Not just an intern

Why is that so?

Sam Vasarat, winner of the Fan Pan Tae in Advertising award, had this advice for undergraduates at the SCG Excellent Internship Road Show:

"The earlier you know your likes and dislikes and what you want to be and do in the future, the better advantage you have over others," says Sam, who graduated in architecture from Chulalongkorn University.

"Interning will help you choose your future career path," advises Sam. "Go where you can do what you want to do in the future. Choose a credible organisation so you are proud of interning there," he says.

It's best to intern at an organisation that gives you something. Besides, you don't have to intern at just one place - you can choose as many as you want.

Sam was awarded a scholarship at the Bangkok Art Directors Association (BAD) Creative Workshop before joined top advertising agencies in Thailand and Japan, including Ogilvy & Mather, Lowe Lintas, McCann Erickson, FarEast DDB, Leo Burnett and Hakuhodo.

Think you're there to work, not just do an internship. What makes it different is the level of responsibilities you'll be given, says the creative director of Creative Academy.

"You may think you're just an intern, so why such a big deal? Well, though you can do what you want, how people perceive you is also important. Choose if you want to be the sort who 'comes early and leaves late' or one who 'come late and leaves early'.

"Being successful depends on your way of seeing things."

There are three things that interns shouldn't have to do but they are told to do - making photocopies, coffee and press clippings. However, you have to prove that you have the potential for a lot more than just those three simple things.

Keep your eyes and ears open. See what's going on around you.

"Look at the documents that you've been asked to photocopy and offer help accordingly."

For instance, you can offer to help research certain subjects on the Net, and hopefully your bosses will realise that you too "have a brain".

Do you want to paint or become a painter?

Do you want to write a song or become a songwriter?

Do you want to play music or become a musician?

Do you want to sing or become a singer?

Do you want to do what Bill Gates does or become Bill Gates?

Sam says those who want to do things have a higher chance of succeeding.

Try, try and try again

If you don't do what you want, you may regret it for the rest of your life, says Sam, who furthered his studies at Sydney University, Australia.

"Knowledge is important but imagination is more important. Some people may have the same knowledge, but those who are ready to take a risk and use their knowledge to do exactly what they want will have a better chance."

Sam is a writer, a speaker, a creative specialist and an instructor of more than 20 universities.

Sometimes you may not have a chance to choose or you might not be capable of doing what you love.

"The biggest barrier in life are your own thoughts. And if you can love what you do, you'll be a lot happier," he says.

By Rojana Manowalailao

The Nation