Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to intern across Singapore, Dubai, and Australia with the SP Jain Global’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program.
Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to intern across Singapore, Dubai, and Australia with the SP Jain Global’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program.
While every workplace had its own culture and every role required different technical skills, one lesson remained constant: people skills are valued everywhere. No matter where I worked, qualities like emotional intelligence, communication, adaptability, and professionalism mattered just as much as technical knowledge, if not more.
Taking on four global internships
For me, internships have always been the bridge between classroom learning and the real world. They gave me a practical understanding of how different organisations operate and allowed me to experience a variety of industries and work environments. Across my four internships, I explored different career paths, and although I may not have had all the answers about what I wanted to do after graduation, each experience helped me eliminate paths that were not the right fit while drawing me closer to those that genuinely interested me. Sometimes figuring out what you do not enjoy is just as valuable as discovering what you do.
Building professional networks
Beyond career exploration, internships introduced me to people who became mentors, colleagues, and valuable connections. Building a professional network has opened doors to opportunities that extend beyond a single internship, emphasising that networking is building genuine relationships, not collecting LinkedIn connections like Pokemon cards.
Not just professional development, but also personal development
On a personal level, internships helped me understand myself better. I like to joke that they gave me a "360-degree feedback" on who I am. They increased my self-awareness and helped me identify both my strengths and the areas I still needed to work on. Workplace etiquette, accountability, and taking ownership of my responsibilities became second nature through everyday experiences rather than something I simply read about.
Career growth isn’t just linear
These experiences also influenced the choices I made academically. Internships can certainly shape your major, minor, or future career path, but I believe they do something even more valuable. They expose you to opportunities that many students never consider, such as coaching, mentoring, or training. Career growth is not always linear, and internships help you discover possibilities that contribute to your overall professional development. One thing I've realised is that saying "yes" to opportunities outside the classroom has never taken away from my academics—it has only strengthened them. In fact, I've been fortunate to make it in the Dean's List three times, and here's to many more!
Not just technical skills, but also people skills
One common misconception is that internships are mainly about developing technical skills. While those are important, I believe the biggest lessons are often the people skills you develop along the way. During my first internship at SIFAS in Singapore, I became known for my email communication. I learned how to articulate my thoughts clearly and build meaningful connections through words. A principle that has stayed with me ever since is, "Seek to understand, then seek to be understood." Over time, I also became more adaptable, taking on new responsibilities with confidence. As someone who naturally identifies as an introvert, internships also helped me develop leadership skills by taking initiative, motivating myself and others, and accepting responsibility when it mattered. Safe to say, I discovered that leadership is much less about being the loudest person in the room and much more about being willing to step up when it counts.
Advice for future BBA students
If I could offer one piece of advice to future BBA students, it would be this: ASK for it. If you ask for an opportunity, there is at least a chance you will receive it. If you never ask, the answer is already NO. If an opportunity comes through your network, embrace it. Your network may open the door, but it is your talent, work ethic, and character that will keep you in the room. And finally, always choose kindness. In every workplace I have experienced, being kind has never gone out of style.
About the author:
Srinithya Kasireddy is our final-year BBA student, completing her Term 4 in Sydney, Australia.
Also read:
A BBA student’s journey of growth and leadership
