CAN Monthly eUpdates
2013 CAN Monthly eUpdates
2012 CAN Monthly eUpdates
May 2013 eUpdate: Profile - Soobhana Biswas
It’s not every day when, as a student you’re given the opportunity to work on the other side of the world and immerse yourself in an entirely new culture!
Yet, for a selection of eight UWS students a cultural immersion experience wasn’t all they got when undertaking an International Internship organised by UWS Careers and Cooperative Education in countries such as China and India.
Soobhana Biswas – a combined Business/ Law student said her experience working with Indian student placement provider- IDP Education had a tremendously positive impact on her professional career prospects.
“Employers are looking for ‘rounded individuals’ so doing an internship overseas shows that you can take on new opportunities with relative ease. It also shows that you are a flexible individual so employers are likely to look more favourably upon you as a prospective employee”.
When asked about the benefit of the internship to her future career, Soobhana said “The question is how it will not be of benefit? Learning to budget, to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds, being resilient and coping with whatever the day may bring you are some of the things I can say I did and add to my resume”.
But the internship wasn’t all about work alone; there was time for countless personally enriching experiences whilst in India. “I managed to find a very interesting French-Indian Ballet show. It was happening next to where I stayed! The night was an awe filling night with plenty of interesting travellers and ex-patriots coming together. I made some friends on this night and later met them for dinner a few nights later”.
Soobhana also recollects the strong personal relationships she formed and the eye-opening experiences she had whilst working in India. “I was able to create so many new friendships! One day the four UWS interns and I toured the Golden Triangle in India. It was amazing! Seeing the Taj Mahal early in the morning was a very tranquil experience”.
For students considering undertaking an international internship, Soobhana recommends to stay in touch with all the other UWS internees who are in the same country. “We laughed and sometimes cried over the many situations we got ourselves into”. She also recommends thinking of the exchange rate before landing in your host country. “Don’t get off the plane and exchange money right away (I did that as I had no choice!). Most of all though, take the opportunity when it presents itself! It really is a self awareness adventure. Carpe Diem!”
A you a graduate interested in undertaking an international internship? Contact UWS Careers for more information via careers@uws.edu.au or visit CareerHub for current international opportunities.
April 2013 eUpdate: Want to help another UWS student?
Current UWS students need your support to gain employment in their chosen career.
Why not join the growing Alumni alliance and take on an intern through the UWS internship program for the next vacancy in your office?
Alternatively, let your Human Resources team know that there are some great students looking for paid work in your area of expertise.
Contact Judy Holman j.holman@uws.edu.au or telephone
02 4736 0388 to find out how you can support your University's graduates.
2012 CAN eUpdates
December 2012 eUpdate: Happy Holidays!
Happy Holidays from Careers & Cooperative Education!If you are understaffed over the Christmas break, why not hire an intern?
For more information please contact Judy Holman on j.holman@uws.edu.au or (02) 4736 0388.
November 2012 eUpdate: Profile - Aaron Montgomery
This month, we interviewed UWS Internship Outstanding Student Award winner Aaron Montgomery for a brief profile piece on his achievements.
Name: Aaron MontgomeryCourse: Industrial Design
Completed internship at: Expanda Van Homes
1. Why did you decide to participate in the UWS Internship Program?
I decided that the internship would be a good idea, firstly because whilst the lessons you learn at university are very important there is really no comparison to the practical 'real life' situations you encounter in the workplace. Secondly, I needed to find some way to gain some experience to beef up my resume.
2. What did you most enjoy about your internship with Expanda Van Homes?
It is a small firm with a tight knit group, which meant that I was able to be involved with a wider range of activities that drive the company.
3. What were you expecting your internship with Expanda Van Homes to be like? Did it meet, or even exceed these expectations?
The placement definitely exceeded my expectations, being a young firm they got me thoroughly involved and I have found myself working on projects that I would never have dreamed of doing in my first year out of university.
4. How did you enjoy receiving your Outstanding Student Award at the company barbeque?
I was very grateful that the organizers of the internship program considered me worthy of the award and I was overwhelmed that Judy from the Careers & Cooperative Education unit took the time out of her day to drive all the way to the central coast to present me with the award.
Aaron and the Expanda Van Homes Team
5. What have you been up to since your internship ended?
I have continued working with Expanda Van Homes. I have been refining my skills and with more experience I am starting to find my work to be more precise and accurate.
6. What will we find you doing outside of work?
Away from work I find myself getting into a bit of art; mostly sketching, drawing and dabbling in a little painting.
7. How has this experience helped you professionally?
Working in a team is probably a big one, since a big part of my job is in communication, through drawings, task lists and such. I have learned to communicate design concepts to a specific audience.
8. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting an internship?
I would advise students undergoing internships to be honest with themselves regarding their skill sets. Having little experience will present some adversities, but if you stop and reflect on your abilities you will find that you have attributes that will benefit the organization you are working for.
For more information on the UWS Internship Program, please contact Judy Holman, Program Coordinator Internships on j.holman@uws.edu.au or 02 4736 0388.
October 2012 eUpdate: Want to help another UWS student?
Current UWS students need your support to gain employment in their chosen career.
Why not join the growing Alumni alliance and take on an intern through the UWS internship program for the next vacancy in your office?
Alternatively, let your Human Resources team know that there are some great students looking for paid work in your area of expertise.
Contact Judy Holman j.holman@uws.edu.au or telephone
02 4736 0388 to find out how you can support your University's graduates.
September 2012 eUpdate: Mentorship: how professional guidance can fast-track your career!
On Wednesday, August 8 2012 the Careers and Cooperative Education (CCE) unit held its Cooperative Alumni Network (CAN) “Meet the Mentors” function with the Young Emerging Project Professionals (YEPP) group.The function was the first ever collaboration between CAN and the YEPP group.
The function aimed to provide CAN and YEPP members with the opportunity to learn about mentorship from Dianne Barden and Julia Ridout, leading professionals in their field.
Both women spoke about the importance of mentoring and how it can be a source of education, inspiration and motivation.
“Our function showed how inexperienced professionals can benefit from mentorship and sparked a great conversation between the speakers and our guests. It was fabulous!” said Freny Tayebjee, Manager of the Careers and Cooperative Education team.
The evening also included an activity run by Elien Weeks from the CCE unit at University of Western Sydney. The activity involved mentoring and being mentored in order for participants to gain different perspectives on a range of matters.
“CAN functions are a great opportunity to network outside your usual circles. It's easy to unconsciously restrict your network to your industry or profession but this limits opportunities for learning and growth,” said Clare Binet, an attending CAN member.
“CAN allows its members to stay in touch with the expertise, knowledge and experience of former students and industry partners, even when they are no longer studying at UWS,” said Caroline Casse, one of the function organisers.
“I always find ways of applying what I learn at CAN functions into my work life or personal development,” Clare said.
YEPP fosters business relationships and provides young project professionals with an ‘avenue of communication’ to share experience and knowledge.
For more information on the CAN function, please contact Caroline Casse, the Communications and Events Assistant at UWS Careers & Cooperative Education on c.casse@uws.edu.au or 02 4736 0369.
