Independent woman

I think we are all finding out things during our internship that we think is unconventional or unique. For me, it is being in the metals industry, whereby one week I get to wear office attire and sit on the third floor working on a media release, to the next week going out into the refinery to talk with employees wearing a hard hat, protective goggles, work boots and DAP (a spray to protect you from caustic burns) strapped around my hips.

What I think sets my internship apart from most though is the independence I have. My supervisor is based in Booragoon however I am mainly based at the refinery in Wagerup. I liaise with her each week on my tasks, but I don't actually interact with her too much since being based in Wagerup, but rather update her and seek feedback or assistance on specific projects that I'm working on. My tasks come from over the company, including both refineries, the mining sites and the corporate offices.

It has been a great opportunity for me to develop autonomy in the workplace, encouraging me take initiative on tasks at hand and perform time management. One thing I never realised was how long it takes to read and answer emails in the morning. I have to allocate at least an hour to read, respond and action necessary tasks from my emails over the previous week. And I'm only an intern!

I feel privileged to be given the chance to showcase my ability to work independently because it not only allows me to develop work-ready skills, but it also provides me with the opportunity to tackle a variation of tasks each week. I love a challenge and being able to walk into work knowing that I have a full on day, and never quite knowing exactly what the day might throw at me.

Each week I am building on my knowledge of the company and fostering relationships with employees from a vast range of operations across the refinery. Being a local girl, I love seeing people I know or having a mutual connection with people in the plant. I think that's what makes it so easy to be independent. I don't ever feel alone; having such an open and inclusive working environment means that everyone is so approachable and friendly (so far at least!). The autonomy I've had over the past few weeks has provided me with the courage to grow professionally and personally. I am really starting to feel like an independent (and professional) woman!

So what I am now realising, after reading some of your amazing blog post, is there is no typical internship. Every internship, every company, every PR job we will have, will be different in some way. So let's be independent women (or men!!) and own whatever it is we're doing, taking advantage of every unique and wonderful opportunity thrown our way.

P.S. Keep an eye out for photographic evidence of my non-conventional workspace (and my stunning outfit) soon to come…