There is a lot of discussion in media and academic circles right now about the benefit of internships- whether interns are really getting the experience and skills needed to enter the workforce or merely being assigned to coffee runs and endless photocopying. The Australian Businesswomen’s Network (ABN) focuses heavily on providing its interns with the opportunity for practical experience that gives them a taste of what it might be like to work in their chosen field in the future. Recent interns at the ABN have noted the variety of ways they have felt they have made a substantial contribution to the organisation and to their personal development and career journey.
Lizzie Rowe, social media intern, has graduated with a degree in English Literature from Australian National University and received a Masters of Media Practice from University of Sydney. Looking back on her internship, she said, “Unlike many other coffee-fetching internships, my role at the ABN was practical, busy and very hands on… I was introduced to a field in a way I would not have expected.” Reflecting on the internship, she comments “it was really helpful to see the power of social media from a business perspective. Plus, having listened to webinar after webinar and having read blog post after blog post, I definitely have the know how to start and manage a multimillion dollar business from my bedroom. Outsourcing may be required.”
Hulusi Ozdemir worked as an accounting intern to complement his studies, with the goal of becoming a CPA accountant. He chose to intern in Australia, journeying from Turkey, “to have some experience in [an] Australian office environment” and to gain “practical accounting experience.” He counts among the skills gained his learning how to use Infusionsoft and MYOB. He was able to practice the sought-after skills of accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
Social media intern Christina Guo, currently studying Media and Law at Sydney University, “enjoyed seeing her contributions appear directly on the website” as well as “learning to use all the different systems and being given clear tasks to accomplish every week.” She enjoyed working on a Pinterest strategy, as it “felt good to be working towards doing something new for the website.” She was also able to undertake podcast summaries, as well as auditing and analysing content, producing blog content, and composing member profiles.
Jordyn Heather discovered potential new roles whilst interning at the ABN as part of her co-operative placement at university in New Zealand. She says, “I’m hoping to move into a marketing or international marketing career. I’m interested in looking at either social media marketing (new found interest since interning at the ABN), or a role as a marketing assistant or researcher.” Jordyn was able to participate in uploading interviews, writing content for the eNewsletter, working in customer service and assisting with coordinating course promotions.
The Australian Businesswomen’s Network internship program continues throughout the year. Intern positions are regularly available for students of public relations, journalism, business management, social media and digital design. You can express your interest by emailing us.