‘Rewarding’ internships amplify classroom learning

During his internship with the Facilities and Services’ Property team, Sachin Akarawita built an interactive dashboard
In summary
- As part of Swinburne’s work-integrated learning program, Sachin Akarawita completed an internship with the Facilities and Services’ Property team
- The Bachelor of Accounting student built an interactive dashboard that tracks, displays and analyses data about Swinburne’s property and sustainability initiatives
- Mr Akarawita says this internship supercharged his Swinburne learning experience, professional relationships and industry knowledge
Sachin Akarawita didn’t realise how much his work integrated learning experience had made a difference until the two months were over.
‘I’ve realised how much I’ve grown into my confident professional self from my first interview with my supervisor to having a natural hour-long meeting with someone I’ve never met.’
In his second year of Swinburne’s Bachelor of Accounting, Mr Akarawita landed a role in the university’s Facilities and Services’ Property team as a Business Analytics and Property Performance Intern.
Mr Akarawita’s main responsibility was building an interactive dashboard that allows various teams to track, view and analyse data about Swinburne’s property and sustainability initiatives.
Using knowledge gained through his degree, such as business analytics tool Microsoft Power BI, Mr Akarawita and the other interns in the team collected and structured data before functionally presenting them on the dashboard.
‘We got good feedback on the presentation which made me feel like I had achieved something worthwhile. It’s satisfying knowing that I helped provide real value to the business.’
Gaining professional confidence
Supervisor and Associate Director of Property and Space Management in the Facilities and Services’ Group, Yolanda Wosny, says that Mr Akarawita has gained ‘valuable workplace skills’.
‘During the internship it was wonderful to see Sachin’s communication skills and confidence improve. The skills and experience that work placements develop are unique to the workplace and will make sure Sachin is well placed for his entry into the workforce as a Swinburne graduate.’
The internship taught Mr Akarawita about his working style and career aspirations, all while improving his industry specific knowledge and soft skills like teamwork and time management.
‘My supervisors were very supportive. They regularly asked me about my career ambitions and set up meetings with their contacts in those fields. These conversations helped me gain greater clarity on the direction I want to take my career.
Coming out of this experience, Mr Akarawita has also built a bond with his team, which he is incredibly grateful for.
‘It’s rewarding knowing I now have a network of individuals that I can grow with, as well as industry contacts that I come to for guidance if the need arises.’
Mr Akarawita says this opportunity has significantly improved his employability and recommends others pursue similar work integrated learning programs.
‘Not only does it look good on your resume and help you stand out from other applicants, but it also brings much-needed clarity to the type of work you would enjoy in your future positions whilst also letting you develop skills that would be directly applicable to your career.’
-
Media Enquiries
Related articles
-
- Technology
- Aviation
- Engineering
Swinburne on show at Avalon
Swinburne’s capabilities in astrophysics, aerospace, aviation, engineering, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence were on display at the 2023 Avalon International Airshow.
Monday 06 March 2023 -
- Engineering
- University
Constructing futures with France: Swinburne’s international engineering collaboration
Swinburne’s new partnership with École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, and Bouygues Construction Australia will establish education and industry links between Australia and France.
Thursday 23 March 2023 -
- Technology
Swinburne enters the metaverse with Factory of Future digital twin
Swinburne University of Technology’s state-of-the-art Factory of the Future will be the latest space to enter the metaverse through a new partnership with tech leader CWX Technologies.
Wednesday 08 March 2023 -
- University
Swinburne celebrates International Women’s Day
Swinburne’s International Women’s Day 2023 Forum has highlighted the changemakers and innovators we have right here at Swinburne.
Wednesday 08 March 2023 -
- Technology
- University
- Aviation
Swinburne empowers first aerospace Founder in Residence to soar at Avalon International Air Show
Taking on Avalon International Air Show with innovative aerospace is Swinburne’s first Founder in Residence Rachael Barritt.
Wednesday 01 March 2023