1. Why did you choose to complete an Internship?

I was half way through my Master of Professional Accounting course when I realised that I need to gather work experience in Australia to start working in my field. I undertook the internship opportunity offered by my university through Australian Internships with a mindset that I will acquire work experience and referral from the workplace and bingo: they offered me a position in their company to handle their accounts!

2. What have you learned the most during your internship?

Interns are not expected to work so much in the workplace as they are there to learn about the company and their related field works. However, I learned that if you go one step further than that by assisting your supervisor they appreciate it. I have also learned that practicing good workplace etiquette is important. Although the task one does is not judged through etiquette but it really puts an impact on work colleagues. I followed these simple steps everyday and today, I sit in the office as an employee and not an intern.

3. What benefits do you feel AI contributed to your internship and time in Australia?

AI helped me prepare for my internship in various ways. They helped me sort out what companies I can look forward to for interviews and also helped me make a video and resume for internship applications. AI sent me tips and tricks to learn beforehand starting an internship in a workplace that is very different from your home country's workplace. Imante, my internship supervisor, always made sure to keep me on track with any latest update on internship opportunities.

4. What advice would you give future interns?

If you are available to help out your work colleagues, ask if there is anything you can do for them. There may be times when they are learning from you which will increase your value in the company. If you do not understand some things, do not hesitate to ask. Doing so shows that you are eager to learn more and your supervisor will appreciate it .

5. What do you enjoy most about Australia?

I have always loved travelling and Australia has so much to offer in that aspect too. Even when there is state border closure due to Covid-19, I can still travel to so many places in Queensland with easy access to transport be it driving a car or taking a train to Sunshine Coast from Gold Coast.

See the glass half full or empty? The past 5 months have been really challenging for all of us due to the Covid-19. The experience of working at a bank during this crisis has been something unique. Getting involved in customers' exclusive requests, see how authorities supported the economy and how lessons from GFC applied to that crisis, has been very important for me. ANZ was the ideal organization to maximize the value of my aspirations. An exclusive mentor as well as the whole team I belonged to, helped me adapt very easily, showing professionalism, respect and continuous consultation.

Why did you decide to do your internship in Australia?

After graduating from QUT, I struggled to find a suitable job because I lack relevant experience in this field.  I was advised to join the Australian internship program by my friends. They shared their experience in AI with me, and they successfully secure satisfactory positions in Australian firms with the help of AI.

What made this experience unique and special?

This unforgettable experience provided me with a big picture of the operation of an accounting firm. Not only did I gain the experience on working with professionals, but I also gained a full understanding of the Australian firm’s culture and how different departments interconnect with each other. I am enjoying the work with my supervisor and colleague in the dynamic working environment.

How has this experience impacted your future?

This experience has given me opportunities to obtain professional guidelines in the field of accounting and be familiar with the Australian labor procedures. After my internship, my host organization offered me a job in its finance team. 

What was the highlight of your experience?

This experience allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge and accounting-related capability to the real word. During my internship, I built close working relationship with my colleagues and developed my teamwork and communication, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 

What advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Australia?

My number one advice is that you should always try to build an effective channel of communication with your supervisors. They need to know what you are working on and what you are capable of, while you also need to understand clearly what they expect from you. If you have doubts or concerns, please take it to your supervisor only after you did your best to resolve them.

Why did you decide to do your internship in Australia?

I completed my Master degree in Australia, so I want to gain practical experience in Australia by applying my academic knowledge. With this experience, I believe it is helpful to my career plan. Also, Australia provides pleasant working environment, securing employers’ rights and safety during the work. For example, we are required to obtain insurance policy in case of any risks occurring when we are working and educated to follow the codes of conduct. Moreover, individuals in workplace usually respect each other as Australia is a multicultural country, people should be treated fairly in the workplace.

What made this experience unique and special?

As an intern, I was given basic works, but I usually do further research or ask questions. Then I found I learnt more than what employers gave me. My host company gaves me significant support during the internship, allowing me to be more confident and feel comfortable to work with them.

How has this experience impacted your future?

This experience has given me several positive influences. Firstly, an active attitude is usually necessary when we are learning. If we show our motivation of learning to the employers, they will tend to teach us more. Secondly, ask questions if you are not sure how to do. Since we may do a job which is an important step in a procedure, we should take responsibility for avoiding any mistakes or unsure issues.  

What was the highlight of your experience?

Doing internship makes me more confident. Before doing the internship, I usually worried about if I can communicate with colleagues in Australian workplace as English is not my first language and I don’t have any professional working experience previously. After doing this, I found that I could interact with colleagues frequently and we usually helped each other during the work. The most important thing is to be confident in interview. When you confront an interview, you should promote all your advantages to the host companies so that they can see your personal value.

What advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Australia?

 When we do internship, don’t consider how big the host company is and choose the specific area you want, because we are in the learning stage and we don’t have sufficient professional experience, the most important thing is that we can gain valuable experience from the internship. Moreover, be confident in interview, you should show your confidence that you are better than other interviewees.

"I am doing my co-op (internship) in Melbourne, Australia for a German multinational logistics company. As an intern my main tasks involve in helping the forwarding, accounting and administrative departments. I have had the chance to gain valuable knowledge and industry experience in global logistics while experiencing a new culture.

It is also notable how inherently Aussie mate-ship is prevalent even in the workplace. With an Economics major I am sure that this experience will help me gain a deeper understanding about international trade and economics."

"There is always a difference between theory and practice. So, I wanted to get a practical experience in the field of Finance before starting a MSc in Banking and Finance. Furthermore, I wanted to have international working experience so I could advance my career. I wanted to see how the work is done in Australia and to explore a new continent where everybody speaks English.

I have learnt so many things during these amazing 6 month of my internship. This experience helped me to develop personally and professionally. Being intern under this program gave me the opportunity to work with very highly skilled professionals, to discover my strengths and to develop leadership skills. It gave me insight into how job should be done across different divisions within the bank and I worked on very important projects. 

The experience of living and working in Australia is priceless. If you have the opportunity never miss it. Be confident and accept the challenge. Be prepared this experience will make you to dream bigger and achieve even more."

"Being students we have our educational knowledge in common. What stands out to employers is those students who have also had work experience by the time they graduate. I feel the internship placed by AI, gives me the opportunity to specialize my skills in the Taxation field, which are generally required for my future career. In addition, I have had the chance of experiencing an Australia workplace culture and atmosphere."

"It is true that a University degree is not sufficient for employment now. I believe that the internship placed by AI was a good platform for me on which I could demonstrate and further develop my abilities and skills. 

The intern position is well suited to me because I really enjoy learning and working in this area. It is worth mentioning that the work environment of the Host Organization is very supportive and friendly. With the professional guidance of my mentor, I’m making progress day by day and becoming more confident in reaching my career goals."