The long and short about The Progress Interview

Nerd’s professor dropped by the office this morning to check on his internship progress. As Boss and Ms Tan were both out of the office, I was interviewed instead.

I was faced with a great dilemma when I was asked about Nerd’s performance. To date, all that was tasked to him in the office were taking minutes at meetings, mundane data entry, and 3-in-1 coffee-brewing. I couldn’t possibly tell that to his professor, not unless I want Nerd to pay another semester’s worth of school fees. My Boss also mentioned that he wants to remain in the uni’s good books so that they will continue to provide cheap labor allow us to train leaders of tomorrow.

So I tried to bullshit my way through.


Professor: May I know what kind of assignments are Nerd tasked in the office?

Me: I am pleased to inform you that prior to the start of Nerd’s internship, we tailored a comprehensive training program designed to maximize his potential. The start of the program was spent on orientation, and a glimpse of how the organization operates as a whole. Nerd displayed great initiative during this period, and we developed enough confidence in him to spearhead the mammoth task of reorganizing the company’s market data, which was consolidated over the past two years. He also had ample opportunities to partake in the weekly office meetings, where he was exposed to management level decision-making.

Professor: I am glad to hear he is making himself useful. How do you find his attitude?

Me: Besides his eagerness to excel in whatever tasks that was assigned to him, I am impressed by how humble and down to earth Nerd is. For example, he does not think it is beneath his status to prepare beverages for his co-workers in the office. His humility is part of the many reasons why he is popular in the office.

Professor: That’s great! This is all very heartening to hear. Before I go, do you think Nerd is enjoying his stay here?


I thought about the many hours we spent battling over Puzzle Fighter in the office computer before confidently replying, “Yes, I think he had a very, very enjoyable time here.”

With Love,
Sibeh Sian