most effective organisations see internships very differently. They treat them as a strategic investment in future talent. When designed well, internships are not about observation. Instead, they are about contribution. Interns should not be on the sidelines. They should be solving real problems, working alongside teams, and seeing how their work connects to business outcomes. That shift requires intentional design: 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲 A strong programme starts with clear learning outcomes and defined success measures for both the intern and the organisation. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸, 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 Meaningful work builds capability and confidence. It also gives organisations an authentic way to assess potential, far beyond interviews or assessments. 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Interns thrive when they are embedded into teams, exposed to leaders, and given visibility across the organisation. They should not be treated as temporary add-ons. 𝗔 𝗣𝗶𝗽𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 The best internship experiences don’t end when the placement does. They become a critical feeder into the organisation’s long-term talent strategy—reducing time to hire, improving retention, and strengthening employer brand. In a world where talent is increasingly scarce and expectations are evolving, internships are no longer a “𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦”. They are one of the most powerful levers we have to shape the workforce of tomorrow, starting today. #DrJaclynLee #TalentStrategy #InternshipProgramme #EarlyCareers #TalentPipeline #NextGenTalent

For current MPH students and anyone considering a graduate public health program, I want to share something I wish I had known earlier: Start looking for your internship or field placement as soon as your first class begins. Many universities advertise that they provide internship placement support, but in reality, that is not always guaranteed. In my experience, some sites provided through my program either did not have active agreements with the school or the agreements had already expired. I also encountered placements that could not commit to the required 600-hour field experience, which created unexpected delays and stress. I was in my final week of trying to secure an internship when I ultimately had to find my own opportunity at the CDC. The reality is: if you do not secure an approved internship site that meets your program requirements, you may not graduate on time. Because of that, I strongly encourage students to ask very specific questions before enrolling or early in their program, such as: • Does the program guarantee placement or only provide assistance? • Are sites pre-approved and currently active with agreements? • What happens if a placement falls through close to your deadline? • Can students find and propose their own sites? • What is the average time it takes students to secure placements? • Are there dedicated field coordinators actively helping students secure sites? Most importantly, don’t assume internship placement is automatic verify it. I’m sharing this so future students can advocate for themselves early and avoid last-minute stress that can delay graduation.

Let’s be real: breaking into competitive industries as a non-target student can feel like climbing a mountain with no map. But one thing I’ve learned? You don’t need to buy access, sometimes, you just need to know where to look. Here are 5 FREE to low cost career development programs that have helped me and so many others level up from any school 👇🏽 💙 Management Leadership for Tomorrow: MLT equips Black, Latinx, and Native American students with the coaching, network, and roadmap to land top internships and build leadership-ready careers. 💛 T. Howard Foundation: Focused on media, entertainment, and tech, the T. Howard Foundation connects underrepresented students with paid internships and professional development opportunities. ❤️ SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity): SEO Career offers training, mentorship, and internship pipelines in finance, business, and tech—especially for students of color. 🧡 Rewriting the Code: RTC supports college women in tech with access to mentorship, interview prep, and a strong community of peers and professionals. 💚 The Village 🫂: Founded by Zuri Godfrey, The Village offers a group mentorship program focused on helping college students and recent graduates achieve their goals through development, networking, and accountability. These organizations aren’t just resources, they’re launchpads. If you’re a student feeling like your school puts you at a disadvantage, don’t count yourself out. Plug into communities that were built with you in mind. Set your own target. The rest will follow. 🎯 #NonTargetNoProblem #MLT #SEO #THowardFoundation #RewritingTheCode #CollegeToCareer #EarlyCareer

When I was an international student trying to break into the U.S. job market, I failed to get a summer internship. I felt behind and worried I’d never catch up. But over the next 5+ years, as I transitioned into full‑time roles, I learned patterns and strategies that help many international students bridge that gap. If you're in the same boat, here is everything you need to know to maximize your chances of landing internships and eventually full-time roles in the U.S. 1. Know your visa rules You can’t legally intern without CPT (during your degree) or OPT (after). Learn what your Designated School Official (DSO) can authorize and how long it takes. Don’t apply to jobs you can’t legally accept. 2. Start 6–9 months ahead. Internship recruiting starts as early as September for the following summer. Don’t wait until the spring semester. Build a calendar of deadlines, company info sessions, and application portals. Time is everything. 3. Build more than a resume Projects with measurable impact, open source contributions, and even volunteer work in your domain matter. U.S. employers care more about what you’ve done than where you studied. 4. Apply strategically Target companies that hire international students (ask alumni, search for past hires on LinkedIn). Create three tiers of companies: dream, realistic, and fallback. Don’t just chase big brands. Get your foot in the door. Prioritize fit and learning, and not just brand names. 5. Use your school’s resources aggressively Career services, professors, job search platform, alumni networks, and student groups can get you insider intros. Don’t underestimate them, even at smaller schools. 6. If you don’t get an internship, find alternatives In case you don’t find internship despite your best efforts (it happens even to the best), you need contingency plans. Take up freelancing projects, build or contribute to meaningful repositories, volunteer in related field, relevant short-term programs (especially open online ones) can help fill gaps or write a paper, conduct a mini‑study, or join an externship programs. Being an international student is tough, and the learning curve is steep. But with the right strategy, persistence, and support, you can absolutely land the opportunities you deserve. I’m rooting for you every step of the way. P.S: I’ve built a comprehensive guide to help fellow immigrants succeed in the U.S. job market, from someone who’s walked the path. Find it here:  https://lnkd.in/eWMRDg_B

Next Gen Programs in Oil & Energy: Opportunities for Fresh Graduates 🚀 The oil & energy sector is evolving fast, from traditional hydrocarbons to renewables, digitalization, and sustainability. To stay ahead, global energy giants are investing heavily in Next Gen & Graduate Programs that prepare fresh graduates for future leadership and technical excellence. These aren’t just jobs, they are career accelerators designed to give you global exposure, cross-functional rotations, and mentorship from industry leaders. Here are leading worldwide companies with Next Gen opportunities for young professionals: 🔹 Schlumberger (SLB) – Early Careers & Field Engineering Programs 🔹 Halliburton – Next Gen Engineer & Global Internship Programs 🔹 Baker Hughes – Aspire Leadership & Technical Program 🔹 Weatherford – Graduate Development in drilling, completions, and digital energy 🔹 Technip Energies – Graduate Programs in energy transition & project management 🔹 Petrofac – Engineering Graduate Development Program (global operations) 🔹 Shell – Shell Graduate Programme (upstream, downstream & renewables) 🔹 BP – Global Graduate Development Program & Future Leaders Program 🔹 Chevron – Horizons Development Program for new engineers 🔹 ExxonMobil – Graduate opportunities in upstream, chemicals, and low-carbon solutions 🔹 TotalEnergies – Graduate Program across oil, gas & renewables 🔹 ENI – Worldwide graduate intake with focus on sustainability & innovation 🔹 Saudi Aramco – Graduate Development Program in engineering & energy projects 🔹 ADNOC – National & international graduate career development initiatives 🔹 Petronas (Malaysia) – Graduate Employability Enhancement Scheme 🔹 ONGC (India) – Graduate training in exploration & production 🔹 Equinor (Norway) – Global Graduate Program in energy transition 🔹 Repsol (Spain) – Graduate programs focused on exploration & renewable integration 💡 Advice for Fresh Graduates Seeking These Roles: 1️⃣ Apply early, competition is global and seats are limited. 2️⃣ Highlight certifications & internships relevant to oil, gas, or renewables. 3️⃣ Showcase adaptability & global mindset, many programs require relocation. 4️⃣ Build a LinkedIn presence: recruiters often scout talent online. 5️⃣ Stay curious, show passion for both traditional energy and the future of energy (digital, AI, renewables). 🚀 The next generation of energy leaders is being built today. If you want to play a role in shaping the future of oil, gas & energy, these programs are your gateway. #OilAndGas #EnergyIndustry #GraduatePrograms #NextGen #slb #EngineeringCareers #halliburton #bakerhughes #FreshGraduates #weatherford #shell #adnoc #sonatrach #bp #totalenergies #eni #Jobs #Careers

IT Graduates in South Africa: Internships for 2026 – Read This! Every year I speak to brilliant IT graduates who want to start their careers — but simply don’t know where to look, how to apply, or what to send. So here’s a practical breakdown to help you (or someone you know) navigate IT internships in South Africa for 2026 Where to apply: SETA & public-sector programmes (Services SETA, LGSETA, MQA – across all provinces) Corporate graduate & IT internships (software houses, consulting firms, fintech, managed services) Job platforms like LinkedIn, PNet, Careers24, Indeed Company career pages (often overlooked!) How to find them: Set LinkedIn job alerts for “IT Internship” or “IT Graduate Programme” Follow companies you’d like to work for Check SETA websites regularly (they open and close applications fast) Use university career offices and alumni networks How to apply: Read the advert carefully. Follow instructions exactly. Some roles require email applications, others online portals — missing this step often means instant rejection. What to send: A clear, well-structured CV (1–2 pages max) A short, tailored motivation/cover letter Certified copies of ID, qualifications & transcripts GitHub / portfolio links (especially for dev, data, or engineering roles) Important tip: Internships are not just about marks — employers look for curiosity, effort, basic technical skills, and attitude. Projects, labs, and self-learning matter. If you’re an IT graduate, start early, apply widely, and don’t self-reject. And if you’re an employer offering internships — thank you. You’re building South Africa’s future tech talent Please share this post — it might change someone’s career trajectory. #ITGraduates #Internships2026 #TechCareers #GraduateOpportunities #SouthAfricaJobs #ITCareers #FutureTalent #EarlyCareers #DigitalSkills

"I graduate in May 2025, when should I start applying for full-time jobs?" This is one of the most FAQs in my inbox right now! ⭐ Here's how I'd approach the post grad job hunt if I was a current May 2025 or December 2024 graduating senior: 1. Exclusively apply for rotational programs and roles that say "new graduate" or "recent graduate" in the title. Why? These programs/roles are looking for recent college graduates. Most job listings that are live now are looking for someone to start immediately, not in the next 2 months after you've graduated. New grad programs/roles understand that you won't be able to start until after May or December and help you transition into corporate life. From what I've seen, rotational programs and new grad roles start accepting applications between September-November. Rotational programs tend to have January, May, or September cohort start dates. → Companies who are hiring now for their rotational programs include Capital One (https://lnkd.in/grGtGMAZ) , Pfizer's Digital Rotational Program (https://lnkd.in/guSRcUYJ), Intuit's Product Management Program (https://lnkd.in/ghCmrNW4), JPMorganChase's programs (https://lnkd.in/gqCthg3g) , and more. Here's a breakdown of what these programs are and a list of 50+ #rotationalprograms to check out: https://lnkd.in/gjTCuvZd ⭐ If you're not interested in these new grad programs, I'd recommend you begin your entry-level job hunt about 2-3 months before your graduation date. Here's a list of early career job boards to start your search on https://lnkd.in/dGrSiham 2. Working a Spring/ Summer 2025 Internship that could potentially lead to a full-time offer. In month 1 of your Spring/Summer internship, have a conversation early with your manager about your interest in working at the company full-time and what the steps you need to take to get that offer. 3. Email past internship directors from past internships and ask if they're hiring for any new grads for entry-level roles. 4. Let your network know you're looking for a role. Start within your personal network (professors, school alumni, etc) and then expand socially (posting on Linkedin). You never know what or who someone can connect you with. 5. Diversify your applications and narrow your search I, too, was caught up in applying to "well-known" companies but realized I was wasting my time competing with 2000+ applicants for 1 open role. I give a breakdown and how to niche down your search here (https://lnkd.in/girxUSaY) 🎙 Check out my podcast episode with Therapy for Black Girls where I talk more about my early career journey so far and give REALISTIC advice for your entry level job hunt: https://lnkd.in/gfR-hJaK #classof2024 #classof2025 #entryleveljobs #internships #jobhuntingtips #postgrad