AmCham’s internship program is offered throughout the year to undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates from local and international universities interested in gaining experience working in the field of international business and government affairs.
This spring, we have a host of engaging, content-rich projects underway for interns to work with our Program & Events and External Affairs teams. Visit our website for more information on each position and instructions on how to apply by March 1.
https://www.amcham.com.sg/internship-program/
Testimonials from Our Interns
As a government affairs intern at AmCham Singapore, I was exposed to a wide variety of industries and key business leaders within the ASEAN community, and was able to strengthen my research, analysis and writing skills. Throughout the internship, I was involved in research and writing on topical issues and flagship publications such as the trade war report, the ASEAN Business Outlook Survey and the manpower report. Along with the actual analysis that went into these publications, I gained exposure on the media relations and public affairs aspect of the chamber as well. Additionally, due to the wide range of events that AmCham hosts every week, I was able to attend many fascinating panel discussions and network to form crucial connections with industry leaders, which supported my understanding of diverse perspectives. Working closely with the government affairs team provided me with mentors who guided me through work opportunities available in my field of interest and enhanced key skills that I will need for my future academic and professional journeys.
– Sunena Gupta, University of California, Berkeley, Summer 2019
I had been looking for an opportunity to explore Singapore’s position as a vibrant business hub for the ASEAN region when I found a job posting for a Government and Public Affairs Intern position at the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (AmCham Singapore) on the LKY Career Services page. After submitting my CV and a cover letter, I had a short interview and received an offer to work part-time during my second semester from February to April. It was an excellent opportunity to discover the ecosystem of multicultural and multifunctional stakeholders in a world woven with government, business, and civil society.
I worked in the Government Affairs Department to perform a wide range of tasks from copyediting reports to doing research to support the various activities that AmCham performs in their relationship with the biggest businesses in the region. AmCham Singapore is the largest of the AmChams in ASEAN with over 750 companies consisting of both MNCs and SMEs, and 5,000 members. It provides advocacy, business insights, and connections to foster a business-friendly environment for shared prosperity of American businesses and ASEAN nations. To this objective, it publishes policy briefs, memos, surveys, and reports such as its flagship publication ASEAN Business Outlook Survey and Crossroads: Doing business in Southeast Asia, explaining the context and outlook of, and suggestions to enhance commercial wellbeing. Doing research to maintain the relevance and improve the purposiveness of the ASEAN Business Outlook Survey was one of the main tasks of my internship. I also looked for marketing methods to increase public awareness of these publications and drafted letters and media advisory for this purpose.
With a background in international relations, it was exciting to see the relationship between business and global political developments such as trade wars and elections. The biggest benefit of the internship for me was being able to attend AmCham events which provided a forum for business leaders to hear from experts for better understanding of the impact of sociopolitical issues to their supply chains, customers, and workforce.
It was a meaningful and enjoyable experience where I was able to participate in producing substantive work, learn from experienced colleagues, and strengthen my interest in studying the far-reaching impact of geopolitical issues. I thank the LKY Career Services team for providing access to this wonderful opportunity and for granting the support necessary for me to pursue it.
[To view Soyoung’s full essay about her internship, click here.]
– Soyoung Kim, National University of Singapore, Spring 2019
It had always been my dream to intern at AmCham ever since my first year of college. I got to know of the opportunity just by Googling for something meaningful to do and immediately got hooked with AmCham because of how unique and eye-opening the internship promised to be.
The actual experience that AmCham gave me, fortunately, did not fall short at all of my high expectations. The works I was tasked with not only challenged me to think outside of the box and allowed me to make tangible impacts for AmCham but also helped me realize how I can improve to better contribute to my workplace. Beyond the assignments, I also enjoyed your good companies, especially the long discussions with Morgan, the short yet lovely chats with Jessica and the exciting client meetings with Ravi.
– Quinn Nguyen, Yale-NUS, Spring 2019
I had an amazing summer 2018 internship at AmCham. As a Government and Public Affairs & Social Media Intern, I had an incredible opportunity to manage social media accounts for AmCham. I truly enjoyed the level of responsibility that was put before me, and I felt like I was a team member at AmCham, contributing to its success every day. During my time at AmCham, I improved my ability to write social media posts clearly and concisely, obtained skills of graphic design, as well as learned to take professional photos during events. In addition to the skills that I learned by executing multiple projects at the same time, I took every single opportunity to broaden my horizons at various events that happened at AmCham and off-site. I built a strong professional network that I will maintain throughout the years. I was privileged to find industry professionals with whom I share a lot of similarities. Interns and staff I worked with inspired me to push myself even further and never stop learning. AmCham helped me tremendously with defining my career path. AmCham staff supported me with advice, as well as organized various in-person sessions for interns interested in certain industries. Member company tours allowed me to get a greater insight into the work cultures of a diverse set of industries.
– Leisan Garifullina, Pomona College, Summer 2018
As a business development intern at AmCham, I got the opportunity to work on various data and strategy products. I even got the opportunity to present my work to the staff and other interns. AmCham is great about letting interns have a say in what kind of projects they do. I was able to focus my work around my interests and career goals. The combination of the project work and networking opportunities available better positioned me to pursue many different career paths.
– Finn Rosenfeld, Syracuse University Abroad, Summer 2018
Interning at the American Chamber of Commerce in Singapore has been an eye-opening experience. Being able to work at a nonprofit that does such important work for the American business community has helped me learn about business in Southeast Asia, and connect with the leading business minds in the region. From developing new programs for AmCham to attending fascinating talks about marketing and GDPR, I haven’t stop learning. The most rewarding aspect of interning at AmCham was the networking that I was able to do. This internship gave me the opportunity to meet with consultants and people working in finance, and helped cement my interest in both sectors. As I begin my job search for my sophomore summer internship, I am sure that I will be able to stay in contact with the professionals that I have connected with over the past two months. As someone fascinated by the world of consulting, AmCham made an impressive effort to connect me with people working in that sector. My supervisor organized a networking lunch with a consultant from Bain&Co, encouraged me to sit in on business meetings with consultants, and organized small group discussion sessions to learn about consulting. Through these meetings, I was able to garner a real understanding of each of the different firms’ cultures and practices, which will prove to be invaluable during my job search.
– Matthew Jourlait, Tufts University, Summer 2018
Interning in business development at AmCham has been such a rewarding experience. Having toured half a dozen Singapore based corporations ,engaging in networking events, and attending weekly speaking events, I’ve developed a global perspective in understanding how policy, innovation, and regulations are jointly affecting multinational firms and how they are actively evolving their business strategies to adapt to these structural economic changes. I’ve been exposed to various business models in a wide array of market sectors which has given me a first-hand perspective on how business is conducted on a global scale. In addition, to gaining a global perspective, I’ve also had the opportunity to apply my analytical skills to individually spearhead a comprehensive elasticity project, analyzing industry competition, researching economic indicators, and constructing complex financial models in efforts to optimally restructure current pricing systems. Having access to meet and hear from US congressmen, C-Suite executives, and some of the world’s leading visionaries, was an incredible learning experience which has both defined my familiarity with the APAC region and opened various avenues to position myself for future career opportunities.
– Brandon Schmetterer, Wake Forest University, Summer 2018
My internship at AmCham was a truly fantastic and fascinating experience. I was excited to be placed within the Government and Public Affairs team under the excellent supervision of Hazlyn and Morgan. The opportunity to work on multiple high-level publications provided me with great insight into AmCham Singapore’s work and the work of Chambers throughout the region. I was also able to greatly develop my research, writing and analytical skills as I worked through meaningful and challenging projects. I also had the truly rewarding experience of being able to help with AmCham’s Walk for Rice event, the largest volunteering event in Singapore. My time at AmCham was a highlight of my time in Singapore and I feel very lucky to have been able to join the AmCham team.
– Sarah O’Dowd, Australian National University, Fall 2017
My experience working as a Government and Public Affairs Intern at AmCham was one of the most fulfilling experiences I’ve had both professionally and personally. Entrusted with important tasks such as drafting the ASEAN Business Outlook Survey, I was able to develop and build confidence in my writing skills while gaining insights about the economic and political landscape of ASEAN. This professional experience was further enhanced by the vibrant office community of staff and interns. Every day was busy yet enjoyable, and I met many friends and colleagues that I continue to keep in touch with. For anyone who has an interest in the ASEAN region that’s looking for professional development and a meaningful experience, I definitely recommend interning at AmCham.
– Scott Kim, New York University, Summer 2017
I truly had a wonderful experience as a Business Development intern at AmCham. The work I undertook as an intern was very rewarding as I had the chance to work on multiple projects and dive deep into working on and learning more about specific areas. My supervisor, Kelli was really great about checking in and making sure that not only was my work meeting AmCham’s high standards, but that I was also enjoying the internship and developing my personal and professional skills. It was also clear that my ideas and suggestions were being taken seriously by the team throughout my time there. At the end of my internship, I had the opportunity to present my work, which was a great chance to work on my public speaking in a work setting. Working at AmCham gives you access to a range of events and I had the opportunity to hear more about the region and business from people who are at the forefront in their fields. On a more personal note, the whole team is made up of wonderful people and the atmosphere at the office is one of friendly collaboration which made it even better by my co-interns at the time. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and hope that I will have the chance to visit AmCham again in the future.
– Ojaswee Rajbhandary, Columbia University, Summer 2017
It has been a privilege to work alongside colleagues with the collective pride of providing the vital link between local government agencies and the American business community. The weeks I spent as a summer intern with AmCham have certainly been fulfilling as a programming intern. This was due to the fact that we were privy to Signature events that cover current issues and set the tone as a forerunner on future trends. Of course, I have been lucky to be under the tutelage of warm mentors and company of kind colleagues. It was fun being able to experience American culture first hand at home and I would recommend this internship to those looking to broaden perspectives on the international community with a business take.
– Samantha Loh, National University of Singapore, Summer 2017