SDS DCOMM Students Gain Insider Tips on Excelling in Internships

To provide deeper insights and better prepare students for their upcoming internships, the Department of Communication, Sunway Diploma Studies (SDS DCOMM) recently organised a sharing session featuring an industry expert. The event brought together 85 sixth-semester students who will begin their internships in May.

With over 15 years of experience in the media industry, Dr. Ima Liana Esa shared valuable insights into industry expectations for interns. She emphasised that internships are not just about knowledge but about how students apply what they have learned in real-world scenarios. Highlighting the unpredictable nature of the workplace, she encouraged students to embrace flexibility, as challenges are inevitable but can be transformed into growth opportunities with the right mindset.

Dr. Ima also provided practical advice on navigating the internship journey, starting with interview preparation. She advised students to research the company, understand job requirements, and practice answering common interview questions. She stressed the importance of making a strong first impression, using structured responses like the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), and demonstrating a proactive attitude.

Beyond technical skills, she urged students to focus on transferable skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving, which are highly valued in any industry. She also reassured them that setbacks and unexpected situations are part of the learning process, emphasising that resilience and a positive attitude can make a significant difference.

In her closing remarks, Dr. Ima reminded students that internships are filled with learning moments, and success is not about perfection but about developing skills, building relationships, and maintaining a growth mindset. She encouraged them to approach challenges as opportunities and to remain open to continuous learning throughout their careers.

The second half of the session featured an engaging role-play activity. Led by Miss Mieza and Miss Fatin, lecturers from the department, along with Dr. Ima, the role-play illustrated common mistakes interns make in professional settings. As the lecturers acted out the “don'ts” of workplace behaviour, Dr. Ima provided immediate feedback, countering with the “dos” and offering expert guidance on how to navigate each situation correctly. The interactive nature of the session captured students' attention, allowing them to actively engage and reflect on how they should conduct themselves in real-world scenarios.

By combining expert insights with experiential learning, the sharing session successfully provided students with a well-rounded understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of their internships, leaving them motivated and better prepared for the transition from classroom to industry.

This article is written by SDS lecturer, Mieza Shafieza Mohd Fuad.