Many students feel self-conscious about interning in their own city. Check out Ilaya’s story from her domestic internship at the Sukabumi Regency Statistics Agency (BPS).
Internship in Her Own City: Ilaya’s Story of Joy and Sorrow at Unpad
Ilaya Amala Akbar chose a different path. This sixth-semester student in the 2023 class of the Library and Information Science Study Program at the Unpad Faculty of Communication Studies didn’t migrate to a big city like her friends. Instead, Ilaya decided to return to her hometown. She has now completed her internship in her home city, specifically at the Sukabumi Regency Statistics Agency (BPS). She firmly believes that space for development isn’t always far from home.
Ilaya’s Reasons for Choosing an Internship in Her Hometown
Ilaya wanted to stay close to her beloved family. This reason underpinned her strong decision to undertake an internship in her hometown. The familiar environment of her home town helped her focus on adapting to the work rhythm. She didn’t have to worry about boarding costs or the mental stress of living in a new city.
The agency placed Ilaya in the Statistics Processing and Dissemination Integration section. In this position, she actively managed important data and information. Ilaya also streamlined archive administration and compiled the institution’s statistical documentation. This experience complemented the archival theory she had previously learned in the Faculty of Communication Studies (Fikom Unpad)’s PSI Curriculum.
Benefits of Interning in Her Hometown
Ilaya reaped many immediate benefits during her internship in her home town. She significantly saved time commuting to the office. Her wallet remained secure due to significantly lower daily expenses. Furthermore, living at home offered significant flexibility. Ilaya could work on her college assignments at night after completing her internship responsibilities during the day.
However, the decision to take this domestic internship was not without its challenges. Ilaya faced criticism and negative stigma from her community. Some accused her of using “insiders” (ordal) because she was suspicious because Ilaya was working in her home town.
Ilaya immediately denied these negative accusations. She emphasized that she went through a rigorous official selection process. She worked hard and fulfilled all the administrative requirements like the other participants. Ilaya also dismissed the notion that interning in rural areas isn’t as exciting as interning at a large company outside the city. For Ilaya, the quality of learning depends on one’s commitment, not the location of the office.
New Skills from a Domestic Internship
During her internship in her hometown, Ilaya’s practical skills developed rapidly. She successfully honed her professional communication skills and meticulous public data processing skills. The work atmosphere at the Sukabumi Regency Statistics Agency (BPS) also exceeded her expectations. Her senior colleagues were very supportive and mentored her. This conducive environment boosted Ilaya’s confidence in the professional world.
Most Memorable Experience
Ilaya’s most memorable moment was when staff trusted her to handle important agency data. This significant assignment made Ilaya aware of the responsibilities of the information profession. She learned that data accuracy significantly impacts the quality of decisions made by a public institution.
This experience completely changed Ilaya’s perspective on her future. It turns out the professional world isn’t just about academic grades. The working world demands mental readiness, high discipline, and teamwork skills. Ilaya is now more confident that golden opportunities are everywhere, including in her own hometown.
Ilaya advises other students to put aside feelings of inferiority and don’t hesitate to take up internship opportunities in their own city. Every regional agency holds unique and valuable opportunities for knowledge. If she could turn back time, Ilaya admits she would still choose the Sukabumi Regency Statistics Agency (BPS). This choice provides a comfortable, economical, and balanced space for growth.
Writer: Adzkia Adzka Julia
