CHAPTER 4
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
WEP at Fullerton Health
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Angus Lim Zi You ( ML513 ) and Ang Jan Adan ( MN518 ) shared their WEP experience with Fullerton Health here :
SJI implemented the Work Experience Programme ( WEP ) for Year 4 IP students to nurture their adaptability and resilience to challenges , transfer their learning across different situations , and develop as confident individuals .
The SJI WEP aims to prepare the students for the dynamic future and provide them with the opportunity to know themselves better , explore their career interests , understand the world of work beyond school , appreciate and value all occupations as well as create authentic learning experiences that help them see the connection and relevance between what is taught in the classroom and how it can be applied in the real-world context .
Here are two accounts from Josephians .
WEP at NETS |
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Gauthier Hugo ’ s ( FN505 ) internship experience at NETS marked his first time working for any company , and he was selected for the programme alongside Josephian Jayden Lam ( MN520 ), a close friend . This partnership helped ease his nerves as they navigated the unfamiliar environment together . |
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“ WEP at Fullerton Health was a very enriching experience as activities that I had done in the past did not have as many opportunities for learning as this programme did . I had the privilege of shadowing Dr Bernard Thio and learn many things from him ; I even got to try out some of the medical equipment .
“ My experience at Fullerton Health was amazing as I got a very clear glimpse of the lifestyle of a doctor . The doctor and nurses there had to be very patient and calm in order to deal with an abundance of patients . It did get quite busy sometimes and they really have to try their best to be quick with their work .
Initial Impressions and Onboarding
When Hugo first entered the company , he felt a mix of excitement and apprehension . The work environment was completely new to him , and he wasn ’ t sure what to expect . However , the staff greeted him and his friend warmly , which quickly dispelled any doubts and made Hugo and Jayden feel welcome from the start . This positive reception set a reassuring tone for the rest of the internship .
Work Environment and Assignments Hugo noticed that the employees at NETS were deeply passionate about their work . The energy and dedication displayed by the team motivated him to adopt a similar attitude toward his own tasks . When Hugo received his first assignments , he and Jayden were excited to have their own desks and computers in the office , which made them feel integrated into the team .
The tasks assigned to them were challenging but manageable , thanks to the guidance and support provided by the staff . During lunch breaks , the Josephians were invited to join the team for meals , where they were introduced to various staff members . These social interactions helped Hugo and Jayden feel comfortable and connected with the NETS team .
Learning Experience Throughout the internship , Hugo learned several valuable lessons , particularly about the importance of a strong work ethic . One of the highlights of the experience was meeting the company ’ s leadership team , including the CEO , CTO , and CFO .
During these meetings , Hugo had the chance to ask the leaders about their career journeys and the keys to their success . The most consistent advice he received was to maintain a strong work ethic and avoid laziness . This message resonated with him and has influenced his perspective on work and personal growth .
Hugo ’ s internship at NETS was a highly rewarding experience . It gave him a deeper understanding of the professional world , reinforced the importance of a strong work ethic , and allowed him to connect with inspiring leaders . Although the internship showed him that he had not yet found the perfect fit for his career , the lessons learned will guide him as he continues his search .
What I learnt is that the job of a health worker can be very stressful but all of the staff were very coordinated and communicated very well . Especially in the mornings when the clinic would be extremely busy , they worked well together , assisting each other in times of need . I came to realise that I did not know as much about the medical field as I thought . I learnt that it is not simply about procedures and diagnosing diseases , but that I would also have to take into account ethics and many other things when dealing with a patient . This work experience has also made me curious about the different branches of medicine that I can pursue once I graduate from medical school since Dr Bernard Thio specialises in occupational medicine , a branch of medicine that I had never heard of .
I would advise anyone considering doing this work experience to ask as many questions as possible , as I learnt many things from Dr Thio and the nurses due to the questions I asked . I also read a book that Dr Thio provided me and learnt more about the topics that interested me .”
– Angus Lim ( ML513 )
I also had the opportunity to ask many questions that were difficult to find the answers to . I noticed that I was able to understand and follow most of the things that the doctor would talk to us about . This was good in the sense that my knowledge of biology and anatomy paid off . However , I did notice that I have a lot to figure out , such as certain ethical issues in medicine , which are important . In the course of my time with Fullerton Health , I also questioned whether I really wanted to spend a rigorous 5 years in the medical course and what kind of specialist I would like to become , in the instance that I actually read medicine in university . I think that for anyone considering this work experience , you need to be curious and attentive as there is a lot to ask and know about .”
– Ang Jan Adan ( MN518 )
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