Constance Ting, an intern with the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) from September 2023 to May 2024, shared how her internship equipped her with essential skills, such as interpersonal skills, communication skills, and teamwork, which are fundamental to her professional development as a social worker in the future.

My eight-month internship with the Red Cross Home for the Disabled (RCHD) from September 2023 to May 2024 marked my maiden foray into the workforce. 

My supervisor, April Lau, RCHD Executive, Fundraising & Volunteer Management, played an instrumental role in providing me with opportunities that equipped me with essential skills for professional development. During my internship, my responsibilities include communicating with internal and external stakeholders and managing our vibrant pool of volunteers. 

Through her, I gleaned insights into eloquence and confidence in presentations. April also exemplified tact and empathy in her interactions with the residents and volunteers. Volunteers would consistently describe her as a kindhearted lady.

I thrived under the Care Services Director, Adrian Lim's cherished mentorship. Having learnt of my aspirations to become a social worker, he connected me with the social workers and the therapy team. He also assigned projects that enabled me to appreciate the multi-disciplinary team of nurses, therapists, social workers and operations employees who rallied together to address medical issues confronting the community. That contributed immensely to my professional growth.

From securing donations of toys and pillow slips to engaging and offering essential bedtime comforts to the residents with disabilities, these everyday triumphs further solidified my aspirations to become a social worker. I derived much joy and intrinsic fulfilment in making a positive impact on residents' lives, inspiring me to persist in this meaningful career path in social service.  

Despite the hectic work schedules and deadlines, my colleagues were welcoming and caring, candidly sharing their life experiences. I cherish our shared laughter and joy while interning here.

A heartwarming and treasured experience etched in my memory was Christmas carolling with fellow employees and caregivers around the wards, spreading Christmas cheer to the residents in their dormitories during the festive period.

Having witnessed the unwavering contributions of colleagues and superiors in caring for the residents of RCHD, I can confidently attest to their positive impact on the lives of the residents and their families. 

I fully recommend taking up an internship with the Singapore Red Cross. This was an unforgettable first step into the working world.

By Constance Ting, Intern, Red Cross Home for the Disabled
Copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications