BUILD stands for Building University Interns for Leadership Development, a five-week industrial attachment programme that bridges the gap where student teachers are not exposed to organisational culture outside the school environment.
Differing from most internships, the BUILD programme encompasses a project element that will value-add to the functions of the host organisation. Projects could involve any innovative and practical solutions that address management issues and leverage on corporate opportunities. These projects could take on but are not limited to an education slant. (Source: NIE Website)
Due to COVID-19, many firms withdrew from the programme, leaving very limited choices for us. Thankfully, I was accepted by Ministry of Education (MOE) Curriculum Planning & Development Division 2. I was posted to the Commerce unit and had the chance of experiencing how it was like curating resources at the back end for the students.
I was also involved in a research while working from home (due to COVID measures). While working from home was rather daunting initially, I am thankful for my mentor and her team as they made work from home much more bearable. They were always there to guide me along and were always ready to offer their support.
All in all, I am thankful for this BUILD experience which allowed me to go beyond my subject area and explore a subject which I have always been interested in.