Life as a BAGUS Together Intern: Lessons in Creativity, Growth, and Impact

Nadya (right) at “It’s Giving Fest”

“It makes a lot of sense that you’re a BAGUS intern.” 

This simple statement, made by a fellow NVPC intern, left me laughing for minutes on end. It had followed my rather whimsical description of how I see my thought process: “rainbows and unicorns.” 

I’ve often wondered whether I would ever fit into an office-based setting. But this internship showed me that it’s less about the office, and more about finding the right team. And for that, I am deeply grateful. 

As my time at BAGUS Together draws to a close, the question I’ve been asked most often is: “What’s it like being a BAGUS intern?” After many attempts to explain, I think I finally have my answer. 

If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be: versatility. 

From event planning and stakeholder engagement to coffee chats with groundups to better understand their needs, and weekly team huddles, life at BAGUS has been both enriching and fulfilling — always with a touch of whimsy. I was trusted to contribute to the planning and execution of Groundup Exchange 2025, an experience that took me from conceptualisation right through to the big day in August. It was incredibly rewarding to see months of work come together as we successfully matched over 40 groundups for potential collaborations, paving the way for lasting impact. A personal highlight? Fulfilling a lifelong dream of being an emcee at the Exchange! 

I also had the chance to be on the ground managing the BAGUS Together booth at It’s Giving Fest, a youth-powered festival organised by the National Youth Council Singapore. From crafting interactive booth activities to designing surveys and supporting marketing efforts, every task stretched my skills in ways I hadn’t imagined. 

Facilitating Groundup Exchange 2025 

But above all, what has meant the most has been connecting with groundups — whether through coffee chats or conversations at events. Listening to their stories and witnessing their passion to serve the community has been both humbling and inspiring. 

Looking back, no two days were ever the same. There were highs, lows, and plenty of “organised chaos” — but one thing remained constant: the heart of the team. The BAGUS Together family is filled with humour, joy, and an unwavering passion to uplift groundups. They reminded me, time and again, why passion is at the core of everything we do. 

"No day in BAGUS Together was the same, but I think that's what made it special! I got the chance to build my capacity in ways that I wasn't expecting"

I never imagined I would land this internship, but I am so glad I did. The cultures of both BAGUS Together and NVPC are unlike any I’ve experienced — creative, collaborative, and empowering. From programme planning and event management, to content creation and even merchandise hunting, each opportunity became a space to learn, grow, and explore my creativity.  

Interacting with visitors at the BAGUS Together booth 

So here’s my heartfelt thank you to BAGUS Together: for embracing people from all walks of life, for creating a safe space to grow, and for making every moment — big or small — meaningful. 

Someone once asked if I had advice for future interns. I’ll end with the same words I shared then: 

Congratulations — you’re going to learn a ton! And amidst it all, don’t forget to have fun. :) 

— Nadya, signing off 

Keen to explore an internship at NVPC? View opportunities at nvpc.org.sg/internships!