Why did you decide to do your internship in Australia?

I was looking for an international working experience in an English speaking country. But finding an internship by contacting directly the company can be very difficult sometimes, then I heard about Australian Internships and that they organise everything for you. Choosing AI to help me in this process was the best thing I did and also Australia is one of the largest economies in the world, with a great market in civil engineering. Have the opportunity to work in a country so well known for its great economy, high technological development, high quality of life is life-changing.  Not to mention the wonderful beaches and cities.

What made this experience unique and special?

Having the opportunity to participate in a program like this was one of the most enriching experiences I've had in my life. On the professional side, I was able to work on a project I had never worked on before. An incredible project where I could learn so many new and interesting things, besides improving my English and learning the technical terms. I had the best supervisor I could imagine, always teaching me new things, giving me high level tasks such as commercial communication and also giving me exposure to complex bridge works including marine works and post tensioning works. On the personal side, I was able to meet so many different places and people that I will never forget and most importantly, I got to know myself better.

How has this experience impacted your future?

This experience will certainly open many doors in the job market for me. Doors that would not be easy to reach without this opportunity. The Brazilian labor market is very competitive, and I want to compete with the best and to do that is necessary to have a good curriculum. For sure this experience will put me in a prominent place in my search for a job.

And also when you live abroad you know people from cultures and styles totally different from yours. The fact of relating to so many different cultures will certainly help me in future professional and daily relationships.

What was the highlight of your experience?

I remember that before I started the internship program, when I was still at home in Brazil, despite all the enthusiasm of living this new experience, I was also very scared of all this. I, a 23-year-old girl who had just graduated, with little experience in the job market, would be about to start working for a company abroad in a whole new project, and everything would be in a different language. I definitely had butterflies in my stomach. But I gathered all the courage I had and put it inside my luggage and here I am. It is certainly not an easy experience, you face a new challenge every day. And now that I'm almost at the end of this internship program, the feeling I have is that from now on I'll be able to cope with anything. After going through all this experience here in Australia, I know that I will be able to overcome any challenge that is in front of me. I look at my future and even without knowing what to come I know that I will be able to face anything, and this is one of the best feelings I have ever had in my life.

Another factor that I think is worth highlighting are the people who cross your path. People who make this whole journey possible. I will take with me all the friendships I have made here.

What advice you would offer someone considering interning abroad in Australia?

It is certainly a worthwhile experience. Getting out of our comfort zone is not always an easy thing, but once done, is very rewarding. Bring with you all your enthusiasm and dedication. Hard work always pays off. Australia is an amazing country with amazing people.