6 Tips That Every Intern Should Know To Succeed

More and more business establishments are willing to hire interns especially because of their youthful digital-savvy nature. If you are preparing for an internship, you want to be as irreplaceable and knowledgeable as possible. Once you get in, you seek respect from your co-workers and employers. Here are some good tips to help your succeed as an intern…

PREPARATION

1. RESEARCH ABOUT THE INDUSTRY

Applying for an internship for advertising? Read Advertising Week or to Google the Heineken commercials as these companies are innovative and creative. Aside that, you must be knowledgeable about the existing advertising agencies in the country. Here are the Top 10 Advertising Agencies in Singapore, research further on what brought their success.

While if you are a planning to intern in finance then, read the Wall Street Journal. Again, here are the Top 10 Finance Companies in Singapore. Focus on the overall industry and a specific topic too. Be the wittiest person in the room on that certain topic.

2. EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY

Most interns are from the younger generation; hence, some employers expect that technology is second nature to you. If not, there is still time to change. You need to understand how social media works or if it is relevant to your industry, study SEO (Search Engine Optimization) tools. Observe what the public wants through media data and recognize the form of medium that is of value to you.

3. SAY THANKS

Always send a gratitude email to the person who assisted you or your interviewer. If you want to take the extra mile then write “Thank You” notes that you can pass onto these people. And when your internship comes to a close end, thank everyone for their help and include what you had learned from them.

DURING

4. ALWAYS SAY YES

Say “YES” to work tasks given to you (although some may be tedious) as they are part of your learning experience. Have tricks up your sleeve by learning how to make a good cup of coffee or tea by searching for it in YouTube or by mastering simple things. Occasionally, ask your boss if he/she needs any help from you. Do your best and do your work quickly. Someday, it will all be worth it.

5. IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, ASK

Ask honest questions rather than making assumptions. It is better to ask your boss or superior on how issues are managed. Everybody makes mistakes; the good news is that everything is fixable. If you were respectful enough, people would want to help you and see you improve. But, make sure that you never make that mistake again.

6. BLEND IN TO YOUR ENVIRONMENT

Adapt to the company’s ideal work clothing. If you are in a corporate environment then, it is better to wear long skirts or slacks. While, if you work inn a boutique where you stand and look for product stocks then, it is better to wear flats.

Image Credits: Juhan Sonin via Flickr

Image Credits: Juhan Sonin via Flickr

There is no right or wrong way to dress for an internship except if the company provides the uniforms. Nonetheless, the best thing for you to do is to wear conservative or non-revealing clothes in the first few days then adjust from there – depending on how your co-workers dresses.

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Delicious And Affordable Pizza Places in Singapore

Pizza, a specialty of Italian cuisine, has been one of the well-loved food around the world – including Singapore. Who can resist deliciously baked thin crust topped with rich tomatoes, oozing with cheese, and savory toppings. It is like a beautiful symphony for my belly!

1. SAPRINO’S PIZZA

Saprino’s Pizza offers inexpensive pizzas that you can mix and match. What’s more? You can even create your own pizza by choosing from their meat, vegetable, and cheese toppings. We usually order the Pepperoni and Aloha pizza for S$28, inclusive of the delivery charge. Not bad for two 10″ big pizza. You may also indulge on their gourmet pizzas with flavors such as New York Deli, Sicilian, and Classico Italiano or their specialty pizzas with flavors such as Vegetarian Special, Tuscany, and Pesto Veggie. Prices of the pizzas range from S$13.80-35. Aside from pizzas, they have a wide array of add-ons that range from S$2.90-8.90.

Order yours today by calling 6636-3636 or by visiting sarpinos.sg.

2. SPIZZA

Spizza first opened its doors in Club Street with its vision of serving affordable yet authentic thin-crusted wood-fired pizza and other delectable Italian dishes. The prices of the pizza range from S$21-25. Their beautifully named pizzas including Anna, Claudia, Katerina, and Nadia can be customized by adding toppings such as Parma Ham, Carpaccio, Pancetta Bacon, Salmon, mixed Seafood, and Buffalo Mozzarella for S$4. If you cannot decide which type of pizza to choose then try their best sellers such as Margherita (Vegetarian), Pamela, and Olivia.

Order yours today by calling 6377-7773 or by visiting spizza.sg.

3. THE PIZZA PLACE

The Pizza Place is perfect for couples of group of friends who want to dine in delicious yet no fuss pizzeria with at a wide array of topping variations. The old-fashioned thick crust that is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside will have you wanting for more. They offer regular 10″ and 14″ pizzas that is able to feed at least a medium-sized group. Budget-friendly prices range from S$16-30.

Order yours today by calling 6336-1979 or by visiting them at #B1-16, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road.

4. MANHATTAN PIZZA CO.

The Manhattan Pizza Co., offering New York-style pizza, is beloved by many. What separates this pizzeria from the rest is that they offer 20″ whole pizzas that are enjoyed by the people from New York. Aside from pizzas, they serve sides such as BBQ wings (S$5.90) and combos such as The Brat Pack (S$5). A slice of 10″ pizza is priced S$4.80-6.80. Choose from a collection of specialty and classic pizzas. Personally, I recommend the Regina, Pepperoni, Vegetarian, and Meat Lover.

Order your by visiting mymanhattanpizza.com.

Image Credits: The Manhattan Pizza Company via Facebook

Image Credits: The Manhattan Pizza Company via Facebook

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You’d Be Surprised At How Much It Costs To Get Pregnant In Singapore

Once you have confirmed that you are pregnant, your mixed emotions will take a while to settle. Then, it is time to prepare for your much-awaited pregnancy. Before you deliver your child, it is vital to determine the costs related to your pregnancy here in Singapore.

PRE-NATAL

Expecting mothers need to visit the OB/GYNs or gynecologists regularly. As a result, you will have to pay about S$60-75 per visit. But to save more, you may take on the maternity package that costs about S$400 in the public hospitals. This already includes charges for consultation and needed supplements.

Routinely care for both your baby and you includes: monitoring blood pressure and weight gain, lab tests for blood and urine, and monitoring your baby’s position, heartbeat, and size. Additional tests include ultrasound and fetal health screening.

PRE-NATAL CLASSES

To prepare you physically and emotionally to giving birth in Singapore, you may join pre-natal classes that cost about S$150-250. These classes will impart knowledge on handling labor pain, post-natal exercises, and nursing for your newborn baby.

DELIVERY AND HOSPITALIZATION

Hospitalization for two days will cost you about S$3,000 in a private room at a private hospital. But, you can lower down the cost significantly by choosing a private room at a public hospital. Aside from the varied hospitalization fees, delivery fees vary depending on whether you have normal or C-section delivery. For normal deliveries, you can give birth with or without epidural. This costs about S$2,000-3,000 and the C-section only costs more.

POST-NATAL

Expect your bills to increase from the minute your give birth. You will have to pay not only for your gynecologist but also for the pediatrician of your baby. Also, you must get your newborn immunized against several diseases. All the compulsory immunizations are free but if you want to save more, then opt for the services by polyclinics.

CONCLUSION

Giving birth to a baby is a lovely experience. Couples may consider it as a miracle that they had dreamt of for long. But the reality is, getting pregnant in Singapore can bring hefty costs. Bills include pre-natal consultation, lab tests, fee for birth certification, baby immunization, baby clothing and accessories, and more. As a couple, you may prepare a minimum of S$10,000.

Fortunately, Permanent Residents and Singaporeans can deduct a percentage of the delivery costs through the Central Provident Fund (CPF) for their first four children. Furthermore, the Medisave Maternity Package allows you to use your Medisave savings to pay for the pregnancy and delivery expenses. Click here to know more.

Image Credits: John Spade via Flickr

Image Credits: John Spade via Flickr

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5 Online Shops For Affordable Maternity And Nursing Clothes In Singapore

Being pregnant is also synonymous to feeling more tired than usual. Even the thought of shopping for new maternity or nursing clothes that you truly need can give you headache. Thankfully, technology paved its way for online shopping to be possible. With these inexpensive online shops, you can browse stylish maternity and nursing clothes without leaving the comfort of your own home…

1. MUMMY’S SECRET

Mummy’s Secret offers a wide array of youthful-style clothing line that is as cute as those sold in Korean or Japanese shops. They sell clothes from maternity wear, nursing wear, to confinement wear and baby accessories. You do not have to break the back too! Prices of the clothes range from S$9.99-30.

2. MOTHER NEEDS

Crafted by fellow mothers, Mother Needs offer maternity and nursing wear, separates and intimates, as well as accessories. Worry not about the sizes as they come from small to extra large. Also, it comes with a simple and user-friendly website design. Prices for the clothing range from S$10-50.

3. STYLISH MOM2BE MATERNITY

Dislike buying clothes online because you cannot estimate your size? Problem solved! Stylish Mom2be Maternity shop let’s you visit their showroom so you can return and try on other clothes. The style of clothing line is mostly casual but they also offer Maternity Lingerie for S$18. Prices for maternity pants, top, and dress ranges from S$18-40. Yes moms! It is that affordable.

4. MY LITTLE ANGELS MATERNITY

Want fashionable yet very affordable maternity and nursing wear? Then, My Little Angels Maternity is the right shop to be. Beyond colorful toga maternity top, they also offer diaper bags and infant wear with socks as low as S$2.90.

5. THE BIRTH SHOP

This award winning shop carries the famous Mums In Mind Baby Slings that pioneered nursing wear in Singapore, a decade ago. Their budget-friendly prices range from S$10-60. What separates this shop from others is its community environment where new or expecting parents are able to participate in educational workshops.

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6 Shockingly Free Ways To Be Happier Now

Life is a constant search. Whether it be a special someone, a fulfilling job, or an amazing house…our search often comes with a price. But that need not be. There are more meaning things in life that do not cost a thing. One of it is genuine happiness. Here are 6 Ways to be Happier now (yes! they are all FREE):

1. EXERCISE REGULARLY

I cannot stress enough how important regular exercise is to your wellbeing. Studies have shown that 7-10 minutes of exercise for 5 days every week can improve your productivity and mood. You will not only lose weight but you will also be happier.  Here is a 7-min. exercise routine you can follow:


2. HELP OTHERS

See some old clothes that are still in good condition? Save space and money by donating them to those who need it the most. Helping others and giving back can surely boost your happiness levels. You do not have to give fancy things; even giving a no-cost constructive feedback to your classmates can lead to personal academic improvement and happiness.

3. SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Do you want to live longer and pleasurable life? Research showed that people who have strong relationships with their spouse, family, or close friends are happier and healthier. Spend your quality time with your friends and family by a simple picnic with cycling in East Coast Park or affordable museum tours in Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore. When it comes to your happiness, your dearest friends and family matter.

4. LET GO OF WORRIES, FRUSTRATION, AND RESENTMENT

Dale Carnegie, author of the best-selling book entitled “How to Wind Friends and Influence People”, believed that our fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration, and resentment. Address and let go of your worries, frustration, and grudges to lead a happier life.

5. GET OLDER

Fret not that you are beyond your 40s, as you get older, you get happier! This is because older people tend to focus and remember the positive events more and the negative ones less.

As Olivia Munn said: “I think women should start to embrace their age. What’s the alternative to getting older? You die. I can’t change the day I was born. But I can take care of my skin, my body, my mind, try to live my life, and be happy.”

6. SMILE MORE OFTEN

Do you want to make your boss happier? Smile at the customers more to send a more welcoming vibe. Or how about making yourself happier and productive? Smile like you really mean it. Science has shown that people who smile increased their attention and ability to think. C’mon, it is free anyway!

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr

We are all in the pursuit of happiness. Try these simple ways – it might just help you. 🙂

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