12 valuable lessons I gained from my internship experience in Canada

1. Ensure you complete the assigned tasks before moving on to anything else. Once these tasks are done, you can then introduce your new ideas. Often, the management team has a clear vision and requires someone to execute the details, similar to putting together a jigsaw puzzle. By diligently completing these tasks, we establish trust and confidence in their minds, which makes them more open to our ideas when the opportune moment arrives. Remember not to rush; patience is a key virtue.

2. Embrace challenging work given by your boss without complaint, as it indicates their confidence in your abilities and recognition of your potential to handle such tasks.

3. If you have doubts, ask your boss, but do so wisely. Gather information beforehand, so you can inquire more thoughtfully, rather than bombarding them with unfocused questions.

4. "Never assume" — During an interview, I was once asked, "How would you handle working with difficult people?" Like everyone else, I responded right away. However, when I discussed this question with my mentor, she asked, "What do you mean by difficult people?" She emphasized the importance of understanding the specific situation before making any assumptions. Another instance is when my former boss assigned me a task, and although I completed it, it took me a long time. What struck me was that the boss didn't immediately criticize my pace; instead, he observed how I approached the task and why it took me so long. He sought to understand the reasons before discussing whether my approach was correct.

5. A good leader doesn't always give clear-cut answers; rather, they provide guidance and encourage us to think independently. They aim to foster our growth and development.

6. The idea of work-life balance can be misleading; it's more about mastering time management and prioritizing our interests. Successful individuals invest ample time and effort into their work. During my internship's remote work phase, I noticed that even late at night, my boss would check the shared file. It was an eye-opening moment when I realized that successful people don't view hard work as a burden; instead, they derive genuine enjoyment from what they do.

7. The Pomodoro technique proves to be an incredibly efficient system. While being in the flow state is wonderful, integrating breaks is equally crucial. By scheduling intervals for stretching and relaxation, we can return to work with a rejuvenated mind, leading to a substantial boost in productivity. On the other hand, neglecting breaks and subjecting ourselves to prolonged periods of sitting and back pain will inevitably degrade the quality of our work over time.

8. Working smart has a greater impact than solely working hard. When we truly understand the purpose and significance of our tasks, as well as their effects on others, we can produce significantly improved results. However, the most effective approach is working smart+hard.

9. Life presents us with two types of problems: the good and the bad. Good problems serve as stepping stones for personal growth and improvement and sometimes come as challenging tasks assigned by our superiors. They enable us to push our boundaries and achieve significant development. I love how people use the term "challenges" instead of "obstacles" because with a simple change in wording, our perspective shifts as well. They are not barriers; instead, they are opportunities for growth that help us progress and develop.

10. Before becoming a good leader, strive to be a good follower first.

11. Taking breaks is crucial. After finishing work, we should remember to live our lives fully. Going to the gym, breathing fresh air, and taking time to rest is essential. Returning with a clear mind will make us more productive than continuously focusing on work without breaks.

12. Investing in a massage chair has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made. I was hesitant in the first place as the price was over $200, but I went for it, and I'm glad I did! For over a year now, I've been using it on a weekly basis, sometimes even daily. When comparing the cost to going for regular massages, which can be around $40 per session, this chair has truly become a valuable investment.

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If you want to know more about life in Vancouver IG: Puiionsunnyside (Thai marketer & photographer based in Vancouver, Canada)