From Crawley to Melbourne: Vidisha’s Internship Down Under

From the small town of Crawley, England, Vidisha Nayee had dreamed of Australia for years. When she discovered the opportunity to gain professional PR and Marketing experience in her dream destination, she seized it. Two months later, she’s back from her internship in Melbourne with stories of personal growth, career development, and adventure to share.

TIG: What led to your decision to do an internship abroad in Melbourne, Australia?

VN: I’d always wanted to visit Australia and originally thought I’d travel there after finishing university. But after working in retail for two years, I realized I needed to move forward in my career. It’s nearly impossible to get hired without experience, so when I learned I could do an internship and enjoy Australia at the same time, I knew it was perfect.

TIG: Where did you intern and what were your responsibilities?

VN: I interned at Get Glossy, a digital marketing agency. I was thrown into the deep end early on, which really helped me grow. My daily tasks included editing images in Photoshop, styling photoshoots, managing online communities, and tracking social media analytics to boost engagement.

TIG: How did you get along with your coworkers?

VN: I was nervous at first since I’d never worked in an office before, but from day one, I was welcomed with open arms. We even played a game of “preference” to break the ice. Throughout the internship, my colleagues were incredibly supportive - I always felt comfortable asking questions, taking initiative, and even suggesting projects I wanted to try.

TIG: How would you describe the office culture?

VN: The office was relaxed, even when deadlines loomed. Everyone supported each other, and we had little rewards like snacks to keep morale high. There was always music playing, and yes, there was even a ping pong table! It created a fun, lively vibe that made coming to work enjoyable.

TIG: Did you experience any cultural adjustments?

VN: Not too many, though my “Englishness” showed when I’d greet everyone with “Morning, you alright?” instead of “G’day!” My colleagues also gave me every other Friday off to explore Melbourne, which was amazing. They’d suggest places for me to visit and get excited about my adventures. It made me feel at home.

TIG: What did you enjoy most about your internship?

VN: I loved copywriting for social media. Writing for different brands meant constantly switching tone and style, so every task felt new. And of course, being in a foreign country meant that outside work hours, there was always something to do, so no two days were the same!

TIG: What professional skills did you develop?

VN: I became more confident and professional in my interactions, especially when working with brand managers and joining client meetings. I also learned Photoshop, which I couldn’t add to my CV before, and sharpened my writing skills after a long break since university.

TIG: Do you feel more qualified now than before your internship?

VN: Absolutely. I now have relevant experience on my CV, and the skills I gained make me much more competitive. Before, I rarely got responses to job applications. Since my internship, employers have been eager to hear about my time in Australia, I’ve landed more interviews, and even my recruitment profile is getting more views.

TIG: Beyond professional skills, how else did you grow?

VN: My independence skyrocketed. I even went on a solo day trip with a tour group, something I never thought I’d do, but I loved it. I drove abroad for the first time, made friends from around the world, and really stepped out of my comfort zone. My self-confidence grew massively.

TIG: What surprised you about life in Australia?

VN: I hadn’t realized how vast the country is. Different states even have different public holidays, like Labor Day. And one funny moment: I once swapped my heels for flip flops on the train, and someone asked how I fit “thongs” in my bag. That’s when I learned Australians call flip flops “thongs”!

TIG: How did you connect with the other interns in Melbourne?

VN: We were all in the same situation, away from home and starting fresh, which made it easy to bond. I’ve made amazing friends from across the world, including someone who lives near Crawley! Of course, there were cliques sometimes, but overall, we all got along and had great nights out together.

TIG: Would you recommend an internship abroad?

VN: 100%. I’ve already recommended it to friends and will continue to do so. An  internship abroad is the best way to gain career experience, build global connections, and explore a new place. It’s a win-win: what’s there to lose?

Feeling inspired by Vidisha's story? Apply now and start your own international internship adventure!