Griffith students oozed professional confidence when describing their internship experiences at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC).
The latest group of current students to complete a 12-week full-time internship with the Games organising body presented their reflections at a seminar on Griffith’s Gold Coast campus last week.
Human Resource Management student Georgia Arnold looked confidently to the future on the back of her time as a HR Operations intern. “The internship experience bridged the gap between my studies and the workplace,” she said. “I now have the graduate skills and attributes needed for graduate positions.”
Plan for the future
Rachael Saw, who is studying Human Resource Management and Marketing, echoed her intern colleague’s sentiments. “Before my internship I thought wherever you went, that’s the path you follow. Now I realise it’s so important to have a plan for my future.”
Narayan Neupane, a Master of Information Technology student, described new insights in technology systems and network architecture through his Technology internship with GOLDOC. “With the guidance I gained, I was able to correct the path of my career,” he said.
Accommodation intern, Alison Thorpe, gained a new insight into the event management industry. Her internship required the Entrepreneurship and Event Management student to source and contract accommodation for Games sponsors, media and workforce. “Every week I had a light bulb moment. The internship opened my eyes about how large organisations work,” she said.
See a setback as an opportunity
GOLDOC intern supervisor Mat Rogers congratulated the student group, particularly how they negotiated the challenges faced in a busy work environment. “Overcoming challenges helps you to grow. Setbacks give you a great opportunity for a comeback. Failure is a great teacher. You can regroup, reassess and get moving again,” the former Wallaby and Gold Coast Titan said.
“What I’ve learned from my time at GOLDOC has enhanced every other part of my life.
“Griffith University has done a great job creating the internship program.”
Griffith University’s partnership with Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games is continuing to deliver outcomes for students through unique internships with GOLDOC. Students from disciplines including business, sport management, engineering, communications, marketing and information technology have completed or are undertaking meaningful internships with the potential to generate career opportunities. The internship initiative is an integral part of the partnership which also incorporates sporting and academic scholarships, staff secondments and research opportunities.
Three further cohorts of current Griffith students will complete GC2018 Games Internships, worth 40 credit points, between now and the end of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. The final group, starting on January 22, will be involved for the duration of the Games.
