Tagged with internship …

10/31/2010
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IMO, Music, MYY, TeeVee, Uncategorized

World’s Coolest Intern…Perhaps ?

I know, the original deadline was 15th October. It took me this long to figure what I wanted to blog about, I’ve seen professional-looking videos, amazingly written resume-like posts, visually pleasing entries…let’s just say, the competition is tough, not just within the social media circle !  Suddenly, the mainstream media was talking all about this internship – even the aunties in the market heard of this ‘S$30,000′ internship. I was really cracking my head to come up with something that would made me stand out among the applicants and yet not too ‘superficial’ or ‘extravagant’…so till the last day (which is today) – I decided to just blog like how I’d normally do – being myself is always the best choice!

No one person is perfect – it is important for employers to find out the strengths that’s required for a position and find someone who is ‘world class’ in these areas despite certain weakness in the less important domains. I may not be the best (knowing there are many out there who might be better than me academically or with pages long resume..hur) but I do think I’m up for this challenge and it will not be just a job but self-discovering learning experience for me (like how my other internships have been).

Just earlier this year, I was thinking of my future career path and looking for new learning experience and this opportunity came along! Not only is the job scope attractive (Events+Social Media = What more can I ask for!) and a brand new industry (Working in a bank is like the ultimate dream for most SMU students but reality check : No non-finance/business student will apply for a banking job with a <50% success rate) AND perfect timing since I’m graduating next April !

Instead of pleading or hard-selling myself like many others (since you can pretty much figure out from my blog/facebook/tweets/social media platforms/getting to know me better when we do meet..lol), I will just share my views on #WorldCoolestIntern. Needless to say this is an amplifying marketing tactic and it has certainly maximize conversations in social ecospheres. Not only there’s a product tie-in (the iPhone app ‘Breeze‘ ), the excitement of this competition was buzz worthy (be it negative or positive) and increased traffic, not only in terms of this campaign alone I’m sure. In HR perspective, I think by searching for someone in the blogosophere allowed the team to see one’s personality and passion as well – it’s not always about popularity (though of course it still plays a part, aka traffic). Honestly six months is not enough to accomplish anything concrete but that being said, the intern will definitely learn from the guidance he/she would receive.

On a side note that is unrelated to my application, I think Social Media is a wonderful platform and the next big thing for HR executives to pay attention to. Look at DIGG‘s case and you’ll understand why.  Such a warm ‘buzzy’ feeling I get reading those tweets to help those in need ! =)

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Cutting the long story short, 5 reasons why I think I deserve a chance to be with the Breeze Team :

I.AM.MYY and IAM….

1. Serious Fun : Always a balance between having fun and being serious at work

2. Leader-Follower : I love being in a team but I am self-driven to achieve my goals

3. Conventionally Quirky : I believe in rules but there’ll always be twists in life to make things more exciting

4. Illogically logical : There’s no such thing as impossible – we humans make illogical decisions and claim we’re logical anyways!

5. ‘Barney Stinson’ : Ordinarily AWESOME…and challenge accepted ! *Ok, I admit I’m a TV junkie too*

Can’t end the post without featuring a song…and secretly wishing the team will start singing Fefe Dobson’s ‘I Want you’

“Now let me say it again,I want you…I’m gonna gonna make you mine!“

so “just see what we could be“… and fingers crossed ? Wink

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01/26/2010
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IMO, MYY

It’s Time For Me To Start Thinking ‘The Unthinkable’

Nobody can predict the future, that’s for sure. With 1.5 more years to my graduation, thinking about my future career plans now is like thinking the ‘unthinkable’ with the ever changing world. But that brings me to my point that “the world is full of possibilities” and I intend to consider them all.

There is one thing I took away from my 3 years in Temasek Design School and that is ‘Passion’. It is important to be passionate about your (future) profession instead of dragging your feet to work every morning with a grumpy face. From recent Wall Street Journal,  “Doing the Math to Find the Good Jobs “, it is questionable to whether the data has anything based on ‘Job Satisfaction’ to call it ‘good jobs’. (Researcher Bias?)

As an aspiring Experiential Marketer/Wedding Planner (which I personally think that it puts my Interactive Media Design Diploma and Social Sciences Degree into a perfect match), it may not be as glamorous as others would imagined it to be but I find the job rewarding when I get satisfied feedback and smiling faces throughout the event.

Passion driven, communication and interaction with people, brainstorming for creative ideas  and pulling off an event as a team at the end of the day, I think each event is a challenge that pushes my limit further each time. Nobody will teach you what to do when you’re at your job, from my internship experiences, I think it is up to an individual to live and love your job – whatever your ‘chosen path’ might be.

The world is indeed full of possibilities, I’m thankful to be able to attend events as a ‘blogger’, an experiential marketing internship at IRIS as well as networking with many others via social media platforms. I hope to reach out to more like-minded people or potential employers who share the same passion – being part of that special moment in someone’s life and creating a memorable experience for them (and myself).

I’m always looking for more new learning experiences so contact me at ingridmak (at) gmail (dot) com , leave a comment or drop me a tweet at @iammyy !

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01/13/2010
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IMO

Being Happy in 2010

happy Earlier last week, Brian from Happyesque asked what would make me happy in 2010. Without much thinking, I gave the following answer. (Because if I keep on thinking, I’ll end up with a LONG list or telling Brian stuff like “If I can only have one wish, I wish all my wishes will come true” kind of nonsense..Haha!)

“Spending more time with the loved ones, getting a great internship that I can learn something from!”

As cliche as it sounds, I guess I’ve learnt that nothing is more precious than spending quality time with the family ever since my mom had her operations. With school (and work) taking up most of our time, we barely have time to care for the people we love, not to mention spending time with them.  Half the time I wish I can quit school so as to spend more time with my parents who are…well, honestly getting older and needs me around to help out at home.

At the same time, there are many friends whom we are ‘well-connected’ to via the internet but slowly losing the ‘human touch’. It’s a good thing that technology allows us to keep in touch easily but I think many would agree that it is different to hang out and just chat about anything under the sun as compared to throwing pillows at eachother on facebook or @-replying on twitter. Spending time with friends (be it doing anything ‘objective’) is something that I miss dearly too.

I had a great internship experience with Iris in 2009 and hopefully this year, I’ll land myself with another exciting internship (hopefully an overseas one) with equally awesome learning opportunities. That’ll keep me happy over the holiday I guess Wink

Sometimes, it’s the simple things in life that makes you happy.

So what would make you happy in 2010 ? Read more from fellow tweeters and bloggers here !

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08/11/2009
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Design, Events

What’s Your City Of Dreams ?

HP City of Dreams BannerThanks to Amelia from Waggener Edstrom for the invite, I was at the spanking new mall Ion Orchard on Friday night for HP’s City of Dreams Blogger event. This is part of HP Digital Festival by the way, happening all the way till 13th August at Ion Orchard Basement 4 !

HP has always been part of my “design life” in a way since most of my internship work was for HP various projects, so it’s no surprise that HP is heavily involved with the arts and design. I’m quite happy that HP is taking the lead to produce work stations that are specially designed for designers/artists. Sure, Apple may still be more commonly found as the love of all design addicts but it is still easier to switch from softwares to softwares on a PC and once in awhile, you meet clients who do not know how to deal with MAC formats (which honestly, I don’t find it a problem till I met some people who really just don’t get it.)

Anyways, the event was pretty fun ! We sat through the prize presentation for the winning digital arts & animations from ‘HP Lightropolis’ competition. Then we were caught by surprise when we were divided into groups for a small design challenge ! (Thank God that my “artistically inclined” boyfriend isn’t on the same team..HAHA!) I have to comment on the HP workstations, perhaps it was because there were no other running applications, but the computers were really fast – even when we opened like 30+ vector graphics all at one go. I’d probably get the “blue screen of death” if I tried to do that at home ! Winning the challenge with our random-chunk-everything-together-and-change-color-”masterpiece” was a bonus for me and the 2 girls on my team that night ! (Though I wish it was a netbook or the workstation that I carried home instead, teehee!) Oh, we got to take pictures with Ben 10 too ! I’m sad that I didn’t manage to find out whether it was a guy behind the female character’s costume !

At the end of the day, I think it was not about winning the challenge or the workstations but how companies are taking a lead in encouraging the Arts scene in Singapore. I really appreciate how some organizations are putting in the effort and not just looking at making profits because one thing for sure, consumers are smarter than before. It’s not just about the price but how a brand leaves an impact on them or the society as a whole. At least for me, that’s the case. So 2 thumbs up for the HP people and of course thank you to the organizers+team behind this event ! (Just that I’d prefer to have less surprises or guess-what-will-be-coming-up-next in the future..haha!)

And what’s my city of dreams ? It’s white because it’s blank ! =P

note: can’t seem to get the pictures up from my cam..will try again tomorrow!

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07/15/2009
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IMO

Parenting is a Verb, not a Noun

Ever since the end of my internship, I have become a part time nanny at home taking care of my 2 years old niece Giselle. Being a parent (in my case, an aunt aka yiyi)  is never an easy job, I now fully understand the “joy” my parents had while dealing with my sister and I.

There are just times when I feel like strangling Giselle literally or throwing her down the window (trust me, it’s THAT maddening) – it is easy to let go and let her be but the consequences are huge and it’s not like Giselle is mature enough to tell what’s right from wrong or what’s danger etc. I have to admit that I am a very protective yiyi in a way, mainly because I was rather sheltered by my dad to begin with. Even though I disapprove of how my dad (still) controls me at this age, I think Giselle has not reached the age where I think it is alright to let her do what she wants or build up the individualism/independence in her.

Take for example – my sister and husband has to work and because my mom was sick recently, we can’t afford to take care of Giselle at home anymore. So Giselle has to be enrolled into a pre-school which she has been attending for the past weeks. I understand that separation anxiety is a common phase for all toddlers but it was hard for me to accept the process I/she has to go through every morning. (Note: My dad and I pick her up every morning at 8am to send her off to school)

I think it has to be a fair balance between providing the opportunity to venture off on one’s own and letting the child to feel safe enough to do it. The way to ease the child’s anxiety is not to just leave him/her behind, crying and turning your back on him/her. If you deny the sense of security as a foundation, the child (already filled with anxiety), will flounder.  Leaving the toddler alone in the room with a group of strangers thinking he/she will get used to it and it’ll allow her to grow up and be more independent – it does not work that way. I’m not saying that you should carry on “babying” the toddler and sticking by his/her side forever, but just long enough to let him/her understand that it is ok to play with their peers and it is a safe environment to be at.

What I believe is that you come and go on a happy note, no matter how Giselle might cling onto me with her tear-filled eyes etc, I do not just leave her with the teacher thinking that she’ll deal with it. I think it works better with either a transitional object like a storybook or a toy to distract her focus or at least let it be a happy goodbye and ensuring her it is just for awhile and that you’ll be back for her.  Don’t just dump her there and walk away from her cries without a word. Though one thing about such promises is that – you have to make sure you will be back, on time. Kids do know and remember it when you betrayed their trust. I’m sharing my opinions because it affects me alil to see my niece crying every morning when pre-school was enjoyable for me and how other kids at the school are also experiencing the same thing. (Maybe it says something about the school, hur) Basically, going to school at their age should be a fun experience instead of something that they dread waking up to.

As much as I would love to whine and say how much I dislike Giselle for being in my life or how she has “ruin” my life in a way, I think I’m still thankful to have a niece like her because not many of us get to experience a special bond like ours. I just hope that she’ll grow up as a good girl (like her yiyi, haha) , respect and take care of her parents in the future.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of perspective and tackling your attitude when it comes to these matters in life. Parenting is not as easy as just words of advice or going through parenting blogs, it takes more than that to be a good parent. So think twice before you decide to bring another innocent life to this harsh reality. (lol)

Disclaimer : I’m not saying that my sister does not make a good parent because I know that she is trying her best but sometimes you just can’t have things as you wish it’ll be. So before you question about “where on earth is Giselle’s parents” or  “What the hell have they been doing”, I think my sister deserves the credits as a good mother in my opinion (although she can work harder, haha)

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07/05/2009
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IMO, MYY

EQ > IQ , which is more important ?

I am not a person who is  really good with words or expressing myself, especially when it comes to things dealing with family and personal issues. My mother is  diagnosed with cancer some time back but she is the bravest and strongest woman I’ve ever known, she’s doing well so far. We have been supporting her for the past months and recently the doctor insisted that she needs another operation to get rid of the bad cancer cells.

Despite the fact that I have to clear 10 weeks of internship for my academic credit, I decided to end my internship earlier (6 weeks instead of 12) so that I can be around at home to help out and take care of my mother after her operation next week. My internship company has been very understanding and my colleagues were really supportive, I thank them for that. They were cool with my decision and thought it was the best decision for me as well although I have probably left my projects halfway through and rather last minute notice.

I contacted the school staff to check if there were any administrative work to be done and sure enough, it was a quick reply from the office. However, I thought it would have been handled better. I understand that work has to be done and the office has standard procedures/questions to ask before agreeing to terminate an internship contract.  I have to admit that I would have flared up if not for being really exhausted and emotionally drained at that point of time when the conversation was held. No names because firstly I do not want any more troubles and secondly I don’t think it’s his/her fault.

staff : ” What do you mean by family matters?”

me : -explaining my mother’s condition-

staff : “Oh, what stage is she at?”

At that point of time, I really did not know how to answer because I was not mentally prepared to have an intense conversation with a stranger about it nor do I think it was necessary. But I replied anyways, thinking they probably had (bad) students using such excuses to get away from internship. (Although who in the right mind would curse his/her own parents with cancer ?)

staff : “isn’t there any one else to take care of her ? what happens when school starts ?”

I do think this is the least I can do as a daughter and if necessary, I would give up my degree to be with my family for as long as I can. I don’t think even if I have 10 other siblings around to take care of my mother (which I don’t by the way), that can reduce or strip me away from the duty of being a daughter. I was rather appalled with the question and I explained that it is my responsibility even if my father is around to look after my mother and even when school reopens, I believe I have more time with my family because my timetable is up to me to decide ?

Of course my internship termination has been approved eventually without further questions. It could have been dealt with better if staffs are trained on their EQ aspects. Honestly, I would have broke down at work over the phone or yelled into the phone if I could not control my emotions/temper better. My sister was furious to hear about this and wanted to write a complaint letter, but I really don’t see the point when others are probably just trying to get their work done.

The next time when you face such situations, do remember to put yourself into the other’s shoes before saying things without thinking of how the person might feel. EQ is more important than IQ at times. It sucks to be “EQ Zero”.

P.S  : Thank you for the friends and loved ones who has been by my side during this period of time. We’re doing fine+strong and I believe she’ll be alright soon =) No worries but do keep her/us in your prayers =) I did not write this post to gain sympathy or whatnots, so please refrain from asking about my mother or telling me to be strong and have faith. I appreciate the kind thoughts/words. Thank you !

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06/09/2009
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IMO

What They didn’t Teach – From Intern to Interns

I have just started my second internship not long ago (first internship was during my polytechnic days). It is indeed nerve-wrecking each time you step into a whole new environment. What’s more ? You start to imagine what’s the worst case scenario that can happen during your internship or how the whole office is going to treat you like a coffee-boy/girl.

Thankfully, I have yet to come across such scenarios or being “ill-treated”. In fact, both my internships have been/is really an enriching learning experience to me. Things that are taught in school are not practiced in the workplace (maybe just some but too much theory-based instead of hands-on), things that are practiced in the workplace are not taught anywhere, you have to observe and learn on your own.

What I have learnt (so far) based on my own experience :

  • Don’t be afraid to ask. The worst answer you can get is a “no”.
  • Don’t be on-time, be early ! It’s better than getting “Damn! I’m late!”-induced nervous breakdowns.
  • Don’t stick to your own friends (if you have any in the same company), mix around because that’s how you get to know the people AND the workplace better.
  • Be humble. Even if you *already* know the topic by heart, learn to listen to what others have to say. Kill the smart alec in you.
  • Be productive. If no work is given to you, find something to do..like go through the company’s projects and case studies.
  • Be honest. Don’t lie about what you don’t really know but don’t shy away if contribution is needed.

Probably more to come when my internship ends in August !I think it is always good for interns to blog about their internships (of course, names are optional.)

How’s my internship so far, you ask?

One word to describe it (just like how I’d describe myself all the time) : Awesome !

Fellow interns, how are you experiences so far ? =)

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05/28/2009
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MYY

Blogging Blues

In case people are wondering if this site is dead…

Fear not ! For I have plenty of things to blog about :

  1. Internship
  2. Starhub Data Plan + BlackBerry Storm
  3. Movie Reviews
  4. Museum Events
  5. Book Reviews
  6. and probably many more…

I guess I’m really behind “schedule” this time, been too tired after work everyday and being such a lazybummer, I can’t help but to procrastinate. Will be back really soon ! =)

Meanwhile, here’s an up and coming male R&B group “Ahmir” that you should really check out ! I totally fell in love with their voices !
Here’s their cover of James Morrison and Nelly Furtado’s “Broken Strings” :

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