Application Letter

Pokka Corporation Singapore Pte Ltd

No.4 Benoi Crescent

Singapore 629970

Dear Sir/Madam,

                                                 Re: Internship Application 

I am Tan Seow Peng, an undergraduate student majoring in Food Science and Technology in National University of Singapore. I am writing to apply for an internship placement in the Pokka Corporation. A CV is enclosed with this document.

I have a strong interest in food science and research. Thus, I am very eager to become an intern and participate in the research and development of beverages in Pokka Corporation. As Pokka Corporation has been a successful leader in the creation of new products such as the Jasmine Green Tea, I believe that this internship will allow me to prepare me for a career in food science and offer me opportunities to learn about Pokka Corporation. 

To satisfy the ever-changing needs of taste and nutrition, the food science industry is capricious in nature, promising as much challenges as rewards. I feel that I can overcome such obstacles based on my experience. For each of the past three semesters, I handled six modules, more than the usual five modules, while maintaining my CAP above 4.0. I believe that this demonstrates my resilience and determination to excel under stress. Consequently, this has honed my time management skills. I am confident that I will be able to work efficiently as an intern with Pokka Corporation.

As much as resolve is required to meet the ever-changing needs of the people, the food industry also values innovation. I have been actively contributing new, feasible ideas in my project groups and extra-curricular activities. In the Mazarin Project, I came up with the idea of the gardening by students in school and incorporated the concept of bonding among students, in addition to environmental awareness. This project was successful and well-received by both students and teachers. With this experience, I believe I can take up the challenge of brainstorming for new ideas and transforming them into reality. I also desire to try out new areas of research and make significant contributions to the company during my internship. Thus, if I am granted an internship placement, I will be very committed to the research and strive to perform well and produce results.

I will be able to take up internship from May 2011 to July 2011. I hope that you will look favorably at my application and I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Tan Seow Peng

Resolving Interpersonal Conflict

The following scenario took place after a national day concert in my secondary school. Both the chairperson of the event planning committee, Hui Qi, and one other member, Ming, were involved in this conflict.

At the backstage of the concert hall, the teacher-in-charge praised Hui Qi for being a detailed and competent chairperson who organized the event very well. Hui Qi boastfully said that it was due to her leadership that this event was successful. Upon hearing these, Ming felt jealous. He felt that he was not recognized despite having done eighty percent of the work, such as seeking sponsorship, liaising with different organisations and working out the programme details. On the other hand, Hui Qi had claimed credit for all the work despite contributing only to the main layout for the concert hall, coming on the day of the rehearsals and for the actual event. Ming then confronted Hui Qi to ask her why she took all credit for herself.  Hui Qi claimed that she had the authority to do so as she was the chairperson of this committee.  However, Ming felt that she did not deserve this. He felt that, even as a chairperson, she should not claim the committee’s work all to herself. With none willing to give in, an argument broke out between both parties.

This conflict arose not just because Hui Qi was being insensitive to others by claiming all the credit for the work, but also because she did not contribute her fair share of work. The latter could be main reason why Ming felt unfair. One way this conflict could be avoided was to make sure that all the team members were given fair distribution of work and that everyone should be recognized for the work they did.

Have you encountered such a situation before and how did you resolve the conflict?