Nurturing new business talent
15 Aug 2011
University of Sydney Business School student, Pratiwi Hartono, completed her Master of Commerce and International Business degree in November 2010 and , following her internship, worked for a further six months as an online media assistant with the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) International and TAFE NSW National Business Directorate.
Pratiwi secured this attractive paid role following a successful internship she undertook with DEC as part of her Export Management Studies unit organised by the Careers and Employer Relations Office (CEO) at the University of Sydney Business School with assistance from the Australian Institute of Export.
Australian organisations are very supportive of employing international students who are studying at the University of Sydney - however, student visa conditions restrict the number of hours they are allowed to work. The International Business Internship program, therefore, is a terrific opportunity for students to obtain work experience that may otherwise not be available.
During the three months of her internship at DEC, Pratiwi was involved with various tasks including research to support the development of the social media strategy and making recommendations regarding the delivery and promotion of a state-wide online student video competition.
Pratiwi said: "It was a very interesting experience. I learnt to use my critical marketing skills and how to provide constructive feedback. I also learnt that maintaining supplier/distributor relationships and giving your 110% best is always very important. Through this internship I also learnt to become more self aware about my capabilities and how to improve. I am very grateful that I have been given an opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge during this program."
Careers Services Manager in the CEO, Sarah Fletcher said: "These internships are also a really important opportunity for students to refine their communication skills and use them in a business environment rather than a conversational university setting.
"We are incredibly grateful to the organisations like DEC who are involved with this program and, from what we?ve observed with cases like Pratiwi, they seem to get as much out of the relationship as the students do."
"Our Directorate is a high-volume commercial unit competing in the international and national education and training sectors. The team comprises highly-skilled professionals who regard internship programs as mutually beneficial and rewarding. Pratiwi was our first Sydney University intern and her high-level academic skills were applied to real projects to develop her industry experience. She was such an asset we employed her for a further six-months in a paid capacity which, I?m sure, will give her a competitive edge for her career, " said Mark Howland, CEO, DEC International and TAFE NSW National Business.
Pratiwi said: "I would definitely recommend this internship program to any student. Although it is at times challenging and requires excellent time management, it will absolutely help you start your career."
Applications for the 2011 International Business programs are now being accepted and organisations interested in participating in the program should contact Careers Services Manager in the CEO, Sarah Fletcher.
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