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…
