A Steady Pace

Introduce yourself!
I’m Nuwairah, and I’m a Year 3 student at the Wee Kim Wee School if Communications and Information (WKWSCI) at Nanyang Technological University (NTU). As part of my course requirements, I’m on a semester-long internship at the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI).

What made you decide to intern at MCI?
When I went for the interview, the vibes of the team were nice and they felt very close-knitted. I feel like it’s a good way for me to push myself into the industry and since MCI is a part of the government, it’s easy for me to branch out if I want to continue working in the public sector–it’s a good stepping stone, basically.

What other industries or areas of communications are you thinking of pursuing?
Other options for me could be with the media, maybe SPH or Mediacorp because I’ve always been interested in journalism, but I’m reconsidering that option (laughs). I mean, I had a lot of fun in the class, and I went on to pick up photojournalism too after that, but thinking ahead for my final-year project and all, I feel like it would be best for me to focus on public relations (PR).

This is just as well, because I do also want to explore job options in PR. But at the end of the day I’m still young so I can afford to dabble and explore even after graduating.

Yes, we’re all for exploring different career paths! What about your hobbies outside of school?
Recently, I’ve been into collecting PopMart figurines, but I don’t have an extensive collection just yet, I just collect whatever I like the design of. I also like art, so sometimes I’ll visit museum exhibits with my friends for fun. But now, being in the City Hall are only reminds me of work so that’s been kind of hard for me (laughs).

Apart from that, I’m on a mission to fulfil a long-term goal of mine which is to run a half marathon by the end of this year, so that’s what I’m training for.

A half-marathon? How did that come about?
It was a random, spur of the moment thing! My friend asked if I wanted to run a half-marathon together, and I said sure. So I’m currently working towards that. Right now I’m just taking it slow, running three to four times a week.

I’m also trying my best not to get injured and am actively avoiding activities that would get me get injured. Another friend asked if I wanted to take self-defence classes, but I said no. At this point, I can’t risk breaking my arm or my leg or something! (laughs)

Are you planning on running a full marathon after the half?
I guess it depends if I survive. But realistically, a full marathon… maybe not (laughs).