I recently completed a rewarding 24-week internship at Dow Chemical Pacific (Singapore) in the Technical Services and Development (TS&D) department. This experience has been incredibly rewarding, offering me numerous opportunities to learn and grow professionally and personally.

My internship experience has been instrumental in acquiring hands-on skills. I conducted experimental tests and used industry-specific tools such as Meyer Bar Coaters, Automatic Rollers, Abrasion Scrub Testers, and X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometers. My internship opportunity also provided valuable networking opportunities and helped enhance my resume. It enabled me to work in diverse team settings, actively participate in discussions, and build my confidence and independence for future roles.

Recognising my strengths has been pivotal in charting my educational journey. I prefer calculation-based tasks and enjoy understanding systems, equipment, and processes. Consequently, I am inclined to pursue further studies in process engineering, which aligns perfectly with my interests and career aspirations. 

Apart from the hardcore technical and engineering aspects of work, I had the opportunity to appreciate many softer aspects of work during my internship. One notable experience was the Dinner & Dance event. It was an incredible company bonding event, which allowed me to interact with colleagues from different departments. The event also highlighted Dow Chemical's commitment to inclusion. The live band performed songs in Chinese, Hindi, and even an Angklung performance for Malay employees. Traditional Chinese and Malay food were served, reflecting the company's respect for diverse cultures. 

My internship experience at Dow Chemical has been invaluable, providing me with practical skills, industry insights, and mentorship opportunities. It has solidified my interest in chemical and process engineering and motivated me to pursue further studies in this field. 

Initially, I was uncertain about which industry to focus on. However, my internship provided me with exposure to the speciality chemical industry and I am increasingly fascinated by this sector. As my polytechnic graduation approaches, I have been researching chemical engineering degrees at several local universities. I am grateful for the memories and knowledge I gained during this internship, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my future career.