Suzee Ngo: Interning in Australia as an international student

The hard truth: Resilience is key

For Suzee, it all started with a very practical and pressing need, which was a course called “Media and Communications Internship” that required her to find internships to fulfil the coursework. Where better to start than the resources you already have? She first looked at the RMIT Career Centre and tried her luck by applying to as many postings as possible. Her main tip is to pay attention to the Career Portal updates and apply as soon as possible. “I was really desperate to finish the internship course, so I sent in around 30 to 40 applications,” Suzee said. Out of all the applications she sent, Suzee landed a total of three internships.

From Suzee’s experience, making your CVs and cover letters accessible to hiring managers can be a game changer by simply hyperlinking your projects. “That makes it stand out from the sea of letters on your resume. Also, don’t use AI for cover letters because all the applications will sound the same,” she added. And for a student who wants to land a creative job, a portfolio is a MUST to highlight your expertise and style. Whether it is journalism, media, or photography, the hiring managers will look for tangible proof that you can fulfil your responsibilities.

Most internships in Australia are unpaid, and the process consists of two rounds: screening and interviewing. “Sometimes HR does not pick based on prior experience but “vibe check”, or to see if you are a cultural fit, Suzee assessed. “They will get to know your expectations and see if you are suitable for the job.”

Having a right mindset

One might think that landing an internship or working is the hardest part of the process; however, overcoming your personal doubts is what Suzee struggled with. Due to the broad spectrum of Communication with Public Relations (PR), Advertising, Journalism and many more, Suzee felt she had to relearn everything. Before starting her internship with RMIT Melbourne’s University Communications Department, her specialisation is in photography and advertising. However, the job asked for extensive video editing skills to capture student experience, so this was like Suzee venturing into totally uncharted waters.

“Did they make a mistake hiring me?” - Suzee was doubtful sometimes when dealing with unfamiliarity.

However, it is quite normal to feel like you do not know anything because working in the industry is different from learning in a classroom. Luckily, during Suzee’s two-month internship at RMIT, she worked closely with her supervisor, Ellen, who was incredibly supportive in teaching and showing her the ins and outs of storytelling and content production.

Her next position at Free to Feed provided a different kind of learning opportunity, which allowed six interns to work together on a weekly marketing brief. “It is so much fun; you’re surrounded by constant creativity and a cycle of presenting, pitching, feedback and posting.” The boot camp model made Suzee much more confident and skilful.

Through it all, Suzee’s key takeaway is to “have the correct mindset, get over your ego, and be open to learning.”

Noticing different aspects of work cultures was also something Suzee found interesting during her internships in Australia. “As they respect wellbeing and personal lives, no one will text after 5pm. There is no pressure if you have not completed your work, you can just come back and finish it the next working day. Even when I had to prioritise my coursework, the organisations were incredibly supportive and let me take days off. Working from home is also a popular perk here in Australia as it allows great flexibility,” Suzee shared.

“Overall, they were eye-opening challenges that painted my study abroad adventure in multi-coloured hues,” she concluded.

What is next for Suzee?

When asked about future plans, Suzee answered with refreshing honesty, “I don’t know,” she laughed. She might return to Ho Chi Minh City or stay in Melbourne if another opportunity arises.

It might seem like a never-ending journey when you are searching for an internship. “Am I ever getting one in my entire life?” is the question that many, including Suzee, wonder about. “However, resilience and the willingness to push further is how you are going to achieve your ambition. Sometimes, it is not about your skills, but it is a number game. To win, you must learn the rules and look for the Achilles' heel of the match. As a parting message, Suzee concluded, “If I can do it, you can, too.”

For further assistance, RMIT’s Job Shop has all the resources available to help you achieve your career goals, from doing your CVs and cover letters to performing in interviews.

This article is written by Trang Luu, a Bachelor of Business student, and does not reflect the views of RMIT University Vietnam. 

Suzie Ngo: Interning in Australia as an international student

Suzie Ngo: Interning in Australia as an international student

The hard truth: Resilience is key

Having a right mindset

What is next for Suzee?

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