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Yazidane Hakim
I’m Yazidane Hakim from Indonesia. As an international civil engineering student, participating in the International Mentorship Program (IMP) has been a defining chapter in my academic and professional journey.
My interest in the IMP was sparked by recommendations from seniors, my own research, and communications from NTU. I was eager to immerse myself in Taiwanese work culture while enhancing my skills in a tech-related field. My goal was to secure an internship at a tech company where I could gain hands-on experience and collaborate with industry professionals.
Workshops and Application Process
Before diving into the application process, the IMP offers three preparatory workshops designed to equip applicants with essential skills for interviews and internships. These workshops, led by executives from prominent companies, were invaluable and provided practical insights and guidance that proved instrumental in preparing me for the real-world challenges of the internship process.
Applicants are asked to select five companies in order of preference. For me, Instill AI was my top choice, followed by four other tech firms. Along with this selection, we submitted necessary documents such as CVs, photos, and identification.
I was thrilled to receive an interview invitation from Instill AI, my first-choice company. The interview was relaxed and straightforward, focusing on my interests and background, followed by some programming-related topics making the experience quite enjoyable
Following the interviews, the IMP hosts a final workshop featuring speakers from various companies like Ubiik, Orange Shabu, and Decathlon. These sessions provided valuable insights into their work cultures and helped us prepare for our upcoming internships.
Decathlon, speaker
Orange Shabu, speaker
Ubiik, speaker
TSMC interns from USA
Interns group picture
Intern smaller group picture
Internship Experience
Instill AI, a London-based company known for its advanced solutions, offered a unique opportunity to work on developing an innovative platform that integrates various tools and services. Although Instill AI is headquartered in London, most of my colleagues were Taiwanese, enriching my experience with an added cultural dimension.
Working remotely from Taiwan presented its own set of challenges. Initially, I was concerned about missing out on the office culture and the difficulties of remote collaboration. However, technology effectively bridged these gaps, creating a dynamic and collaborative virtual workspace that was as engaging as a physical office.
My role involved backend development, which was a new and exciting challenge for me. Over the course of three months, I helped expand Instill AI’s service offerings by integrating several new tools and systems. This required adapting to different needs and processes, which was both challenging and rewarding. The development process was structured yet flexible, involving initial development, thorough testing, and valuable feedback from senior team members. This iterative approach was crucial in refining my work and ensuring its success.
A notable aspect of the IMP was its emphasis on communication and active participation. We were required to post daily updates on Slack, which allowed our mentors and senior team members to track our progress and contributions, to the company. This practice ensured that we stayed engaged and accountable throughout the program, fostering a collaborative and transparent work environment.
Online meeting with my mentor
Online meeting with my mentor
Reflecting on the IMP Experience
The International Mentorship Program (IMP) at Instill AI has been a transformative experience, offering me valuable skills and insights that are highly relevant to my civil engineering studies. Working with a leading company in AI technology has broadened my understanding of how tech can drive innovation and solve real-world problems.
A key aspect of the IMP was its focus on effective communication and active participation. Reporting daily on Slack allowed me to stay connected with my team and ensured that my contributions were tracked and valued. This ongoing interaction was essential for my professional growth and helped me adapt quickly to the remote work environment.
Overall, the IMP provided a rich blend of skill development and cultural exposure. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I highly recommend similar programs to anyone looking to gain hands-on experience and broaden their professional horizons. The lessons learned will undoubtedly influence my future projects and career path.
Thank you for following my journey through the IMP. I am eager to apply these new skills and insights as I continue to explore and contribute to my field.