Internship Experience

Havent been updating the blog for a while(in fact its been too long), anyway things really change a lot since my last post. I have been fortunate enough to be graced with an internship opportunities, below I will share my experience with one of the top clothing companies.

First stage: Written test

There are a dozens companies out there that skipped this stage straight right into interview. Anyway this company separates it into two stages. The written test is easily one of the most stressful tests I have ever taken throughout my university study, not for its difficulty but for its intensity. Im given 20 minutes to complete 50 questions. An additional 5 minutes or so will have made all the difference but I guess it helps identify potential candidates better. The test consists of several sections which I shall discuss in details:

Intelligence test
Language test
Commom knowledge test

Intelligence test

All questions are Multiple Choice. The first section consists of word pairs that you have to correctly identify their relations, bit like one of the SAT reading sections. Second section is general language knowledge where idioms and certain difficult words are given and you have to choose between closely related answers explaing its meaning to the best of the questions. Next section is mathematical sections, which you have to calculate manually without the help of calculator. My best advice is learn to calculate things fast with mental calculations, because time is not in your favour. Then you are greeted with a series of mathematical puzzles in which numbers are thrown around in a series of shape and you have to figure out the next number based on the patterns. Try the app Math Riddles, look a bit like the questions in there but are obviously significantly trickier, also you cant use any tips xD.  The next section consists of questions you normally see in an IQ test.

Generally the questions are not hard per se, but im working on an extreme time constraint. Even before the test begins that I cant help but allow myself to work on the amount of time i have for each question(approximately 24 seconds per question, but in practice lower because I have to read the instructions for each segment, mind you I went in without a clue what to expect). Take my advice, dont second guess yourself, you will not make it to the end if you allow yourself the leeway for hesitation. Also dont look at the clock, it does nothing but only adds into your already nerve wrecked anxiety.

Language test

Next comes the English test, honestly should be a cake walk for anyone with few years of learning in the language. The test format highly resembles TOEIC, I find it very stressing for the listening part. Audio is only played once and I have to answer few questions related to one piece of audio. They generally throw in a mix of British and American accent into play, 100% focus should be made even if your mastery can rival a native speaker. Reading part consists of grammars and comprehensions, but nothing too out of ordinary. I find the time duration to be very forgiving as long as you know how to peruse and skip through useless paragraphs.

Common knowledge test

Now for the general knowledge part, the HR lady told us it should be a calm clearing after the storm, but it seems like the deciding component because it is the part that doesnt have a true answer. First parts consist of multiple choice questions asking you about the company, its visions, its production chain, its values, etc. You do have to do your research before attempting it. I for one have not done so and was absolutely crushed in this segment. Finger crossed that I will still make it to the end >< My last two questions are open ended responses to what do you want to accomplish in the next three years, and use three sentences to describe the company. All three tests are completed within a span of 1 hour and 10 minutes. Time is of essence and is, in my opinion, the hardest part of the test. Make absolutely sure you attend to your physiological needs before taking the test. I will rate its intensity in the same level as SAT(though SAT takes 4 hours, so yeah, thats some rough experiences)

Hopefully there will be part two on interviews, but thats another day for the story if I actually pass this stage. Wish me luck in my conquest for my first ever internship.