Sisters of Code students share their stories about Internship opportunities

On August 2, 2025, Sisters of Code hosted a meaningful focus group discussion with our Employment Skills students. As one of the goals of the program is to support our students employment opportunities, hearing their voices is essential. A total of 12 people including the Sisters of Code team, trainer, and students joined the discussion. We believe that to create real change, we need to listen directly to students, and this session was full of honest, thoughtful, and eye-opening feedback.

Purpose-Driven Discussion

The focus group meeting was designed to be a collaborative, student-centered space where everyone involved in the Employment Skills Program (ESP) could reflect and contribute ideas for improvement. There were four key objectives guided the session:

• Identifying Challenges Students Face: Many participants spoke about feeling unprepared or discouraged by the competitive nature of the job market, especially when most companies prefer candidates with prior experience. 

• Gathering Insights from All Sides: The discussion brought together voices from students, staff, and a trainer, making it a well-rounded dialogue. Everyone was encouraged to share openly, which led to a deeper understanding of the Employment Skills program’s strengths and areas for improvement. 

• Brainstorming Practical Support Strategies: As students spoke about their challenges, the group also began to explore solutions. Suggestions ranged from organizing more CV-building workshops and mock interviews to creating alumni mentoring circles and improving portfolio review sessions. 

• Strengthening Collaboration: Students from different cohorts connected with each other, while staff and trainers gained a clearer view of what support truly means from a student’s perspective. This kind of collaboration ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal of helping students transition confidently from classroom to career.

These discussions allowed everyone to see the internship journey not just as a program component, but as a deeply personal and transformative experience bringing real value.

Insights that Matter

The group discussion surfaced important themes that consistently affect students in their internship and job-seeking journeys. These reflections will help guide future program improvements:

• Lack of Experience as a Barrier: Many students shared that they’ve struggled to secure internships simply because they don’t have prior experiences. This creates a frustrating cycle where they can’t gain experience without first being given a chance. It’s a clear signal that more support is needed to connect students with beginner-friendly internship opportunities.

• Confusion Around Job Applications: A common concern was the lack of guidance on how to apply for jobs effectively. Students often feel lost when writing CVs, preparing portfolios, or answering interview questions. They asked for clearer instructions, templates, and one-on-one coaching to make the application process less stressful and more successful.

• Unclear Industry Expectations: Several students said they didn’t fully understand what employers expect in a real work environment. While they feel confident in their technical skills, they’re unsure about soft skills, workplace communication, and team dynamics. Bridging this knowledge gap is key to helping students feel ready for the professional world.

• Balancing Internships and Studies: Time management was another major issue. Students explained how difficult it is to juggle schoolwork, personal responsibilities, and internships all at once. Without flexible internship options or academic support, some feel forced to choose between their education and gaining work experience.

  
  

What Comes Next

The feedback and reflections shared during this focus group will directly influence how Sisters of Code adapts its internship support moving forward. Whether it’s through enhanced communication, new workshops, or building stronger company partnerships. When we listen closely and act on their experiences, we create a stronger, more inclusive learning environment where every student has a chance to thrive.

We are looking forward to better support our students in their careers development and hope for an efficient collaboration with potential employers, who are willing to contribute to building skilled and motivated human capital in Cambodia.