KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 ― It has been three months since the internship programme, ‘Empowering the Youth of Today’ was launched, and the response has been overwhelming. The project which aims to help students get their dream internship while being paid, has been able to help countless students since its inception in February 2016.

Starting with just six companies, the programme now works with more than 20 organisations, all committed to empower the youth of today. Since then, an average of 10 applicants per day have been received, proving that there is nothing more empowering than providing opportunities for students to stand on their own.

Naavalan Ramakrishnan

One of the fortunate students who have been placed in this programme is Naavalan Ramakrishnan, currently taking part time Diploma in Information Technology in Open University Malaysia (OUM). A visionary 20-year-old student, Naavalan has big dreams to achieve.

This thoughtful young man has done some part time jobs. “I want to support myself by paying my tuition fees, and also help ease the burden of my family, he said.

Now with EasyUni, he continues to do so, while wishing to apply his knowledge in information technology to improve the society. We talk to Naavalan to find out more about his experience as an intern.

How did you find out the internship programme and what made you choose this position?   I found out this programme when I was checking my email one day. Among so many companies for me to choose from, I applied for the data entry post in EasyUni because I would love to know more about tertiary education locally and overseas. I think it would be fun working in an online education portal company.

What do you think about the internship programme?

I’m really glad to see a programme offering so many opportunities. I think what young people need nowadays are valuable experiences in the corporate setting. I am glad this internship is offering that.

You’re currently doing your diploma programme, tell us why this internship is important to you?   The experience to work as a student. Although I need some extra pocket money to support my own tuition fee, it is not all about what I earn. In school, I work with some good students and educators, whereas as an intern I can work with a team of knowledgeable and competent employees. Also, I like meeting new people to expand my social network and enhance my communication skills.

Being a part of EasyUni now, how do you feel about having to work with the team?

Wonderful. In EasyUni, most of us have diverse cultural background and values. But, what is so good about working with them is the trust everyone has with the rest of the team. Even if they are from departments, with different roles and tasks, they are always willing to support and assist each other with their expertise and knowledge on daily basis.

Besides, they are also very cooperative and friendly to me. I can totally communicate openly and freely with them. So, it is easy for me to adapt to the culture and environment because I don’t feel anxious at all.

How do you cope with difficulties and stress in your job?

Currently, I haven’t encountered any difficulty and unbearable stress level yet. Listening to music will be a good way to reduce my job stress. Chatting with people also makes me feel better and happier. And of course, good food too!

How do you think you can contribute to the development of EasyUni with your knowledge and ability?

As a student and internet user, I think can provide ideas and suggestions on how to improve our online education portal. At the same time, I hope my knowledge in information technology will come in handy in assisting the EasyUni tech team.

What skills are you looking forward to gain from this internship experience?

I’m looking forward to achieve something big and memorable in EasyUni. Before that, I am keen to develop some research, analytical and language skills from my data entry job. Moreover, I hope to enhance my efficiency and my ability to innovate to contribute more to the company.

Will you recommend your friends and juniors to join this internship programme? Why?

Definitely yes. I think this internship programme is meant for beginners who want to work in the corporate world. It will be a good chance for young people to expose themselves to various experiences in the corporate setting. I also hope there will be more of this kind of programme for the young generation in the future.

What others say

What have you learned from your internship so far?

I have never seen myself being a Project Manager during my internship. To be entrusted with such task and to most importantly to be given the opportunity to grow alongside EasyUni. This is truly a valuable experience as this position as it is more hands on compared to my previous post. — Ily

Intelligence and wisdom are two different things. I believe I will get wiser through this experience. I believe, this will make me a more outstanding young man. — Ronnie

I’ve learned to be more responsible and sociable during my internship. This experience is a huge help and I will forever cherish my days as an intern. — Wada

*The internship programme is an initiative of EasyUni.my, an online portal providing students with lastest and the most comprehensive list of higher education institution worldwide.

Application for internship is still on-going for interested students and EasyUni still welcomes partners from various organisations and industries.

Universities and the public are urged to help spread the word so the students will get a chance to gain experience, and at the same time, empower and earn for themselves.

For more information, visit landing.easyuni.com/empowering-the-students or contact Ms Gillian Chan atgillian.chan@easyuni.com

*An earlier version of this article provided an incorrect link to the EasyUni website. It has since been amended.