Name:

University: Birmingham City University

Course: MSc International Human Resource Management

Country: UK

Heading to: Sydney, Australia

For how long: 10 weeks

Starting: September 2010

Programme: HR Internships programme

What are you most looking forward to in Australia?

I am most looking forward to finding out about the Australian way of life; the culture and general atmosphere. I have heard so many amazing things about Australia from friends and family, so going there myself will hopefully prove to be a new and exciting experience where I can meet people from different backgrounds and learn about Australian culture. One of my friends has recommended going to Bondi beach. As I love beaches and sunshine I plan to look for my accommodation near here. Other than the weather and beautiful beaches I am sure that Sydney will surprise me with many more delights!

What do you hope to achieve/ learn on your internship?

I think that travelling to Australia on my own will help me develop a sense of independence and freedom. I have always been surrounded by friends or family, so this experience seems quite daunting but very exciting at the same time! I want to meet new people in and outside work, and hopefully make some good friends in the process. As far as the internship is concerned, the opportunity I have been given will help me develop the skills and competencies required in the HR profession. By working alongside professionals in Sydney I wish to observe and learn from the way they work. I anticipate that when I finish I will feel much more confident and positively about making the first steps to beginning my career in HR.

What do you think this internship/ placement will add to your CV?

Working in a different country will demonstrate to potential employers that I have the ability to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings. Aside from the obvious advantage of gaining valuable work experience in HR, I think that this opportunity will give me a competitive advantage in looking for work when I get back to the UK. Because I’m travelling to another country to work on a voluntary basis, this will hopefully show dedication towards my objectives and career aspirations.

Why are you travelling to Australia for your internship?

I have always been interested in international business, and my Bachelors degree in International Relations developed my understanding of the global political economy. To work and become familiar with Australian culture will allow me to experience this side of business first hand, and I will be able to observe any similarities/differences in the way things are done. I aim to work all over the world in the future, so starting in Australia seems to present itself as a perfect start!

How jealous do you think your friends are going to be?

I have told a few of my friends that I will be going to Sydney, and they have all told me that it will be amazing! They don’t seem jealous yet, however I plan to send them photos of me relaxing on the beach in the sunshine while it is cold and wet in the UK! I’m sure they will start to envy me then!

Anything else you can think of

I would like to thank Intern Options for this amazing service! I must admit I was sceptical at first, and thought that I might not be able to find an internship so easily. I have been proved wrong! I truly look forward to working and living in Sydney, and I appreciate all the efforts people have made in providing me with this fantastic opportunity!

If you’re interested in a placement year HR internship, summer internship or a graduate Human Resources placement, click through to the HR Internships page for full details on the programme and example events internship company and positions descriptions.