This shift was on full display at Republic Polytechnic’s Diploma in Mass Communication Career Fair, where students and industry professionals came together in a space that blurred the traditional lines between mentor and mentee.
For decades, internships have followed a familiar script. Seasoned professionals impart wisdom, while interns gain experience and build their resumes. Success is often measured by how much the intern has learned, not by what the organisation gains in return.
But that narrative no longer reflects the reality of today’s workplace. Interns bring more than enthusiasm. They bring fresh perspectives, up-to-date skills and an instinctive understanding of how younger audiences think, communicate, and consume content. Increasingly, companies are recognising that internships work best when learning flows both ways.
A Meeting of Passion and Progression
That exchange of value begins even before an internship starts.
At Republic Polytechnic’s annual Mass Communication Career Fair, students spoke directly with representatives from media agencies, marketing firms, and broadcast stations, sizing up potential employers while being assessed in return. Recruiters scanned the room for emerging talent, while students evaluated how company cultures aligned with their own values and aspirations.
Industry partners including TBWA, MullenLowe Singapore, and Kiss92 turned up with showcases, conversations, and candid answers to questions about work culture and career pathways. For many students, the event offered a rare opportunity to explore the breadth of the media and communications industry in one evening.
“Speaking to the different companies was an eye-opening experience because I got a glimpse into what it’s like to work in various niches,” said Marco Lim Ke Xuan, a Year 2 student from the Diploma in Mass Communication. “I’m interested in public relations, but seeing organisations like radio stations and advertising agencies was refreshing.”
Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders
Internships do not only shape students. They also play a critical role in developing a company’s own talent.
For junior staff who are still finding their footing in the workplace, mentoring an intern becomes a valuable leadership exercise. Guiding someone else through tasks, deadlines, and expectations forces young professionals to refine their communication and management skills.
“Having interns is great for younger staff because it gives them a chance to grow as leaders and learn how to guide someone,” said Samantha Tan, Senior Manager at IN.FOM. “You learn how to manage different personalities and delegate work, which prepares you for bigger responsibilities later on.”
Interns also bring new and emerging skillsets into organisations. As digital natives, they are often more comfortable navigating evolving tools, platforms, and formats that shape modern communication. Their familiarity with trends and technologies allows companies to stay relevant in fast-moving industries without relying solely on traditional approaches.
When Interns Stop Watching and Start Doing
Many agencies have moved away from the outdated notion that interns should simply observe from the sidelines. In today’s media landscape, there is little room to underutilise capable talent.
A proactive intern is no longer treated as a temporary helper, but as a contributing member of the team. “If they put in their full effort, they function very much like a full-time employee,” said Rachel Chan, Senior Talent Development Executive at TBWA. “They genuinely add value to the agency.”
That sense of mutual investment is echoed across organisations.
“When we invest time in interns, they are also investing time with us,” said Anu Mani, HR Business Partner at McCann. “So it makes sense to do it right and work with interns who take ownership of their responsibilities.”
The Future of Internships
As industries continue to evolve, interns are becoming an integral part of organisational growth. They bring energy, adaptability, and perspectives shaped by a rapidly changing world.
For companies willing to listen, interns offer more than assistance. They offer insight.
Mr Zackaria Abdul Rahim, Programme Chair of the Diploma in Mass Communication, believes this exchange is what makes internships truly meaningful.
“As long as our students show curiosity, take initiative, and are eager to learn, they will always have something to contribute,” he said. “When you teach someone, you also deepen your own understanding. That’s the beauty of mentorship.”
In a workplace that values innovation, sometimes the most forward-thinking ideas come not from the corner office, but from the intern’s desk.
