Starting an internship in Australia is an exciting opportunity. It’s a chance to experience a new culture, improve your skills, and build a strong foundation for your career. But to make the most of this experience, there is one quality that will set you apart: being proactive.

Many interns wait for instructions, expecting everything to be handed to them step by step. While guidance will always be available, the interns who stand out, both here in Australia and later in their careers, are those who take initiative, do their own research, and actively look for solutions.

What Does It Mean to Be Proactive?

Being proactive means going beyond just completing tasks you are given. It’s about anticipating needs, preparing in advance, and taking responsibility for your own learning and growth. In practice, this could mean:

• Reading the information provided carefully before asking questions. Many answers can be found in the documents, emails, or guides you already have.

• Doing your own research about Australian workplaces, professional etiquette, or industry trends.

• Asking thoughtful questions that show you’ve tried to find the answer first.

• Looking for solutions when a challenge comes up instead of waiting for someone else to solve it for you.

Proactivity With Us, Too

This doesn’t apply only to your host company, it applies to how you work with us as well. Our Internship Program Supervisors are here to guide you, support you, and give you the tools you need. We are always happy to help.

But it’s important to see your IPS as a guide, not a personal assistant. We’ll provide resources, explain processes, and point you in the right direction, but the next steps, research, and preparation need to come from you. When you engage with us proactively, you move forward faster, learn more, and show the same independence that Australian employers value.

Why Is Proactivity Important in Australia?

Australian workplaces value independence and problem-solving. Supervisors expect interns to show initiative and not rely on constant direction. When you take ownership of your internship, you not only gain confidence but also earn respect from colleagues.

Employers here notice small things: did you try to find the information yourself? Did you suggest a way forward rather than just reporting a problem? These behaviours can make the difference between being seen as “just an intern” and being remembered as a valuable team member.

Transferable Skills for Your Career

The benefits of being proactive don’t stop at your internship. This mindset will follow you throughout your career:

• Problem-solving: Instead of feeling stuck, you’ll naturally look for ways forward.

• Adaptability: By seeking out answers yourself, you become more flexible in new or challenging situations.

• Leadership: Taking initiative is the first step toward leading projects and people in the future.

• Professional reputation: Managers and colleagues appreciate people who show initiative, it builds trust and opens doors.

Tips to Be More Proactive Every Day

1. Pause before asking for help. Check if the answer is in your emails, guides, or online.

2. Keep notes. Write down key processes, so you don’t need to ask the same question twice.

3. Investigate. Research your host company and industry to understand the bigger picture.

4. Anticipate needs. Think ahead about what might be required and prepare early.

5. Reflect. At the end of each week, ask yourself: “What did I take initiative on? What can I do better next week?”

Being proactive is more than just a skill for your internship, it’s a professional attitude that will serve you throughout your life. By showing initiative with both your host company and your IPS, you not only make your time in Australia more rewarding but also set yourself apart as a confident, capable, and future-ready professional.