Global Internships offer high-achieving Griffith Business School students nearing completion of their degree the opportunity to increase employability by gaining practical exposure to a professional environment in an international setting.

Participants of the post-global internship workshop on the Gold Coast campus on Wednesday 6 February 2019. (Photo: supplied)

Supported by the Australian Government New Colombo Plan Mobility Program, 36 students recently returned from one of four internship destinations in Asia — Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai or Tokyo, where they completed an industry-related project or series of tasks on a full-time, short-term (six week) basis. The experience provides the opportunity to advance academic interests and vocational intentions, strengthen cultural understanding, and expand professional networks and people-to-people connections of enduring value.

Host organisations included ANZ, Flight Centre, Fred Hollows Foundation, Isentia, JW Marriott, Royale International and Wicresoft. Prior to commencement of the internship, students participated in various in-country orientation activities, including attendance at industry and government briefings, for example, with the Australian Chamber of Commerce, Australian Embassy and Trade and Investment Queensland.

As evidenced at the post-global internship workshops last week, students have successfully developed advanced skills in areas that are in high demand by employers, such as problem solving, working in teams, critical analysis, time management, networking and innovation. Additionally, individual reflection on personal attributes such as independence, curiosity, maturity, motivation and resilience was encouraged, in turn supporting graduate success by enhancing development of soft skills equally valued by employers.