Beyond the Internship: Stories That Stay - Alif

Alif, a student pursuing Applications Development at ITE, joined Social Gifting with a personal interest in production work, especially in areas such as audio and media. Although this internship was different from his initial interests, he chose to take a leap of faith and embrace the opportunity.

For Alif, working with diverse individuals and being part of a social enterprise environment became a valuable way to gain new experiences, better understand different communities, and learn how inclusive workplaces operate.

His Internship Experience

What was your most memorable experience?

“One of the most impactful experiences I had was my first-ever crafting session at Ghim Moh, as it was something completely new to me. I initially felt overwhelmed; however, over time, it became a turning point where I started to be more present and actively involved.

Looking back, I can confidently say that I am a different person from when I first started this internship. While the change did not happen overnight, I became more comfortable handling responsibilities and adapting to new challenges.

With the support and feedback from my supervisors, coach, and colleagues, I learned to approach situations with greater confidence and independence.”

What were some initial struggles you faced?

“I struggled with social anxiety, limited social confidence, and ergophobia, which is the fear or anxiety related to work. Despite these challenges, I had to recognise the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone, even when the experience felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

The first few months were not easy, since I had to adjust to a new environment, routines, responsibilities, and different tasks. However, with time, encouragement, and consistent exposure, I gradually became more familiar with the workplace and more confident in carrying out my duties.”

How has this experience helped you gain soft or hard skills?

“It became a meaningful learning experience that supported both my personal and professional growth. Through this internship, I developed essential soft skills such as communication, task management, adaptability, and confidence.

In addition, my role allowed me to build technical skills in areas such as photography, video editing, and social media content creation. I also gained hands-on experience in different crafting and production processes, including using a laser engraving machine, assembling coasters, and preparing products for sale.

Beyond technical and workplace skills, I also had the opportunity to interact with differently-abled crafters and be part of an inclusive working environment. This gave me a deeper appreciation of the importance of creating spaces where everyone is valued, supported, and empowered to contribute meaningfully.”

A Journey of Growth

Alif’s journey was not always smooth, but it was certainly an enriching one. Throughout his internship, we had the privilege of witnessing his growth, from adapting to new challenges to gaining confidence and excelling in the areas he enjoys.

We hope this experience continues to give Alif the courage to pursue new opportunities, develop his interests, and believe in his own abilities. We are grateful to have been part of his learning journey and look forward to seeing where his path takes him next.

👉Check out the video he created here.

Written By: Mirabel Giam