My internship experience in NY

Interning at Envirolution, I was exposed to a plethora of information on energy efficiency and weatherization. As my project for the summer was to develop the education curriculum for training sessions, I was constantly involved in the training process by creating practice questions and schematics for Powerpoint presentations. I was also able to attend numerous conferences and events related to aspects of the green industry, which provided me with a more complete understanding of what my host company did.

As a student with limited working experience prior to CCIP, I feel that this program has been monumental in developing my practical working knowledge. My internship placement has provided me with many opportunities to learn new things and build upon my conversational skills. Additionally, I have also had the chance to improve my leadership skills, both by being involved in the Student Advisory Board and through opportunities and assignments presented over the course of my internship.

While being able to experience the working life in NYC, I have also been able to absorb the cultural aspects of the city when not in the office. Had I not applied to this program, I believe that I would not have had such a comprehensive experience.

During my internship period, there were times when I had to travel around NYC to attend training sessions. At these trainings, I was able to talk to people participating in the sessions (students, teachers, and other training staff), where they learned that I was an intern from Asia. These interactions often led to interesting conversations about cultural differences between the East and West, and even travel recommendations in both Asia and the US.

Throughout the program, I have represented myself in a mature manner, always being conscious of my actions and words. I have tried to set a positive example for other students in the program by being thoughtful and considerate – both in the office and in our living accommodations.

From my participation in the Student Advisory Board, I was able to gain insight on the importance of the involvement of students in the planning process of activities. The program aims to meet the needs of the students, while also helping them to learn and develop practical skills in the working world – without input from student representatives, it is difficult to achieve this.

An internship experience in the US is certainly different than the experience you would get from interning in Asia. In Asia, the focus is placed on the work and generating an end product, whether it be a report or a project. However, in the US, the office environment calls for the development of communication skills and networking abilities. This difference is instantly noticeable when you begin interning.

The advice I would give for future participants is that you need to keep an open mind. We are all here to learn, and without being open to new ideas and experiences, you may miss out on opportunities. Furthermore, students should be proactive. If you have nothing to do at work, don’t sit around and wait for your supervisor to come around and ask if you have enough to do. I believe that supervisors appreciate students who take initiative in the workplace, and those who ask questions to clarify assignment details.

Lastly, the most important piece of advice I have to offer future participants is to take every opportunity you have while living in NYC to go out and explore. The city is waiting for you!