What inspired you to work for Australian Internships?
Building a powerful and trustworthy brand is something that motivates me to wake up every morning and come to the office. Being in a company that is helping people to achieve their career dreams is inspiring and I love being part of it!
Visiting Southbank, Brisbane
How would you describe your role as the Marketing Executive?
I would describe my work as challenging and rewarding. Challenging because I am always dealing with different people from around the world, with different cultures and expectations. I learn a lot from these people and feel very happy to be able to help them improve their professional skills. Coming to Australia to complete an internship is a dream for many of our candidates and I think it is really rewarding to be a little part of it!
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I am completely passionate about my field of study (Marketing, Branding, and Advertising), about understanding people and how they relate to brands. In my current role, I am able to create campaigns, manage social media networks, and help to build a stronger brand and company.
Birthday in the office
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
I think it is very important that you follow your dreams and believe in yourself. We are capable of unimaginable things, we just need to believe in it!
What makes Australian Internships special?
Australian Internships was the first internship program provider specialized in international students in Australia. We have been helping students and recent graduates to internationalize their careers for more than 20 years and offer a comprehensive internship program rather than just an internship placement. Candidates are supported and monitored by the Australian Internships team from the moment they apply until the end of the internship.
First time seeing a Kangaroo in Australia
Why should someone choose Australian Internships over competitors?
We are a passionate team! Diana van Woerkom, the Managing Director, established the company after many years in the Education industry, after realizing the challenges that international students face when looking to gain work experience in Australia. The programs are tailored to each single candidate to ensure they get an experience that aligns to their field of study, professional objectives and skills.
What is Australian Internships' mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission is to deliver the world's best internship program by positively changing lives, valuing everyone, and enjoying the journey.
We believe in passion, accountability, innovation, integrity, collaboration, and quality.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope candidates are able to put in practice their skills, become more confident professionals, learn from their mistakes, meet new people and new cultures, and embrace the differences.
End of Year Celebration
How do you help support participants?
Candidates are allocated an Internship Program Supervisor (IPS) once they apply for the program. The IPS is responsible for assisting candidates with resume and cover letter preparation, mock interviews, flights, accommodation, bank account and mobile phone set up, adapting to life and workplace in Australia, monitoring of progress and satisfaction level, and emergency support.
If you could participate on one of Australian Internships' programs, where would you go and what would you do?
I have actually already participated in the Australian Internships (AI) programs. I came to Australia in 2014 as a Marketing Intern through AI and had an amazing experience. I had a chance to understand the Australian workplace and culture, improve my English skills, learn about a new industry, and meet wonderful people along the way!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel is when the travel experience enriches your life in some way. It could be about helping other people or getting to know more about yourself or the world.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
International education is becoming more and more important in our globalized world. I hope the industry keeps growing and allowing people to experience new countries, new point of views, and new cultures. I also hope more and more program options are available to candidates from all sort of academic and cultural backgrounds.