Hi all, I have put up my application letter as well as the advertisement. In my case, I am writing an application for internship programme at A*STAR. I appreciate your time in reviewing my application letter and welcome any critique from you. Thanks.
Corporate Internship Programme
Each year, A*STAR offers internship opportunities to select group of young undergraduates. During the two-month internship program, you will work closely with a mentor on a project related to the development of Singapore's R&D landscape.
Examples of projects undertaken during the internship include organisation of symposiums and coordination of R&D surveys. Please note that this two-month internship programme is not a lab-based attachment.
At the end of the internship, you will be required to submit a project report and/or make a presentation to a management panel. We welcome internship applicants who meet the following criteria:
· Undergraduates preferably pursuing a science or engineering degree
· Strong academic track record
· Self-motivated team player with good communication and leadership skills
· Able to multi-task in a fast-paced work environment
· Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
Interns should be available for a continuous period of two months between June and August. You will receive a monthly allowance and participate in a professional development workshop during the internship stint.
If you are keen to be part of our dynamic organisation and the vibrant community at Biopolis, please complete the attached application form and send it to: a-star_recruit@a-star.edu.sg. Please indicate "Corporate Internship Programme" in the subject header of the email.
Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
1 Fusionopolis Way,
#20-10 Connexis,
Singapore 138632
Att: HR Department (Corporate Internship Programme)
1 Fusionopolis Way,
#20-10 Connexis,
Singapore 138632
Att: HR Department (Corporate Internship Programme)
Application letter
Ng Ting Ting
Ng Ting Ting
Blk 219 Serangoon Ave 4
#10-218 Singapore 550219
97307141
February 8, 2011
HR Department (Corporate Internship Programme)
Agency for Science, Technology & Research (A*STAR)
1 Fusionopolis Way
#20-10 Connexis
Singapore 138632
1 Fusionopolis Way
#20-10 Connexis
Singapore 138632
Dear Sir/Madam
Application for internship opportunities at A*STAR
I have learnt about your internship opportunities at the NUS Career Fair 2011 and am excited to join this coming vocational period, from May to August. I am currently a third year Life Sciences student at NUS and am intending to proceed to honours specialising in biomedical science. I am seeking internship opportunities to further enhance my knowledge learnt in school as well as to gain valuable scientific insights which will be useful for my final year project during my honours year.
Having researched that A*STAR has dedicated laboratories like P53 laboratory which investigates various signalling pathway in cancer, I am motivated to sign up as I believe I have the necessary credentials for the research work. As a Life Sciences undergraduate student, I have undergone various lab sessions at NUS which has helped me develop foundations in the laboratory work. Thus, I am well-equipped with practical skills like microbial and molecular techniques which will help me to perform my research during the course of internships. Intrigued by the various Life Sciences modules during the year of specialisation, I have developed great interest in Pharmacology and have done well in these modules. Through a strong participation in my Co-Curriculum Activity (CCA), I have displayed good communication skills and a team player in the course of discharging my leadership duties.
I am highly aware of the superb reputation of your research company, and my conversations with several of your colleagues have indeed deepened my interest in attending. I know that, in addition to your well established faculty, the presence of many renowned researchers would certainly encourage a critical learning experience for me. It will be a privilege of continuing my interest at your fine institution. I can be contacted at above contacts and I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Yours Faithfully
Ng Ting Ting
Enclosure: Resume and supporting academic documents
Dear Ting Ting:
ReplyDeleteJust personal opinion, these" I am seeking internship opportunities to further enhance my knowledge learnt in school as well as to gain valuable scientific insights which will be useful for my final year project during my honours year." may not that suitable. I think the 1st paragraph should not be too long. You only need to indicate clearly what position you are apply for, not the benifits it will bring to you.
Cheer up~!
Hi Ting Ting,
ReplyDeleteReading your cover letter did provide a good understanding of your interests and why you want to apply to A*STAR.
Here are some suggestions that you could consider:
1) How you can contribute to A*STAR:
You’ve mentioned your hope to join A*STAR as an intern as they are a reputable organization that would enhance your knowledge and capabilities as a Life Scientist.
Perhaps you could highlight what possible benefits you could bring to A*STAR as well. Providing such details would definitely put you in good standing with the organization and more so if you possess relevant experience to their requirements in developing Singapore’s R&D landscape.
2) More emphasis on non-lab based experience:
I understand that A*STAR is an R&D institution, however the A*STAR internship has highlighted that it is not a lab-based attachment. Perhaps it would be better to place more emphasis on non-lab based experiences that you have. As stated in their application criteria, they are looking for individuals who are motivated team-players that can multi-task with good communication and leadership skills.
A suggestion would be to provide greater elaboration on relevant past CCAs or work experiences which would demonstrate that you are a qualified and potential candidate.
Hope this helps! :)
Hi Tribal Leader!
ReplyDeleteActually I agree with Kitty, I think we should not add how the company can benefit us. One to make the letter more concise and also i feel it might even hamper your chances as it sounds a bit "what you can do for me" rather than "what I can do for you"
Also, Renny pointed out the thing I wanted to say originally, that the ad is more for Singapore's R&D landscape than a lab-based research. Perhaps you can point out how the lab research experience in NUS has helped you gained the skill of multitasking in a fast pace environment, and expand on the quality communication skills you've acquired through both theory and first hand.
Gambatte! =)
Hey there,Good job!
ReplyDeleteI have to beg to differ with Kitty and Alvin. I personally feel it is important to let the company know you choose the company for internship as you intend to join it full-time. So that you will learn passionately during the short period. One of the most important reason that you choose it is because the experience will benifit you. During internship interviews, 'What do you want to take back from the internship' is a common question to ask.
I do feel the last paragraph, you are repeating the same point over, maybe you can rephrase a little, to make it more concise.
For a research institute, there are a few traits they are looking for that may be different from other companies, such as persistence, ability to work independently, ability to self-study, thorough. You could emphasize on such traits that they may consider desirable.
After reading your application letter, I found out there are a few important things to take note of.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, I think that it's better for you to provide more details on how your past experiences in scientific fields can help to benefit the company. Stress more on the features that relates more to the company's profile and interest if possible.
Personally, I think that you cn add some of your past working experience in your resume although the job has nothing to do with the one you're applying for. I think it does help add value to your resume. The reason is that despite the differences in the field of study, I do believe that there will be something fruitful that you gained.
That's all from me. See you in class tomorrow.