I finally got my internship! (:
It's been an eventful week. Not happening in a fun way though. This was my supposedly last week to secure my internship, and at the start of the week I just got a call from Curtin (where I applied to intern at our alumni office) that I was rejected.
Man, I never felt so low. I never felt so rejected in my life. Where jobs are concerned, at least. Ok, it's not even a job. Thing is, most companies only get one intern in per period because of the time and efforts that goes into an internship. It's not easy. I can totally understand because I probably wouldn't like it if I have to train someone totally new with no real PR experience on top of my normal workload. Who would?
But yes, it's very important because we're the future of the PR industry. If we don't start somewhere, how/when would we get to where they are now? okay, reminder to never dislike the idea of internship (if I ever get the chance to supervise an intern in the future). (:
Anyway, it's been a really terrible few weeks. Bumming, and searching for internship. It almost felt like I was one of the unemployed. Except I'm looking for internship, which is probably harder? Okay, some denial perhaps. I don't know. Ive never had this much difficulty getting a job before. Or rather, I've never taken this much initiative and efforts to secure a job before. I'm not trying to be arrogant about this, pleassse.
So this being the last week that we can secure an internship - it only meant MORE MORE stress. I was pretty confident I was gonna secure the internship at alumni office, but yet I still had a sinking feeling. Somehow I felt bad news coming but I simply pushed the negative thoughts away. So much for optimism.
I started to worry what's gonna happen if I didn't manage to secure an internship. It seems the other students already had theirs secured MONTHS in advance. Now, who's the kiasu one?! Geez. So there, don't stereotype Singaporeans to be the only kiasu ones. For once, I didn't plan ahead, and it totally backfired in my face.
So anyways, called my lecturer to inform her of the situation and to seek for help. She advised me to look for past internship companies. They might be able to take an intern in. But I knew what I wanted. However desperate, I wouldn't call ANY organization to ask for them to take me in.
I considered non-profit organizations, which often could use with more manpower and many being full functional organizations (with their respective depts for different functions). I did an excel of every possible organization - which I probably have about 40ish now? (Hm, maybe I don't bum as much as I think I do LOL). Anyway, I didn't call every single one of them. I probably called about 30 of them.
I didn't call the rest bcos the rest were non profit organizations that are for a disability or another. Just to clarify, it wasn't bcos I discriminate them at all! But bcos, after some thoughts on working there, I didn't know if I was prepared to deal with the disabled people or those with some disease. Sure, I've seen them before, but to work and seeing them on a regular basis? Not bcos I will be disgusted or anything, but I think it might get me really sad and stuff. No offence whatsoever ok.
Anyway, my heart was really keen into getting an internship at a hotel, or some tourism attraction. I've called and emailed HEAPS. The rejection started to get to me. I was getting depressed. Then amidst all my boring days, I started missing uni. I missed going to uni every day. I missed turning up for class late. I miss the assignments. Hell, I even miss staying overnight at the school lab just to finish an assignment/project. So when I saw that the alumni office was seeking an intern, I was overjoyed. But anyhow, I got depressed and stressed all over again when I got rejected. The lady knew how much I wanted it and she felt really bad rejecting me too, but she did ask me to try the other depts in school. Which I did.
I went down to uni the next day to speak to a random marketing staff which directed me to another PR staff. So I called and asked if they needed an intern. From what she told me, she already has two interns under her and there's no more available work station for another. But she mention she could offer me one day per week, which I couldn't because I need to rush and maximize my days in order to finish everything before the sem ends. She told me to email her my CV anyway. I thought 'what for?' but I did so anyway. Besides, I've already written/sent countless cover letters and CVs, what's another one?
Two hours later, a lady called from a TV station. It's not a big tv station or anything, it's more like a community television channel or something. I'm not too sure myself. But who cares, I was happy. After speaking to the lady for a bit, she transferred the call to the media manager or whoever. I couldn't tell where he's from, but from the way he spoke, he sounded very manipulative. He mentioned that I 'should be glad I don't have to pay for my internship.' Yes, you read that right. Should I be paying to provide you free labour, sir?! It's not like I just got out of high school you know? I'm an undergrad, for pete's sake. I'm not experienced in this field, but that doesn't mean I'm clueless about what I need to do. -.- buey tahan!
He wanted me to manage their website - asked if Ive had any experience being a webmaster. o.O I want to write! Not update your website, I thought. Anyway it's been what, 5 years since I last managed a website? He was also doubtful that I could communicate and write English well. But somehow, I think I spoke English more fluently than he did? Surely he could tell over the phone my fluency in English right? DUH. Ok, it's not like my English damn zai or what, but at least I can write well if I put in more effort. Anyway, he almost ordered me to go in tomorrow for an interview. So anyway, I made an appointment in the afternoon. Reason being I didn't wanna wake up too early for it. And plus, just in case I get lost, I need extra time to get there too.
After we hung up, I kinda felt traumatized. I've never spoken to anyone that intimidating before. And I regretted making that appointment. But I knew I really needed an internship, so I don't have any reason to reject that. I continued sending CVs out cos I really really didn't wanna intern there. I even sent an email to my lecturer asking what she thinks of the company, secretly hoping she'd think it's not appropriate so I don't have to go for interview anyway. haha! (which she replied the next day saying so, and that I should continue searching YAY!)
An hour later, the lady who said she already has two interns called back, asking for an interview tomorrow. Which contradicted what she said, because I thought she didn't have any more space for another intern. I thought it was going to be a fruitless trip to school again, but anyhow, any opportunity is better than the one with tv station! I didn't bear much hope though. I didn't know what to expect. Was she going to direct me to another dept? Was she going to help me source for other contacts that might need interns?
Ok cut to the chase, she offered me an internship. She mentioned she doesn't have enough work stations, but will try to work out the space constraints and scheduling. She even spoke to my lecturer. Thing was, I brought along a bit of the PR work I've done thinking she might wanna have a look at what I've written. But she didn't even ask for it. She was ready to offer me an internship. I was really surprised with her confidence in me. Especially after all the rejections and futile efforts I've put in looking for one, it was.. hm, a breath of fresh air. I was SO SUPER SUPER HAPPY. I wanted to scream after stepping out of her office. I was soooo relieved and I felt so blessed. I can go back to school!!!!! YAYY!
Somehow, things finally fell into place for me. And not just any internship, it was truly one where I can actually see myself working at. Working at uni sounds awesome to me. Just when I'm really missing school. How cool is that?! Fucking awesome, I'd say.
There's always light at the end of the tunnel? haha. I think it's only the waiting to get to the end that kills. Thankfully, it came eventually.
HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!! Ok, that's for your time. I know this has been awfully long. I just need to document everything so I can look back and smile. Heh.