Articles by Han Pham
As the school year progresses and internship season is upon us , many of our students are stepping out of the classroom and into the real world, embracing the opportunity to apply their knowledge in dynamic internship programs. These internships, which span a variety of fields—from project planning to media and marketing—offer NCCU’s students more than just a glimpse into professional life; they provide a hands-on experience that is not just a step but a significant leap towards shaping their futures.
Through these internships, students acquire practical skills and industry-specific knowledge and build essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. The transition from theory to practice empowers our students, boosts their confidence, and helps them to clarify their career aspirations.
In this article, we'll spotlight three students thriving in their internships, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the invaluable lessons they've learned. Stay tuned to be inspired by their journeys and to see how our students are paving the way for their futures, one internship at a time.
Numwan: fascinating journey at TaiwanPlus.
▲Busabong Chaiyanan from Thailand,affectionately known as Numwan, who has just graduated from IMICS.
Busabong Chaiyanan, affectionately known as Numwan, is a second-year student in the International Master's Program in International Communication Studies (IMICS). Her academic journey took an exciting turn when she secured a four-month internship with TaiwanPlus, a media company dedicated to promoting Taiwanese culture globally. The internship was a direct result of a university-organized visit to TaiwanPlus. Numwan's admiration for the company's mission sparked her desire to gain practical experience in the media industry. "The visit left a lasting impression on me," she shared. "I was particularly inspired by TaiwanPlus's commitment to sharing Taiwanese culture with the world."
During her time at TaiwanPlus, Numwan took on various responsibilities, including managing social media, brainstorming content, editing videos, and designing graphics for the news program "Connected with Divya Gopalan." This hands-on experience allowed her to apply her academic knowledge in real-world settings while honing her digital content creation and promotion skills. "One of the most interesting and challenging tasks was brainstorming content," Numwan explained. "It required a lot of creativity and strategic thinking, but it was incredibly rewarding."
▲TaiwanPlus has a dynamic and professional workplace
Numwan faced challenges, such as cultural differences and adapting to a dynamic work environment. However, she handled these challenges with patience and a willingness to learn. "The work environment at TaiwanPlus was dynamic and collaborative," she noted. I had to be proactive and open to feedback, which really helped me grow." Constructive feedback from her supervisors and mentorship opportunities further enriched her experience, helping her develop both professionally and personally.
▲Numwan has such a good time with her colleagues during the internship
Reflecting on her internship, Numwan noted that it provided valuable insights that complemented her academic learning. "My internship experience filled in the gaps in my academic knowledge, especially in teamwork and understanding how my work contributes to the overall goals of the company," she said. This experience has not only solidified her aspirations to pursue a career in media and communications but also led to significant personal and professional growth. She encourages other international students to seize similar opportunities, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and self-assessment in their career journeys. "Every effort to try something new leads to personal growth and confidence," Numwan advised. "Don't give up easily; always assess whether you're learning new things and if this is truly what you want to do as a career."
Priscilia: exploration of industry knowledge via internships at Formfty Rapid Product Development and Manufacturing.
This summer, students like Priscilia Layadi, a senior in the Business Administration department, are stepping into the world of 3D printing and manufacturing through internships that offer hands-on experience and valuable industry insights. Interning at Formfty Rapid Product Development and Manufacturing Co., Ltd., a startup company specializing in 3D printing, Priscilia has embraced the role of a "Project Planner Intern," eager to gain work experience and navigate the unique challenges of a Taiwanese work environment.
▲Priscilia Layadi from Indonesia, a senior in the Business Administration department
"I wanted to gain more work experience and firsthand knowledge of how to navigate a Taiwanese work environment," Priscilia shared when discussing the motivation behind applying for the internship. The opportunity to learn more about the 3D printing industry, develop technical skills in AutoCAD, and adapt to the local work culture were critical goals for this internship. "I'm particularly thrilled to delve deeper into the technical side of 3D printing and refine my marketing skills," Priscilia added with palpable excitement.
The application process for this internship was smooth, thanks to the TCA program, designed specifically for international students. "I learned about this opportunity through friends who had previously done the program," Priscilia explained. Although the application process was straightforward, guidance from Professor Eunae Cho of NCCU's Department of Business Administration proved invaluable. "Professor Cho's advice to not be so hyper-focused on one career path, especially at this early stage in life, encouraged me to explore other fields or industries I might be interested in."
▲Priscilia and her first day at the office.
A typical day in the internship has involved attending online workshops, completing tasks assigned by the supervisor, John, and gradually learning more about the company and the 3D printing industry. "One of the most interesting challenges has been conducting market research to assist the company in transitioning from B2B to B2C," Priscilia noted. This task required creativity and strategic thinking, which have been both demanding and incredibly rewarding, fostering a sense of accomplishment and growth.
Through the internship, Priscilia has learned the importance of being proactive. "If you feel like you're not given enough tasks by your supervisor, don't be afraid to ask for more!" Priscilia emphasized. "There's a 99% chance they'd love an extra hand." This proactive approach has steered Priscilia toward specializing in marketing, which is a more appealing direction.
Despite the relaxed and low-pressure work culture, the mostly remote nature of the internship has presented fewer opportunities for direct feedback and mentorship. "I haven't received much feedback or mentorship so far," Priscilia admitted, "but the experience has been enriching."
When comparing the internship to academic learning, Priscilia highlighted that the experience provided practical insights that needed to be covered in the classroom. "I've learned about a specific industry, gained technical skills related to it, and experienced the Taiwanese work culture firsthand."
As the internship continues, Priscilia is exploring future career aspirations. While the experience hasn't drastically changed career goals, it has nudged them in a specific direction. "I would definitely recommend this internship to other international students," Priscilia concluded. "The TCA program is a wonderful opportunity to gain work experience in Taiwan."
Aimee Nam Phuong: finding her way through a Project Management Internship at T-VSA.
Aimee Nam Phuong, a Project Management Intern at the Taiwan-Vietnam International Student Alliance (T-VISA), is gaining hands-on experience that bridges her academic studies with real-world applications. T-VISA is an organization whose primary mission is to assist Vietnamese students in finding employment in Taiwan, and Aimee's role involves marketing, organizing events, and meeting with clients. "I wanted to gain work experience as a student to be more prepared for a full-time job after graduation," Aimee shared, highlighting her motivation to enter the internship. She sees project management as a potential career path and hopes to develop essential skills.
▲Aimee Nam Phuong, a Project Management Intern at the Taiwan-Vietnam International Student Alliance (T-VISA), is gaining hands-on experience that bridges her academic studies with real-world applications.
The opportunity arose from a Career Workshop Aimee attended, where she learned about the internship. However, the application process had its challenges. "The most obvious difficulty was the interview in Chinese since I am not used to using business Chinese in the workplace," she explained. Despite this hurdle, Aimee successfully secured the position and is now immersed in her daily responsibilities, including replying to emails, managing social media marketing, and engaging in client meetings. "I find recruitment events exciting since I meet many new people, not just students but also important figures in big companies," Aimee noted with enthusiasm.
One of the most valuable lessons Aimee has learned is efficient time management in handling multiple projects simultaneously. "I have to learn how to manage time well to achieve optimal efficiency," she reflected. This experience has reinforced her decision to pursue a business career, particularly in project management. Aimee describes her work environment as young and creative, with a culture encouraging everyone to voice their ideas and step out of their comfort zones. She has developed skills in project management, client communication, and social media marketing. "I didn't have much difficulty adapting," she said, noting that she has not encountered any significant cultural differences.
▲Aimee describes her work environment as young and creative, with a culture encouraging everyone to voice their ideas and step out of their comfort zones.
Feedback from supervisors has been instrumental in her growth, especially in managing project timelines. They have provided constructive criticism and guidance, helping Aimee improve her project management skills. However, Aimee is still awaiting opportunities for formal mentorship and peer connections facilitated by the university. Comparing her internship to academic learning, Aimee noted that while the tasks are similar, the stakes are higher in the professional world. "In school, you can make as many mistakes, but when you are at work, you must be meticulous in every action," she observed.
This internship has solidified Aimee's career aspirations, giving her confidence that she is on the right path. She strongly recommends project management internships to other business students, especially as a first experience, because it closely mirrors their responsibilities and challenges in a professional setting.
These stories from Busabong Chaiyanan, Priscilia Layadi, and Aimee Nam Phuong illustrate the transformative power of internships in bridging the gap between academic learning and professional experience. Each student navigated unique challenges and opportunities, from gaining hands-on experience in media and marketing to exploring the technical world of 3D printing and honing project management skills in a dynamic environment. Their experiences have equipped them with practical skills and industry insights, providing clarity and confidence in their chosen career paths.
Crucially, these internships highlight the indispensable role that NCCU plays in preparing students for the workforce. From career workshops and university-organized visits to guidance from professors, the support systems in place have been instrumental in helping these students secure and succeed in their internships. NCCU’s role in facilitating these opportunities cannot be overstated—it is through these resources that students can make informed decisions, overcome challenges, and fully immerse themselves in their professional growth.
