Bridging the Gap: From Theory to Practice in the Modern Workplace
While textbooks provide the foundation, the workplace provides the blueprint. With the EDB Business-School Partnership Programme, we are seeing a shift in how students approach their future. By stepping out of the classroom and into professional environments, students are transforming their academic knowledge into practical expertise. These placements act as a “career rehearsal,” allowing young people to test their limits and refine their professional identities before they even graduate.
Learning from Real Engineers
This was a very valuable experience. At school, I usually don’t have the opportunity to get up close and personal with real engineers who work in the field. As someone who hopes to study and work in engineering in the future, I really appreciated the opportunity to speak to them.
I remained very active throughout the day and asked many questions to learn about the industry. For example, I learned that some engineering projects can take up to ten years from conception to completion. Also, there are many tools and software programs available online to create 3D models and develop AI detection software.
I was inspired to conduct my own research and start similar projects in my spare time, further enriching my knowledge.
Conversations with the Directors
The work experience programme consists of three parts. First, there is the pre-show segment, where we play games and entertain the kids who arrive early for the show. After watching the show, my second duty is to help with taking pictures for the guests and the cast. The last part is a backstage tour with the stage manager.
The backstage tour gave me a deeper insight into props, design, technology, and automation in stage production. I was amazed by the technique of taping neon-coloured squares around the props to help the cast and crew move efficiently during the show.
I had the privilege to speak with the directors privately after my internship. Not only did they share their process of creating the show— from forming ideas to securing funding, casting, and rehearsals— but they also explained the essence of creating: starting with the question, “Why do you want to tell this story?” They also offered tips on how to create, such as reading Shakespeare and analysing scripts.
Seeing Buildings Differently
At first, I thought it might be boring, but I was wrong. Sorting the giant blueprints was like solving a puzzle. I learned that every word in those contracts is important for explaining to the architect, contractor, and employer what to do, so the details must be very clear—and wrong spelling is not acceptable.
Since building a project involves many documents, every one of them is important. We have to check them again and again to make sure the spelling and details are correct. This taught me an important lesson: patience and careful planning are just as important as big ideas. You have to pay attention to every little detail, and we’ll plan the location of every file and document so that I can find it directly whenever I need it.
This experience made me see buildings differently. Now I know that behind every house or school, there are many people drawing, planning, and solving problems. It’s not just about bricks and machines; it’s about smart thinking and teamwork.
Pain Points to Innovation
Before joining this work experience, I simply thought it was an ordinary telecommunications company. However, after this working experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the business. By listening to the staff’s sharing and gaining hands-on experience with their work, I was able to understand how the company has evolved and why its products can have such a significant impact on our lives.
From identifying pain points and developing the product using advanced technologies and creativity, to the marketing process, I learned that one product requires a lot of resources and research before it can be sold to consumers. This experience taught me that we shouldn’t ignore the effort behind the product.
Most importantly, creativity and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone are essential for our future careers, no matter what industry we choose. Furthermore, I would like to continue joining this kind of work experience to broaden my horizons and make a wise choice about my future career path.
Behind the Scenes at a Chinese Medicine Clinic
During my work experience at a Chinese medicine clinic, I handled a variety of daily and clinical tasks. I sorted, classified, and stored Chinese herbal medicines properly, and prepared and dispensed medications accurately for patients. I also organized acupuncture needles by size, disinfected medical tools with alcohol, cleaned treatment rooms, and regularly changed bed sheets. In addition, I assisted doctors in completing acupuncture, cupping, and other physiotherapy procedures.
This job was quite challenging. I needed to manage payment matters, patiently answer patients’ questions, provide timely assistance, and support doctors in their work. I also ensured the clinic remained clean and tidy at all times, and carefully prepared herbal medicines for every patient. The experience helped me build patience, responsibility, and practical clinical skills.
