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Over the past decade, the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) has redefined the traditional internship model through its Integrated Work Study Programme (IWSP), significantly enhancing student employability and industry integration. Initially launched with a modest 11 partner companies, the IWSP has now expanded to include approximately 900 companies, marking a major achievement for the program and its participants.
The IWSP, which requires students to engage in eight-month to year-long internships, was initially met with skepticism regarding the feasibility of such extended placements. However, SIT’s strategic approach has proven successful. The program now boasts participation from prestigious firms such as Deloitte, PwC, Siemens, Accenture, and key government-linked organizations including SMRT and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore.
With such a broad range of companies involved, SIT students benefit from an abundance of opportunities, averaging three internship positions to choose from each year. Remarkably, half of SIT graduates secure job offers from their internship employers before graduation, with a significant proportion accepting these offers. Some companies, like SMRT, have even extended second-year seniority to new hires who interned with them, recognizing the valuable experience gained during the extended internships.
SIT President Chua Kee Chaing expressed satisfaction with the program’s impact, highlighting its tailored approach to each degree program and its alignment with industry needs. Students treat their internships as real job applications, with ongoing monitoring and support from SIT to ensure progress. The program encourages students to use real-world challenges as case studies for their final-year projects, further integrating academic learning with practical experience.
The success of the IWSP is underscored by the growing number of partner companies willing to co-design and co-deliver curriculum components, as well as to mentor interns. This collaborative model not only enriches students’ practical knowledge but also facilitates a smoother transition into the workforce.
Partner companies, including Weston Robot and STMicroelectronics, value the program for its ability to provide students with a strong theoretical foundation and hands-on experience, which enhances their job readiness. SMRT Trains President Lam Sheau Kai emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives brought by SIT interns, viewing the collaboration as part of a broader strategy to develop a robust talent pipeline for Singapore’s transport sector.
SIT graduate Muhammad Tirmidzi Mohamed Harun, who now serves as an executive engineer with SMRT, attests to the benefits of the IWSP. His one-year internship not only counted towards his service length but also provided him with essential skills and industry exposure, demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in preparing students for successful careers.