Curious about what it’s like to do an internship during the school term? Here’s a glimpse into my daily life juggling office hours, packed trains, and pantry tea — all while still being a student.
7:30AM: The Daily Commute Begins
My day officially starts at 7:30am (give or take) when I step out of the house, earbuds in and Spotify playing the same playlist I’ve been looping for weeks. I join the ranks of sleepy-eyed commuters squeezing into the MRT, secretly hoping to get a seat (I usually don’t). It’s a mix of scrolling through TikTok, trying not to fall asleep, and questioning why I chose to work at an office 1 hour away from home.
A Milo packet a day keeps the blues at bay!
9:00AM: Sanity in a Mug
The first thing I do once I get to the office? Head straight to the pantry. I’m not a coffee person, so tea (or milo) is my lifeline. There’s something comforting about standing at the counter, waiting for the machine to do its magic while chatting with other interns, or just enjoying a quiet moment before the emails start rolling in.
Daily cup of Milo Gao Siew Dai from the pantry
9:10AM: Time to Get to Work
And just like that, it’s go time. As a Human Resource (HR) intern under the Employee Engagement division, my tasks vary day to day; sometimes I’m working on reports, sometimes I’m sitting in on meetings, and sometimes I’m doing the generic intern stuff like designing Electronic Direct Mails (EDMs). My division focuses on engaging employees through various welfare initiatives, which adds a meaningful layer to the work.
A fruitful afternoon!
Today, for example, I helped restock fruits in pantries across the offices as part of our monthly Fruits Day initiative. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s all part of the learning experience, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of it!
12:00PM: Lunch, Sweet Lunch
By noon, my stomach is usually reminding me that tea is not food. I head out with a few colleagues or fellow interns, and we either explore the nearby staff food court or just pick a usual spot. Lunchtime is sacred. It is where we swap stories, bond over overpriced bubble tea, and debate whether to get dessert even though we usually don’t make enough to afford it.
$11 nett Chicken Chop student meal at Hot Tomato
1:00PM: Afternoon Hustle
Post-lunch food coma is real, but somehow, we all push through. I usually get a second cup of tea by around 2PM and dive back into my tasks. Some days fly by; other days feel like the clock is stuck at 3:47PM forever. But there’s always something to do, and it helps that I’ve got a team that’s really willing to guide and answer questions regardless of how many I have.
My supervisor gave us Häagen-Dazs ice cream!
On especially sleepy days, my colleague and I sneak downstairs for a quick coffee run; it’s our little ritual to stay awake and stay sane. Sometimes (when we are feeling extra nice), we play delivery crew and bring back drinks for our fellow intern friends too. It’s a simple gesture, but one that adds a bit of cheer to the afternoon grind.
Amps Tea drink delivered (with a little note)!
6:00PM: That’s a Wrap!
Work officially ends at 6PM, and I pack up as quickly as I can without looking too eager. I bid my supervisors goodbye and make my way to the train station, joining the sea of office workers heading home. The train ride is quieter in the evening, and I’m sometimes lucky enough to catch a beautiful sunset through the train window as the city rushes by.
Final Thoughts
Being an intern isn’t always fun and games. It’s a mix of doing useful things, making mistakes, learning constantly, and trying not to fall asleep in front of your screen post-lunch. But it’s also a phase I’m glad to experience, filled with small wins, good conversations, and a growing appreciation for the kind and supportive colleagues and supervisors I’m lucky to work with.
That’s a day in my life. Nothing dramatic, nothing out of the ordinary, but in its own way, pretty fulfilling.
