“My most impactful insight was learning about art therapy, how it works and the purpose behind it."

 

1. You joined us as a mid-career intern — what motivated you to take on an internship at The Red Pencil (Singapore) at this stage of your professional journey, and what role did you step into?

I’ve always been inspired by art and have loved creating since young, so I saw this as a way to reconnect with that passion. After years in more commercial design work, I wanted to use my expertise in a more purposeful way, and joined as a Marketing & Communications Intern.

2. How did your experience as a Marketing & Communications Intern complement or shift the perspective you already had from your previous work experience?

It shifted my perspective by showing me that marketing goes beyond graphic work to include outreach and meaningful storytelling. As someone who usually works behind a computer creating visuals, being involved in outreach events helped me understand the work on a much deeper level and connect with the people behind the stories.

3. What new skills or insights did you gain during the internship that you feel will be especially valuable for the next phase of your career?

Plenty! But the most impactful was learning about art therapy, how it works and the purpose behind it. I’ve started applying it day-to-day — using art to calm myself when I feel overwhelmed, and being more mindful of what I create as a way to reflect and understand my emotions, which has become a treasured piece of knowledge beyond just my career.

4. Having had more life and work experience before this internship, what did you learn about art therapy and its impact on communities in need that surprised or moved you the most?

What surprised me most was how meaningful the art therapy can bring in my own life. Whenever there was an opportunity to join The Red Pencil (Singapore)’s outreach events, whether with youths or seniors, I would go home feeling… wholesome! I knew then, that day was well spent.

5. Based on your time with us, what would you say to other mid-career professionals who might be considering an internship as a way to explore a new direction or give back?

Go in with an open mind and trust the process.

Within just 3.5 months, this internship has given me not only a deeper understanding of what art therapy truly means, but also the chance to connect and collaborate with the wonderful people behind the scenes—and most importantly, a chance to learn more about myself. It has been a truly transformational experience.