KUCHING: It opens up a whole new world for them. What they learnt in school or university is nothing but just theories.
Since joining Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA) early this year under the Graduate Enhancement Training Sarawak (GETS) programme, the seven interns have got the first taste of what it’s like to be in the working world.
Applying what they have learnt in university sometimes may not do the tricks but that to them, is what it is, as life takes them to another stage.
“It is challenging and I am enjoying my internship now.
“What I studied in the books are just theories.
“In real life, things can be so much different when it comes to work
“But I am glad I have great mentors and seniors who are always helpful,” said Azizah Qistina Halpi who is attached with the Project Management Department where she is involved with planning and coordination works.
Azizah who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Science from Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) in Samarahan is currently doing a part time Master’s degree in the same field of study at the same university.
GETS is a 12-month employability enhancement programme offered by the state government working with partners from the industry.
During the training, interns will be paid training allowance of RM1,000 for degree holders or RM800 for diploma holders.
Rudolph Bandok, who is tasked with pre-contract and post contract works at Project Management Department said he had the opportunity to learn what contract management is all about.
“I have also learnt what it takes to coordinate with various consultants who are involved with infrastructure projects under RECODA.
“I have also involved in the tender process and that really is an eye opener to me,” said Rudolph who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Swinburne University of Technology (Sarawak Campus).
Three other interns- Eva Thassia ak. Aldrin, Nurhazlina bt. Hamdan and Catherina ak. Kala are attached to Northern Region Development Agency (NRDA), Highland Development Agency (HDA) and Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA) respectively.
The three lasses, all graduates from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) are grateful that they can learn more about the infrastructure projects under the agencies during the one-year stint.
“We are proud to be part of this project although we are just interns.
“If not because of our internship, we would not have known that there are so many infrastructure projects that are being kicked off to bring development to the people, especially in rural areas,” they said.
Concurring with their colleagues, Awang Adli Awang Omar and Garry Jikim who are attached with Marketing and Communications Department and Project Management Department respectively said both of them have so much to learn.
“We are enjoying every bit of our time in RECODA,” the duo said.