Internship Opportunities for Design Students in Brunei

By Nur Farhanah Binti Haji Noor Azlan

What is an Internship?

It is an opportunity for students or trainees to work in an organization, sometimes without pay, to gain work experience or satisfy qualification requirements.

What are the Internship opportunities for Design Students in Brunei?

In Brunei, design students mostly receive internships in marketing departments of businesses, creative agencies, and interior design firms. Students can also work on projects involving digital media, branding, interior design, and graphic design at universities like University Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and University Technology Brunei (UTB). Even with limited options, individuals can also obtain experience by securing internships in the sector facilitated by networking with professionals and developing a solid portfolio.

What do you do in a Design Internship?

As a design intern, for example, you might search for samples, examine color palettes,

learn to use design software like Sketch Up and Revit, and create CAD drawings on a

computer.

Why do Internships Matter?

An internship is more than just a requirement for graduation and can be a stepping stone to

a successful career. Here is why internships are important for design students in Brunei:

• Practical Experience – Obtain practical experience by working on real projects.

• Skill Development – Improve technical skills in design software, drafting, and project management.

• Industry Connections – Make connections with professionals who can help and mentor you.

• Portfolio Building – Improve your employability by adding finished projects to your portfolio.

• Understanding Local Trends – Learn about the architectural and interior design preferences specific to Brunei.
  

Challenges of Internship

Common challenges during an internship include adapting to a fast-paced work environment, juggling multiple tasks, learning new skills quickly, navigating unclear expectations, feeling like they are not contributing enough, managing time effectively, adapting to new workplace culture, and potentially dealing with a lack of mentorship or feedback from supervisors.

Do and Don'ts for internships?

DO

• Show up early (at least 15 min).

• Eat breakfast at home before work starts – Do not waste time with this at work, even if your colleagues eat at work.

• Dress appropriately for your work environment.

• Put your cellphone on silent/vibrate and avoid making/ taking personal calls unless it is an emergency. Always excuse yourself when taking a call.
  

DON'T

• Never ask to take a late lunch or a day off, except if necessary – you are the intern.

• Do not talk about your personal life too much, and refrain from doing things for your personal life at work. Leave personal matters at home.

• Do not be afraid to ask questions when things are unclear. You need to be open to learning new skills and techniques.

Final Thoughts

An internship is a foundation for building a successful career in architecture and interior

design. Numerous businesses, studios, construction enterprises, and governmental

organizations in Brunei provide students with worthwhile chances to obtain practical

experience. Design students should improve their prospects by applying, networking, and developing a great portfolio through their internships.