Welcome back to #HumansOfFyreflyz!
In this post, Fyreflyz brings you the next batch of unconventional interns, and the spirit and drive that they bring bounces off the walls!
Our team is not the only change that we wish to announce – we have also revamped our website and services! Check out our new website here: http://fyreflyz.com/
Back to our lively new interns, 3 of whom are from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and 1 who has just finished serving NS (and is a Fyrefighter now), we introduce Klarice, Zulhilmi, Danial and Jayne (left to right)!
Having been here for almost two full months, and with three more months to go, we sat down with the millennials and asked them their thoughts to see how they’re adapting.
1. What was your first impression of Fyreflyz?
J: When I first saw Fyreflyz on Instagram, I knew that Fyreflyz was a lively environment with a fun and youthful vibe. I knew that I would enjoy myself, and I was right!
Z: I see a creative bunch of people who see each other as family and work towards one goal, to change the world. That’s what I have always wanted to do and with the right people.
K: I would say a humble small enterprise that is client based and the staff give their 101% with whatever is tasked to them.
D: My first impression of Fyreflyz reminds me of The Google HQ / The Smart Local Office, where people work in a fun environment and I feel that it’s less stressful that way. I remember being super excited for my first day of intern hahaha
2. What is an ideal day at work for you?
J: It would be when I get my chocolate wafer and pancakes to satisfy my hunger throughout the day. It will be a good day as long as my stomach is happy HAHA
Z: When I get to see my work being appreciated and happiness that derives from my work. However, receiving comments or feedback has to be at the top because it shows progress and how I’ve grown to be better. This gives me confidence and I can run the rest of the days easy.
K: Completing our work on time and feeling proud of what we have produced. It is always nice when our in-charge praises us for our good work!
D: An ideal day at work for me is when I arrive early for work so that I can have breakfast in the office to start the day on a high note. When I get my breakfast, I know everything else will just fall into place.
3. What were the first 3 things that you thought of when you think of the word “internship”?
J: I was immediately excited because I was happy that there isn’t homework from school during this period, then I thought of the sai kang I would probably be given and the travelling time I would have to endure. However, now I’m glad to be given work to do that isn’t boring and repetitive!
Z: 1. A learning platform for me to grow and be competent
2. Experiencing new things and gaining new knowledge
3. Getting to learn outside of a classroom and communicating with people in the industry, gaining insights.
K: 1. Low allowance but hey it’s the experience that matters right?
2. Real life experience in the design and marketing industry
3. 8-5 desk-bound job
D: Coffee-runner. Money. “Finally out of school” hahaha
4. What was the most challenging part of being in an internship program?
J: The initial weeks of adapting from “holiday mode” to having a full time ‘job’, was challenging. I have learnt to problem solve as efficiently as possible and that working adults are not to be babied.
Z: It was challenging in the beginning as I realised that I lacked certain skills. You must be able to keep up with the work speed and not fall behind because everything has consequences. I think that it is best to know how a company functions and work beforehand so that you can fit right in.
K: The most challenging part of being in an internship program for me is to work closely with different people with different mindsets, but I have learnt that I have to communicate effectively and to adapt with the lifestyle of company.
D: I think the most challenging part of being in an internship program is having to adapt to the company’s working style and environment, considering how it’s the first time, for most of us, in a corporate setting.
5. Name one thing that you think cannot be taught in the setting of a classroom, but can be learned while on the job? Why do you think so?
J: For me, one thing that cannot be taught in the setting of a classroom is learning how to communicate professionally with workmates and drawing the line between work and play. This is different from a school setting as in school, everyone is of the same ‘rank’ and there is no seniority there.
Z: I think that soft skills such as communication, negotiation and personality development can’t be taught in the classroom setting but only through experience. If you put yourself out there in the world, you would be surprised of what you have missed out on. Not everything you learn is in a book but beyond that. It is like what my lecturer always said to me,
“You have the whole world at your feet”
K: I would say R&D (Research and Development) cannot be taught in the setting of a classroom. You will always have to search in-depth, be it for suppliers, a certain activity or sponsors. There’s always a need to do extensive research, even in school. However, we are rarely put in that situation because there was not a need to be as detailed as we are in the office, in school.
D: One of the many things that I feel can be taught in Fyreflyz and not in class is the way a company REALLY runs. While school may have taught us how a company should function, I think it’s a lot more enlightening to actually be a part of the process especially in Fyreflyz since it is a startup.
6. What is the best memory you have thus far?
J: To be able to ‘vandalise’ the wall (Jayne is referring to our Wall of Wisdom in the office) on the first week of my internship was thrilling cause
it was my first week of intern and they wanted me to draw on their wall using permanent marker????
Z: The best memory I had was when my work/design was shown to the client. Although I was just an intern, I did not expect my work to be ‘out there’ and being seen by others.
K: For me, my best memory would be barbecuing during the open house of our new office, under a small makeshift shelter under the rain!
D: The best memory I’ve had thus far was the night we celebrated my birthday at The Beast, a bar just few blocks away from the office, and we all had really good food. Oh and they even got me birthday gifts from A&F, my favourite brand! 😝
Watch this space to see what’s cooking next!