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Internships: How They Uncover New Career Interests

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Currently pursuing a Bachelors degree in Accountancy and a Second Major in Finance with International Trading Track (ITT) at the Singapore Management University, MaritimeONE scholar Kenix Ho decided to take a lesser-known route by venturing into maritime. This voyage has allowed her to interact with people from all walks of life and rare opportunities such as an internship with the BW Group.

Having completed two internships with BW Group, she shares with SMF on how these experiences have shaped her.

What was your role in BW Group and what projects did you handle?

At the winter before last, I worked in a tax related role, and I have just completed a corporate finance internship this past winter. In my first internship, I provided tax consulting and advisory for different BW functions and highlighted the tax implications behind business decisions. I also assisted in declarations to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). 

As a corporate finance intern, I handle vessel financing where I prepare and submit information on future project funding to banks.

It is interesting that you have interned in two different roles. Why did you choose to go for a different role this time?

Dabbling in different roles within maritime has allowed me to see what I am suited for and sieve out my interests. Modules that I enjoyed in school can often be quite different in practice. Before my internships, I did not have much prior knowledge on tax and corporate finance as I had yet to take the relevant modules in school. The internship gave me a clearer idea of shipping finance as I was able to experience first-hand what goes on behind the scenes of a company’s operations. 

You mentioned that you did not take modules related to your internship role prior. How did you cope with that?

I only took tax related modules after my tax internship. Without the relevant background knowledge, I experienced a steep learning curve. However, I was able to keep up with the fast pace in school when I eventually took the module in the following semester. My internship experience provided me with sufficient knowledge which allowed me to excel in the course.

After my first internship experience, I decided to read up on corporate finance before assuming this role so that I am well prepared.

What was the biggest takeaway from your internship?

I am beyond grateful for the relationships forged and my internship experience has exposed me to like-minded people. People in the maritime industry are so passionate and it’s always a joy to hear their stories.

How has the internship broadened your perspective of the maritime industry?

Without the internship, I would not have been able to come so far in the industry. Back when I was a freshman, it never crossed my mind to enter maritime but after my internship experiences, I have been exposed to the wide spectrum of maritime.

Through the internships, I developed a passion in commodity trading and a keen interest in shipping operations. The internship helped me to better understand things that are close to us such as the transportation of goods that play a vital role in our supply chains. 

Lastly, do you have any advice for your juniors?

As undergraduates, your future career path may be blurry. Internships will allow you to gain clarity of what you want to do in the future. It also provides you with technical hard skills and soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

These experiences will provide you with an edge in interviews. Not only do you have the theoretical knowledge, but you will also be able to draw upon real-life encounters and impress hiring managers.

Are you ready to apply your knowledge into real-life situations? This is your chance to explore the maritime industry and be mentored by maritime professions through the MaritimeONE internships. Glean new insights, explore job opportunities and chart your career in maritime through the Maritime Singapore Connect career portal:  https://www.maritimesgconnect.com/

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