Discovery Goes Both Ways in UWCSEA Careers Programme Internships
By UWCSEA Communications Team and Contributors
2 January, 2025
What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s a question that most of us get asked at some point in our young lives. Our answers are usually based on theory and gut feelings rather than dependable intel on what really happens in a workplace. That’s not the case anymore!
Through the UWCSEA Careers Programme High School students have opportunities to get first-hand experience in careers that interest them, through internships, company visits, networking sessions and career-focused events. The programme is possible because of the support of our Alumni and others in our community.
Read on to learn why it's an invaluable way to get an early start on figuring out what you want to be when you grow up!
Reflections from our students and the companies that hired them as interns
Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific
Amcor is the global leader in developing and producing responsible consumer packaging and dispensing solutions across a variety of materials for nutrition, health, beauty and wellness categories.
UWCSEA students took a trip to Shanghai as part of their internship at AMCOR
Name: Alexis, Class of 2025, UWCSEA East
Internship: 3 weeks
Driven by passion and curiosity
Before this internship, I had never given much thought to packaging. I was curious to learn more about the R&D efforts that go into enhancing quality, sustainability, and innovation. It also aligned with my passion for engineering and innovation, making it a unique opportunity to explore an industry that bridges both.
Gaining insights from employees
We spent the first week in Shanghai, where we toured Amcor’s facilities. Some of our deliverables, such as photos and videos, could only be gathered there. We also heard valuable insights from the Plant Manager and the General Manager of Asia. In Singapore, we attended seminars and workshops organised by Amcor on topics such as presentation skills and business storytelling. We engaged with leaders across departments, including Marketing, Operations, and HR.
Learning leadership in the real world
I took on the role of project manager for our team of eight. We had to plan our project, create a timeline, and ensure we had something substantial to present to the senior leadership team. It taught me the importance of balancing diverse ideas: I couldn’t dismiss contributions, I had to find common ground. I realised that project management itself is a critical responsibility. Guiding the team, making decisions, and being a point of reference for ideas and questions taught me leadership, communication, and organisational skills. This level of responsibility was both challenging and rewarding.
Learning that career paths are not linear
The internship opened my eyes to the variety of career paths available. I had never considered packaging as a significant industry, yet it plays a vital role globally. Meeting professionals at Amcor also reassured me that career paths are not always linear, many of the employees were working in roles very different from what they studied in university.
Surprises along the way
Several things surprised me. Firstly, packaging is truly everywhere—it’s a fundamental part of everyday life since nothing can move or be transported without it. I gained a new appreciation for the thought and effort invested in packaging, particularly in areas such as sustainability and recyclability.
Secondly, working with a team of eight interns was a valuable learning experience. We were given significant autonomy within Amcor’s supervision, which was very different from the structured environment of school.
The experience highlighted the importance of collaboration. No project can be accomplished alone, and effective communication and teamwork are essential. These lessons will influence how I approach future opportunities and shape my professional development.
Advice for High School students considering an internship
Do it! An internship is an incredibly rewarding experience. You’ll have the chance to meet people you wouldn’t normally interact with, build friendships that last beyond the programme, and gain valuable insights into how the workplace really operates.
Beyond technical skills, internships provide training in soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability that are crucial in the job market. Even if the internship doesn’t perfectly align with your long-term goals, it may broaden your horizons and help you discover new passions.
Name: Anita Walton-Tilly
Role: APAC Human Resources Vice President
The inspiration to offer internships
The inspiration was very personal. As a parent of a daughter applying to universities, I could see first-hand how little meaningful exposure young people have to the world of work.
Most companies wait until university to engage with talent which is too late, because by then perceptions are already set and industries like manufacturing are often overlooked. Yet ours is an industry full of innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving. We wanted to create a bridge, giving students a real, immersive experience of the workplace at a time when they are making important decisions about their futures.
A value-add for both sides
For Amcor, it was also about opening young people’s eyes to the breadth of careers available, while demonstrating that when a company invests its time and opens up real business challenges to fresh, younger perspectives, the results can be genuinely value-adding for both sides. That’s what led us to launch the Amcor Immersion Experience (IMX) programme.
Building confidence and new career perspectives
Above all, I hope the students walked away with confidence. Confidence in their ability to contribute, to present ideas, and to see themselves as capable in a professional environment. At that age, believing you have a voice that matters can be transformative.
I also hope they gained a broader perspective on careers. Many young people only see a narrow set of options, but through IMX they discovered how industries like ours bring together science, sustainability, engineering, design, and innovation. It showed them there are so many more paths open to them than they might have imagined.
And finally, I hope they left with practical skills, from storytelling to collaboration, that will serve them well in their university applications and beyond. Those are the kinds of experiences you can’t get in a classroom, and they can shape not just choices, but confidence in those choices.
Long-lasting relationships and being part of a team
Just as importantly, the programme gave them new relationships, both within the cohort, where they built friendships and learned to work as a team, and with Amcor employees, who may become mentors and role models as they navigate their next steps. That network of support is something we hope will stay with them long after the programme ends.
For my part, I would always welcome any of them reaching out in the future for advice or guidance.
Curiosity, creativity and confidence
What struck us most was their curiosity and the kinds of questions the interns asked. They weren’t afraid to explore, to seek understanding, and to challenge themselves to think more deeply. It was curiosity expressed with maturity; not just asking, but listening, processing, and building on what they learned.
Their ability to adopt AI as a natural partner was also eye-opening. For many of us, AI is still something new to get used to, but for them it was instinctive. The students used it confidently to accelerate design mock-ups and visualisation, always combining it with their own ideas and judgement. It showed us how fluently this generation will work alongside technology.
Sustainability was another theme that came through strongly. You could see that they have grown up with a real sense of urgency around the environment. The way they prioritised sustainable materials, recyclability, and user impact in their designs was not forced, it was authentic and deeply ingrained in how they think.
What impressed us equally was the interns' openness to learning. They took in new concepts and, almost immediately, made them their own. And when it came time to presenting to senior leaders, they didn’t just look professional; they held their own. The students answered questions off the cuff, explained their reasoning clearly, and stood behind their ideas with confidence and perspective. For us, that blend of curiosity, creativity, and confidence was both unexpected and inspiring.
Advice for High School students thinking about their futures
The most valuable thing you can do is stay curious and open to experiences. Try different things, take opportunities when they come your way, and give yourself permission to explore, but most importantly be kind to yourself. Focus on building the skills that will carry you through any career such as ‘how you communicate’, ‘how you collaborate with others’, and ‘how you adapt when things don’t go to plan’.
Those skills are just as important as technical knowledge, and they grow every time you put yourself in a new situation. I would also say: don’t underestimate your ability to contribute. The IMX programme showed us that even at high school, students can deliver ideas and solutions that add real value to a business.
Having the confidence to put your ideas forward, backed with thought and effort, is something employers really value.
Finally, think about how experiences like this shape your story. Whether it’s for a university application or your first job interview, being able to say “I’ve worked on real projects, I’ve learned, I’ve grown” is powerful. So my advice is to stay curious, say yes to opportunities, and trust that each step builds towards a future you can shape for yourself.
Young people rise to the challenge
What has stayed with me most is the sense of possibility. When you give young people the right environment, skills, and encouragement, they rise to the challenge - often beyond what you expect.
IMX reminded me that investing in the next generation isn’t just about preparing them for the world of work; it’s about letting them show us new ways of thinking, too. For me, as both a parent and an employer, the most rewarding part was seeing students grow in confidence while also inspiring us with their ideas.
It reminded all of us at Amcor that when you open the door to fresh perspectives, everyone learns something new.
ANEXT Bank
ANEXT Bank
ANEXT Bank is a Singapore-based, Ant Group-backed digital wholesale bank offering online-only banking services, particularly for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and startups.
Name: Amy, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover
Intership: 4 weeks
Exploring a potential future path
I chose to do this internship because I wanted to experience the intersection of finance and technology, an area that I am eager to pursue in the future. Much of my academic research has revolved around the way financial systems shape labor markets and affect economic stability. While this research gave me strong analytical skills, it was largely theoretical. I was curious to see how issues like employee performance, incentives, and organisational culture play out in a corporate setting.
Interning at ANEXT, allowed me to apply the same critical thinking I used in my research at school to real workplace challenges, while also giving me first-hand exposure to how innovation is changing banking. I saw this internship as a chance not only to contribute meaningfully but also to understand how financial institutions operate daily and how they balance growth, technology, and people.
Hands-on experience
I was able to contribute to projects that had a direct impact on the company’s operations and culture. My work spanned from improving performance review processes to helping to redefine company values and identifying systemic challenges, all of which allowed me to apply research skills to practical organisational change.
I facilitated meetings with team leaders and the Head of HR, clarifying the employee performance rating system, and addressing inflated evaluations. I conducted interviews with about a third of the employees, carefully balancing factors such as tenure, gender, role, and location. I presented my findings to the Head of HR and the CEO. Some of my suggestions were adopted immediately and other recommendations are under executive review. It was encouraging to know that the work I did was valued enough for me to be invited back for a future internship after graduation.
The internship also broadened the way I think about economics and organisational research. Until now, my focus had mostly been on quantitative measures like employment rates and wages. At ANEXT, I learned how valuable qualitative data can be in uncovering issues that numbers alone might miss.
Learning what job satisfaction means
This experience has made me more aware of the importance of job satisfaction. I saw how factors beyond salary, such as recognition, communication, and company culture, play a major role in how employees feel about their work. As I navigate the workforce in the future, I know I will consider these factors carefully in choosing where and how I want to work.
Advice for High School students considering an internship
My advice to students considering an internship is to embrace the challenge wholeheartedly, even if it feels daunting in the beginning. I still remember my first two days at ANEXT. I worried that I might not be able to do much, and at times I felt like I was not accomplishing anything meaningful.
What I quickly learned, however, was that opportunities do not just come to you; you have to put yourself forward for them. The more I volunteered, asked questions, and showed curiosity, the more doors opened.
Slowly, I began to see my contributions take shape and have a real impact.
Adapting to a professional environment, balancing responsibilities, and meeting expectations can feel exhausting. What surprised me was how small that exhaustion felt compared to the sense of accomplishment I carried home each day.
Do not underestimate yourself at the start, and do not let the early uncertainty discourage you. Push through those moments, because an internship is more than just a line on your CV. It is an opportunity to test your interests, build confidence, and discover what you are capable of when you step outside your comfort zone. In the end, it is the sense of accomplishment that stays with you far longer than mere fatigue.
Name: Eugene Ng,
Role: Head, HR
Internships are a mutually beneficial experience
We believe in nurturing young talent and giving them a platform to apply their skills in a real-world setting. By partnering with UWCSEA, we aim to create a mutually beneficial experience where students can learn from our team and contribute to our projects. This collaboration aligns with our company's values of innovation, growth, and community engagement.
We hope that our interns will take away valuable skills, knowledge, and insights from their experience working with us. Specifically, we aim to help them develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. We also hope that they will gain a deeper understanding of our industry and company culture, and be inspired to pursue their passions and interests.
Fresh perspectives and creativity
One of the most surprising aspects of working with UWCSEA interns was their fresh perspective and creativity. They brought new ideas and approaches to the table, which challenged our team's thinking and encouraged us to think outside the box. Their eagerness to learn and adapt was also impressive, and it was rewarding to see them grow and develop over the course of the internship.
Advice for High School students thinking about their future
As a potential future employer, I would advise 16-18 year olds to be open to new experiences and opportunities. Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things – it's often the best way to learn and grow. Develop strong communication and collaboration skills, as these are essential in today's fast-paced and interconnected world.
Be proactive and take ownership of your learning and development – it's a lifelong journey, and one that will serve you well in whatever path you choose.
An exciting partnership with UWCSEA
We're thrilled to be partnering with UWCSEA and providing internship opportunities to their students. We believe that this collaboration will not only benefit our company but also contribute to the growth and development of the next generation of leaders. We're excited to see the impact that our interns will make in the future, and we're committed to supporting and mentoring them every step of the way.
Amy, Grade 12, UWCSEA Dover interning at ANEXT Bank at the office of its parent company, Ant Group.
Straits Dental Group
The Straits Dental Group has grown from humble beginnings to become a leading dental practice in Singapore. Dentist Gareth Wong who offers our students internships is a Class of 2016, UWCSEA Dover alum.
Gareth Wong '16, UWCSEA Dover gives a talk at a Careers Programme event
Name: Kaitlyn, Grade 11, Dover Campus
Internship: 1 week
Exploring a potential career
I hope to pursue a career in the medical and healthcare field. I knew this internship would provide me with relevant experience when it comes to understanding how to work in a clinical setting and the importance of sanitation in such areas. Moreover, during my conversations with Dr Gareth, he was able to give me insight into the application process of medical school and tips on how to excel in the International Baccalaureate.
Hands-on dental experience
My main responsibilities consisted of setting up the room for the patient and cleaning up afterwards by following proper sanitation procedure. Nearing the end of the internship, Dr Gareth began allowing me to assist him in suction during basic cleanings.
Gaining clarity on a future pathway
Previously, I was choosing between attending a four-year liberal arts college and attending medical school. My doubts were around the long-term commitment it required and the rigour of the course.
After this experience, I realised that I enjoy patient interaction and working with different patients each day. Therefore, this internship ultimately shaped the path I decided to take and how I am committed to attending medical school after I graduate.
Advice for High School students considering an internship
Internships are a great opportunity to experience what a day-to-day job looks like in a career you are interested in exploring. Personally, I was debating between going into medicine and doing science research. I did an internship in both and ultimately decided that a healthcare career was more suitable for me.
During your internship, don’t be afraid to ask questions, as the people you are working with have probably been through similar situations that you are currently in, and you can ask for their advice or opinions.
Internships mainly consist of observing, so make sure you are always attentive and in the moment to get the most out of your internship.
Name: Gareth Wong '16, UWCSEA Dover
Role: Dentist
Reconnecting with UWCSEA through internships
As a UWCSEA alum, I wanted to be able to reconnect with the community and give back. As a dental clinic, we are accustomed to having many interns during their summer break and we hope to provide an insightful experience into how multifaceted a career in dentistry can be.
Working with UWCSEA interns was a great experience for us. We found that their expansive scope of activities and interests meant they were able to learn quickly and ask well thought-out questions. They were also vocal in expressing their observations and challenging rationales behind decisions.
Providing a holistic internship experience
Most dental applicants, including myself weren't aware that aside from dentists being dexterous and scientific, we have to be business savvy and good communicators with our patients. Moreover, we find that when interns only shadow they aren't able to see procedures fully, as dentists work in a very small area of the mouth.
We make sure we educate interns on the different treatments and help them understand the rationale behind our dentists' decisions and treatment plans. They are able to get hands-on experience with the different materials and instruments safely as well. We hope that students will be able to understand the different qualities required for the job.
Advice for High School students considering their futures
I would advise students thinking about tertiary education and dentistry to make the most of their internships as they are opportunities to understand if they are compatible with the career paths they are considering.
It's important to understand what your individual strengths and interests are and if your future is aligned with your core values.
The UWCSEA Careers Programme is built on four key pillars – Company Visits, Internships, Major Events and Mentorships. If you're a student or you're interested in joining the programme as a partner, please visit our wepage or get in touch with us at interships@uwcsea.edu.sg.