WORK-STUDY DEGREE AND INTERNSHIP

Work Study Degree at National University Hospital

The Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) at SUSS is a programme where full-time undergraduates can simultaneously engage in work and study as they progress towards the completion of their degree. It involves undergraduates working at an organisation for at least 12 months, allowing them to gain working experience and skills relevant to their degree.

I chose to join the WsDeg programme with NUH to deepen my understanding and develop skills in the Human Resource field while gaining insights into the healthcare industry. I completed two rotations, spending six months in each team.

HR Business Partnering and Talent Acquisition (Administration)

In my first rotation as an HRBP and talent acquisition (TA) intern in the HR Administration team, I was in charge of supporting the end-to-end recruitment process, from sourcing to onboarding for the Administrative department in NUH. In addition to communicating with candidates and hiring managers, I was also involved in handling employee inquiries on HR-related matters.

My responsibilities include:

• Source for potential candidates from various recruitment channels and internal talent pool

• Prepare salary computations based on candidates' experience, ensuring alignment with market rates and expectations while also maintaining internal equity

• Address employee queries on HR-related matters such as leave and entitlements, HR policies, internal transfer and others

• Coordinate with multiple stakeholders to arrange interviews

• Conduct exit interviews to maintain positive relationships with departing employees and gather feedback on how the company can improve

HR Business Partnering and Talent Acquisition (Nursing)

My second rotation was an HRBP and TA intern in the HR Nursing team, where I was involved in recruitment, employee engagement and scholarship. I was also involved in conducting engagement activities for existing nurses and nursing scholars.

My responsibilities include:

• Conduct interviews, extend offers, and manage the onboarding process

• Prepare salary computations based on candidates' experience, ensuring alignment with market rates and expectations while also maintaining internal equity

• Assist in disciplinary matters and staff grievances surfaced by departments

• Participate in outreach activities, such as campus recruitment, and employee engagement initiatives

• Support branding efforts, which include designing publicity materials

Takeaway

Being a HRBP and TA intern has allowed me to deepen my understanding of the concepts I learnt in SUSS, such as assessment and selection (HRM373), workforce planning (HRM357), and interviewing techniques (HRM375).  It also provided me with real world experience in the HR field, allowing me to gain insights into the various HR functions and acquire practical knowledge and skills that go beyond what can be learned through textbooks and classroom settings. From this internship, I realised the importance of HRBP and TA roles in managing stakeholders and implementing a well-structured selection system to ensure successful recruitment of suitable talents who are crucial in contributing towards organisational success. 

Internship at Shopee

After completing the compulsory work attachment, I pursued an internship at Shopee as an Employee Engagement Intern. Driven by my strong interest in understanding and learning more about employee engagement, I eagerly sought for and treasured this opportunity.

Employee Engagement

As part of the People team at Shopee, I contributed to driving key employee engagement initiatives in supporting employees and enhancing employee experience.

My responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage end-to-end implementation of initiatives that enhance organisational culture and improve employee experience

• Support, maintain and improve ongoing employee engagement programmes

• Prepare internal communications to publicise and promote employee engagement initiatives

Takeaway

My tenure as Employee Engagement intern allowed me to recognise the critical role employee engagement plays in driving employee motivation and satisfaction, and the overall success of an organisation. Engaged employees are usually more motivated and satisfied at work, contributing towards higher productivity and thus better performance. This experience has ignited my passion for creating and implementing employee engagement initiatives, and I am eager to pursue this HR function in the future.

SUSS Core Values, Skills and Knowledge (VSK)

1. Self-Management

One of the most applicable SUSS Core VSK I learnt and applied during my internships was Self-Management. As my internships with NUH and Shopee involved me working and studying simultaneously, it was a challenging for me as I had to cope with the demands of both work and school. To ensure I perform effectively and maintain a positive well-being, I adopted various strategies, such as time-management techniques, prioritisation, and stress-reduction practices, which helped me to stay balanced in my personal, academic and professional life. Using a calendar was incredibly helpful, as it enabled me to better plan my tasks for each day and allocate time for each task, helping me to stay on track and maximise efficiency. To manage stress, I will take the time to attend pilates classes and take short breaks while working on assignments.

2. Communication

Communication is a very essential capability that is required anywhere regardless school or work. During my internships, I was able to develop and enhance my communication skills through regular interactions with internal stakeholders, such as colleagues, and external stakeholders, like candidates. Through scheduling interviews with multiple stakeholders, addressing employee inquiries, and collaborating with colleagues, I have learnt how to convey information clearly and professionally, enhancing my communication skills.

Academic-Based Learning - HRM331

Overview

The HRM331, Talent Management module imparts knowledge on acquiring, developing and engaging an organisation’s human capital, equipping students with tools and strategies for effective human resource management.

Learning Points

• My main takeaway from this module was learning the importance of having a proper talent management system and understanding that the success of an organisation depends on its human resources.

• Through the knowledge obtained, I obtained a more comprehensive understanding of how to attract, develop, engage and retain talents to ensure business sustainability.

• I applied the knowledge and techniques from this module at work, enabling me to better understand and perform my role as an employee engagement intern in enhancing employee motivation and satisfaction.

• I believe this module has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to become an effective HR practitioner, enabling me to understand and address employees’ needs and motivations while ensuring business objectives are achieved.

Showcase of Self-Direction and Collaborative Learning

A significant milestone in my university journey was obtaining the IHRP Certified Associate (IHRP-CA) certification. Wanting to upgrade myself and build a stronger foundation for my HR career, I decided to take the IHRP-CA test to deepen my knowledge and become a more qualified HR professional. To prepare for the test, I studied the key HR concepts, practices and legal frameworks by revising the notes provided and conducting online research. I also completed practice questions with my friends, learning from each other by discussing answers and gathering learning points. With this certification, I am more confident in tackling HR challenges, positioning myself for greater success in securing and excelling in my future professional roles.