BY JASNITA AHMAD and GILLIAN NESSLYN
SENIOR lecturer, Siti Haslina Hussin, also an internship coordinator for the Bachelor of Communication in Strategic Communication with Honours at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), views internships as more than just a graduation requirement.
She believes internships offer students a trial run to discover their strengths, interests and suitability for the professional world.
In a Q&A with Sarawak Tribune, Siti Haslina shares her insights on how mentorship, industry collaboration and student mindset shape meaningful internship experiences.
She also discusses the common challenges faced by interns and how universities and companies can work together to support students’ growth.
Sarawak Tribune: How would you define the purpose of an internship in a university setting?
Siti Haslina: Personally, I see the purpose of an internship as giving students a chance to experience the working world on a trial basis. Internship allows them to explore different roles and environments before pursuing careers that truly interest them.
Sarawak Tribune: What do you believe students gain the most from internships?
Siti Haslina: I believe that through the internship experience, students gain a deeper understanding of themselves. It is a reflective process that helps them discover their strengths, interests and the kind of work that truly suits them.
Sarawak Tribune: In your opinion, how essential is internship experience in today’s job market?
Siti Haslina: The internship experience is important because it allows students to showcase not only their theoretical knowledge but also their ability to apply it effectively through practical, real-world tasks.
Sarawak Tribune: What distinguishes a successful internship from an average one?
Siti Haslina: To me, a successful internship is one where I witness a noticeable transformation in the students’ attitude, behaviour, skills and confidence.
Sarawak Tribune: How do you view the role of internships in bridging academic knowledge with real-world practice?
Siti Haslina: The role of internships is to provide students with a platform to learn beyond the classroom setting.
At university, students primarily focus on theoretical knowledge, while the industry offers opportunities to apply that understanding through practical activities. By combining both academic learning and hands-on experience, I believe students become well-prepared to enter the real working world with confidence
Sarawak Tribune: What are the key objectives that a university aims to achieve through internships?
Siti Haslina: I think one of the key objectives is to prove to industry that the university is preparing students to be job- ready. At the same time reminding the students to continuously learn so they can perform effectively.
Sarawak Tribune: Do you believe all students should complete internships, regardless of their field of study? Why or why not?
Siti Haslina: Of course. An internship serves as a trial for students to demonstrate to themselves, the university, and the industry that they are ready for the professional world.
Sarawak Tribune: How important is mentorship during the internship period?
Siti Haslina: Mentorship from the industry is very important because that is the core function of an internship.
Without proper guidance and mentorship, the purpose of the internship experience becomes ineffective, if not meaningless, for the students.
Sarawak Tribune: How is feedback from internship supervisors used to improve the internship programme?
Siti Haslina: Feedback from the internship supervisor provides valuable insights into the student’s work performance, professional attitude, adaptability, communication skills, and overall readiness for the workforce.
This information enables the university to identify areas for improvement, not only in the student’s development but also in aspects such as the quality of mentorship, the relevance of internship activities, and the alignment of skills provided by the industry.
Sarawak Tribune: Do you think the current method of internship assessment is effective?
Siti Haslina: Yes, and of course, from time to time, internship assessment can be reviewed and improved.
Sarawak Tribune: Are there common issues students face during their internship, and how are they addressed?
Siti Haslina: One common issue students face is adjusting to workplace culture. Another issue is performance anxiety.When university supervisors observe these challenges, they provide encouragement and support to the students. We believe that fostering a supportive environment motivates them to adapt and thrive in their internship experience.
Sarawak Tribune: What qualities do you look for in a company or organisation before placing interns there?
Siti Haslina: The university seeks organisations that can provide strong mentorship with a focus on developing key areas such as technical skills, communication, time management and responsibility, teamwork and collaboration, professional attitude and ethics, as well as adaptability and problem-solving. This ensures that interns are well-equipped to grow both personally and professionally and are better prepared for the demands of the workforce.
Sarawak Tribune: How does the university build partnerships with industry players for internship opportunities?
Siti Haslina: To ensure smooth internship opportunities, the university actively engages in outreach and collaboration with industries through alumni networks, seminars, workshops and forums. Additionally, courtesy visits play a key role in strengthening the relationship between the university and industry partners.
Sarawak Tribune: How can companies improve the internship experience for students?
Siti Haslina: One area where companies can improve is in providing more structured mentorship and meaningful privileges, such as access to training, learning resources, networking opportunities, and reasonable allowances, that maximise the benefits for students during their internship.
Sarawak Tribune: How does the university prepare students before they begin their internships?
Siti Haslina: Before the internship begins, the university conducts several briefings covering topics such as selecting placement sites, workplace etiquette and more. In fact, for next year, we plan to organise an intensive bootcamp that will provide a more detailed preparation focused specifically on the internship experience.
Sarawak Tribune: What are some common mistakes students make during internships?
Siti Haslina: One common mistake the students often make is holding back from asking questions when they are unsure of what to do. They may also lose sight of the real purpose of the internship. This is especially when they feel the hardship. As a result, they miss valuable learning opportunities and fail to fully engage with the experience.
Sarawak Tribune: How can students make the most out of their internship experience?
Siti Haslina: To truly make the most of the internship experience, it begins with self-awareness. Once they understand themselves by which they see their strengths, interests, and goals, only then will they begin to recognise the true purpose and objectives of the internship. With that clarity, they develop a focused mindset that drives you to do your best, stay motivated and remain committed to continuous learning. That is when the journey becomes both meaningful and enjoyable.
Sarawak Tribune: What advice would you give to students who are nervous about starting their internship?
Siti Haslina: Feeling nervous is completely normal. That’s why I aim to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable reaching out to the university whenever they experience anxiety or challenges. One piece of advice I will give them is to take time for self-reflection. This is because once they look within, they often gain clarity and a better understanding of their path forward.
Sarawak Tribune: In your view, how often do internships lead to full-time employment?
Siti Haslina: Of course, securing full employment for our students is something we truly hope for. However, we believe that if our students perform with excellence during their internships, and if there happens to be a vacancy, they may be fortunate enough to be offered a position. Ultimately, part of it also comes down to timing and luck.
Sarawak Tribune: Do you think internships influence students’ career decisions?
Siti Haslina: Yes, in a way, I believe students have a sense of what they’re interested in. Therefore, choosing to intern at an organisation that aligns with their interests reflects their intention to explore and grow in a field they are passionate about.
Sarawak Tribune: What trends do you foresee in the future of internship programmes?
Siti Haslina: Aside from having a well-organised internship programme, I anticipate challenges when coordinating with students who lack interpersonal skills and perseverance. These qualities are essential for adapting to the workplace and maximising the internship experience. Therefore, the company must be prepared to provide additional guidance, support, and opportunities for skill development to help these students succeed.
Sarawak Tribune: If you could change one thing about how internships are conducted or perceived, what would it be?
Siti Haslina: From my many years of experience with internships, one key message I want students to understand is that an internship serves as a trial to determine whether they are truly ready for the professional world. The university has equipped them with knowledge and campus life experiences. Now it is their opportunity to prove they are prepared to perform effectively in industry.
