SummerDiaries: ‘My internship helped me make a more informed career choice’

Internships give International Baccalaureate (IB) students a valuable chance to apply classroom learning in real settings. They sharpen research, communication, critical thinking, and reflection skills while helping students understand career options, university choices, and their strengths more clearly. Meet one such student, Arnav Kumar, a DP-1 student at Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park.

In an interview, he talks about his Psychology internship at Fortis Hospital and the learning curve.

What motivated you to choose this particular internship?

I chose this internship because I have always been interested in understanding human behaviour, emotions, and the reasons behind the way people think and act. I wanted to explore Psychology beyond the classroom and gain a better understanding of the subject.

Where did you complete your internship, and what was your role?

I completed my Psychology internship at Fortis Hospital. My role was primarily to learn about different areas of Psychology through classes and sessions conducted by doctors and other professionals.

What were your key responsibilities, and what did a typical day look like?

It mainly involved attending classes and sessions conducted by doctors and professionals. They taught us about different aspects of Psychology, and we participated in discussions and activities that helped us understand the concepts better.

Which skills or lessons from the IB curriculum helped you during the internship?

The IB curriculum helped me develop critical thinking, communication, research, and reflection skills. These skills enabled me to engage with the topics being taught, ask relevant questions, and examine Psychology from different perspectives.

What was the most challenging part of the experience, and how did you overcome it?

One of the most challenging parts was understanding some of the more advanced topics in Psychology. I overcame this by paying close attention during the classes, taking notes, and asking questions whenever I needed greater clarity.

Did the internship help you gain clarity about your future career path? If yes, how?

Yes, the internship gave me a clearer understanding of Psychology and its different areas. It helped me realise that Psychology is a broad subject and encouraged me to explore it further as a possible career.

Has this experience influenced the course or subject you would like to pursue at university?

The experience strengthened my interest in Psychology and made me more inclined to consider it as a subject at university. It also gave me a better understanding of what studying Psychology at a higher level could involve.

Learning directly from doctors and professionals gave me a deeper understanding of the field. I realised that Psychology requires strong communication, critical thinking, empathy, and a willingness to learn continuously.

What advice would you give other students who want to use internships to make informed career and university choices?

I would advise students to choose an internship in a field they are genuinely interested in. Make the most of the experience by paying attention, asking questions, and interacting with professionals. An internship can help you understand a subject better and decide whether it is something you would like to pursue in the future.