As more students pursue internships, they are discovering alternative career paths that lead to diverse opportunities for the future. These experiences offer valuable chances for self-discovery and personal growth, allowing students to thrive by pursuing their passions.
We spoke with four students who took on unconventional internships, each gaining unique skills and cultural experiences. Their stories aim to inspire and empower others as they navigate their career paths.

1. Lim Zhi Ying, Chinese Studies Programme
During the 2023/09 Semester, 23-year-old Lim Zhi Ying, a student from the Chinese Studies Programme, interned at Sim Mow Yu's Calligraphy Museum in Melaka, a choice deeply connected to his educational background and personal mission.

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Sim Mow Yu is a significant figure in Malaysian Chinese education, who has made considerable contributions to the development of Chinese culture and society in Malaysia. As a graduate of an independent Chinese high school, Zhi Ying felt compelled to contribute to the field.
“Chinese education in Malaysia has endured significant challenges in Malaysia. It’s through the efforts of pioneers like Mr. Sim that we continue to enjoy this privilege today.” Thus, he hoped to contribute his own part to Chinese education through his internship.

Throughout his internship, Zhi Ying organized Mr. Sim's documentary materials and served as a tour guide. One memorable encounter involved a couple from Sichuan, China, who expressed deep appreciation for the resilience of Chinese education in Malaysia's multicultural landscape.
Zhi Ying also conducted historical research for the museum's exhibit on the Pulau Besar massacre. This project brought to light a lesser-known wartime atrocity inflicted by the Japanese on the local Chinese community. His research connected him with scholars and witnesses, enhancing public understanding of this forgotten history. 
For Zhi Ying, this internship was not only an opportunity to delve into Mr. Sim's life work but also an important step in preserving and promoting Chinese education. This experience solidified his resolve to face future challenges with optimism and instilled a deeper sense of responsibility for cultural preservation among young people.

2. Fiona Lin, Journalism Programme
For Fiona Lin, interning with TikTok Shop was an unforgettable experience. Encouraged by a senior, Fiona initially applied with a try it and see mindset, so the eventual hiring came to her as a delightful surprise.

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As an operations intern, Fiona was responsible for monitoring brand data, solving operational issues, and developing strategies for revenue growth. Her mentor often encouraged her to speak up in meetings, even giving her important presentations, which boosted her confidence in facing new challenges. Through this internship, Fiona learned data analysis, user research, growth strategies, and many other practical skills not typically covered in the classroom, all while developing her communication and presentation skills.
What stood out to Fiona was the team's very positive culture. Her colleagues were always warm and helpful, assisting her with Malay-language documents and summarizing English materials when needed. After work, they'd often hang out together, enjoying shopping, traveling, and dining out. The company also provided various perks, such as occasional workshops and afternoon tea.
One particularly memorable experience was when she fell ill. Feeling isolated in a foreign country, her colleagues drove an hour to accompany her to the doctor. The warmth and kindness will always stay with her.

3. Al-Qaatabi Ahmed Labeed Ahmed, Computer Science and Technology Programme
Al-Qaatabi Ahmed Labeed Ahmed, a Yemeni Computer Science and Technology student, chose a different path from the typical IT company internship: he spent five months interning in the IT office at XMUM.

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As an IT intern, Ahmed tackled technical issues and system development. He was entrusted with troubleshooting technical issues in the classroom, like fixing projectors and mics, and developed a backend for a document archiving website using Laravel and PHP. Additionally, he conducted an in-depth analysis of the Drupal CMS, evaluating its pros and cons to aid in future projects.
Ahmed initially didn't plan to intern on campus. However, he eventually chose the home-field advantage after careful consideration. Despite being familiar with the campus, his internship gave him a fresh perspective on campus life:
He was no longer just a student but a problem-solver, contributing to the community. A round of applause following a mic repair reminded Ahmed that his years of study were paying off, giving him a tangible sense of growth.
From equipment testing to assisting lecturers with laptop formatting, throughout this internship, each moment served as a testament to his growth. Ahmed expressed his gratitude for the internship opportunity provided by the IT office and encouraged younger students to embrace challenges, ask questions, and seize every opportunity to grow.

4. Lee Wen Wen, Traditional Chinese Medicine Programme
"It's hard to pick just one unforgettable experience from these remarkable months." 
Lee Wen Wen, a fifth-year TCM student, is currently doing a rotating internship at Longyan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she's working in departments such as cardiology, pediatrics, dermatology, and acupuncture.
She observes doctors closely in outpatient consultations, noting their diagnostic and prescription methods. In the inpatient department, she participates in rounds and seminars, recording cases and accumulating clinical experience, which deepens her appreciation for the unique appeal of TCM.
Wen Wen admitted she had some reservations about going abroad for her internship in the first place. Fortunately, she found supportive friends who shared her journey. Rely on friends away from home, a saying she had previously found hollow, took on new meaning as she shared challenges and joys with friends from different backgrounds, creating a support network that eased her transition to a new country.

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Beyond her professional knowledge, Wen Wen is gaining valuable insight into workplace interactions. Communicating with various personalities, from patients to medical staff, has helped her grow more confident and poised.
"Embrace challenges, and life will reward you with unique answers." Wen Wen is finding that this experience not only enriches her knowledge and strengthens her friendships but also lays the foundation for her future career in TCM.

(Contributed by Lin Shujin, Cai Qixuan, Liu Chenlu, Xie Mengqi)