You're interning in Workplace Design. How can you stay motivated and engaged during your internship?

To stay motivated and engaged during your internship in Workplace Design, set clear goals for what you want to learn and achieve. Actively seek feedback from supervisors to improve your contributions, and engage with your team by participating in discussions and brainstorming sessions. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, as this shows your eagerness to learn. Explore areas of workplace design that interest you, whether through research or networking with professionals. Finally, celebrate your small achievements to maintain a positive mindset. By being proactive and curious, you can make the most of your internship experience.

In my experience, when I was leading projects , I always set small but concrete goals for myself and my team. It’s important to break down big tasks into daily or weekly objectives. For example, during an event planning phase, I’d aim to finalize venue contracts by week one and secure sponsors by week two. For an intern, having achievable goals like learning a new software or contributing to a small part of a larger project helps you stay motivated and see progress step by step.

One of the best lessons I learned as a visiting lecturer is that asking questions is a sign of strength, not weakness. I often encouraged my interns to ask about every aspect of our work, from client interactions to the way we strategize for events. The curiosity they showed not only helped them grasp concepts faster but also proved their dedication to learning. Don’t shy away from asking about details; it’s how you dive deeper into your role and make yourself indispensable to the team.

When I launched the Ambassadors of Vietnam’ community, networking was essential. I advised the team and interns to attend every event they could, even virtual ones. I once had an intern who landed a full-time position through a simple introduction at an industry meet-up. Building connections isn’t just about knowing people, it’s about learning from their experiences. The relationships you create today can guide your path tomorrow, and may even become collaborations down the line.

There’s no better way to stay motivated during an internship than by embracing every opportunity to learn. I remember how much I learned during my own internship – nothing felt impossible, and everything was a chance to grow. In my opinion, having a growth mindset is key for any intern, as every experience becomes an opportunity that can make a big difference in your future career. Make the most of it!

I often throw my interns into real-world projects, like planning an event or handling a client query. These tasks can feel overwhelming, but I’ve seen how they’ve built resilience in my interns. One of them, who was once hesitant about public speaking, ended up leading a key presentation after some guidance and practice. Embracing challenges pushes you beyond your limits, and in doing so, you discover just how capable you really are.

I encourage my interns to do the same. After every major project at the Eyes Brand Academy, we sit down and debrief: what worked, what didn’t, and what we learned. This process helps consolidate the knowledge you gain. For example, after organizing a large-scale event, we noticed gaps in team communication, which led to implementing better systems for future events. Reflection makes you more self-aware and allows you to continually improve.