Plan to succeed

Students who prepare effectively for the internship subject are more likely to succeed in securing an opportunity.

Most opportunities require you to address key selection criteria via a cover letter and Malaysian style resumé.

Each time you submit an application for an internship, you will be expected to update your application documents to reflect your suitability for the position.

When exploring options in Malaysia, make sure you prepare to succeed in the local context and have a Malaysian style resumé.

A Malaysian style resume  is similar to an Australian resume, but must also include a colour headshot in the top right-hand corner as well as date of birth, marital status and religion (if not religious, just state “no religion”) Malaysian internship hosts will be interested in the skills and experiences you have gained so far, as well as your capacity to successfully adapt to the Malaysian work environment.

Create or update your application documents

Internship employers will be interested in the skills and experiences you have gained so far. These experiences will be conveyed via your application documents. To ensure you are able to put an effective application forward, consider if you need to add to your resume by:

• Undertaking some volunteer work
• Working in a part time or casual role
• Joining and contributing to a professional association
• Getting active in your professional student club
• Brushing up on skills in demand in your industry
• Practising your written and spoken communication skills
• Keeping up to date with developments in your industry

Set up a plan a semester prior to when you expect to undertake your internship and upskill in areas where you have gaps.

Prepare for interviews

If your application is shortlisted for an opportunity you may be invited to an interview for the internship. A range of career orientated and professional skill workshops are advertised on Careers Online which you are encouraged to attend prior to an interview. Before your interview you should also look to undertake the following:

• Study the organisations website or look for articles about the organisation in the media
• Re-read your application
• Review the most common interview questions available [PDF]
• Review the selection criteria and ensure you can provide interesting examples to demonstrate the skills that are listed
• Prepare some questions for your interviewer to ask at the conclusion of the interview