So I am into the second week of my internship at People’s Association, where I am posted to the Siglap Constituency Office. This means that I work inside the community centre, (the one opposite Bedok Court).
My colleagues and bosses are wonderful! Given my previous experience at the law firm, where things can get a bit stressful and people a bit cranky, this is like a gift from God. It is amazing, I am finally experiencing what they call boss-subordinate relationship, where I can actually talk to my bosses about things outside of work. Where I do not feel damn guilty about slacking etc. It is a very good working environment and it makes me wanna contribute.
I am currently doing a good lot of customer service and am looking forward to attending things like meet the people session and events that are organised by the community centre for the people. Think that I will be learning a lot! Probably not technical knowledge honestly, but there has been a lot of soft skills that I have ALREADY picked up. I get to meet so many different types of people, my people management skills have shot right up.
However, I have also been able to apple my ‘Intro to Public Policy’ knowledge in this case. ESPECIALLY the idea of street-level bureaucracy, considering that PA instructed all community centres to take the temperatures of visitors (I had to wear masks and gloves to take temp!) Sometimes its just not practical, people sneak in, people run away from the temperature station, and sometimes there just isnt enough staff!
So far it has been mighty fun, including the part where I can take a quick walk back home for lunch and back to work within an hour. Hopefully it stays this way for the following weeks of my internship! May God grant me favour too!