•          Why did you choose to complete an internship?

It’s all about the experience, especially getting familiar with Australian’s style workplace as an important step for graduates. In my humble opinion, studying is just a part of my career. We study to support our work in the future. Also, I believe working is also studying in some ways as we learn every time we experience new things. Completing an internship is definitely much harder than 2 subjects alternative, but your efforts are going to pay off.

•          What have you learned the most during your internship?

My first week was overwhelmed with new things. I initially felt lost as I rarely learned anything about those practical matters from the school’s subjects or my past working experiences. I began to learn and discover while working in my internship, and it boosted my confidence gradually.

Within my internship, there were a few distinct knowledge encounters in the field of business management and marketing analytics that stand out as the most influential aspects of my advancement. Through the application of analytical skills, communication skills, computer skills, project management, time management, research, reporting, teamwork, problem-solving, presentation, and consistent practice, both of my business management knowledge and skills improved to a great extent. Additionally, my development with managing the daily processes within the office and working from home clearly reflected the real-life experience advantages of my professional career.

•          What benefits do you feel Australian Internships contributed to your internship and time in Australia?

Since most of the time I’ve been here Melbourne was in lockdowns, I really appreciated this placement that pushed me to a real work environment instantly without being graduated first. It is absolutely helpful to go outside and explore rather than sitting at home for some online learning courses. And more importantly, al thanks to Australian Internships, I got the chance to work in the field I want, which sometimes is hard to match, and many people out there couldn’t make it.

I still remember that it was the first time I got an interview with an Australian company, and I was helped by my Internship Program Supervisor - Imante to conduct a mock interview, a review on my proposal to the host company, as well as many emails and calls to keep me updated. With the great mentorship from Australian Internships, I made a beautiful ending as getting employed by my host organization. This marks a big milestone not only for my time in Australia but also for my whole life.

•          What advice would you give future interns?

Prove what you can bring to the table with all the skills and a great spirit (hardworking, team player, learning on-the-go, can-do attitude).

You don’t need to be perfect. Just be yourself, be prepared and be confident.

•          What do you enjoy most about Australia?

Australia is known for its diverse and welcoming people, plus the Australian education sector comprises world-leading education institutions, premium training facilities, and outstanding lecturers and student support services. Besides, the natural beauty of Australia absolutely blows me away.

Actually, I thought I went for the U.S but I just got the acceptance for my VISA by Australia pretty fast (around 4 days if I recall correctly). I believe that's my fate being here.

However, it is still emotional whenever I think about how I ended up here, living far away from my family in Vietnam and unable to fly back as the pandemic has been restricted international travels. Thankfully, I settle in St Albans and previously Sunshine suburbs, whereas many Vietnamese people reside and lots of Vietnamese foods to comfort my homesickness.