Inside Look at RMIT's VE Internship Program

Inside Look at RMIT's VE Internship Program

Bella Herbert and Luqman Derar are currently working as interns with RMIT’s College of Vocational Education (VE).

Bella Herbert and Luqman Derar are currently working as interns with RMIT’s College of Vocational Education (VE).

Lucky enough to be selected for only three available positions out of hundreds of applicants, these students are learning on the job!

The College of VE internship program provides students with firsthand experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world scenarios and develop essential career skills.

The program also fosters valuable networking opportunities, connecting students with industry professionals who can guide and mentor them throughout their careers.

Many former interns have leveraged their experiences to achieve remarkable success, securing roles and contributing significantly to their fields.

We had a chat with Bella and Luqman to check in with them and see how things were going with their internship opportunities.

Luqman Derar

Luqman is studying the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media (Content Creation and Design) following his completion of the Diploma of Screen and Media last year. While interning and studying, he is also working as a Women in STEM ambassador and is set to complete study at the end of this year.

How did you hear about this opportunity and what led you to apply?

I heard about CoVE internships through my course coordinator Nat Bates in 2024, he recommended me to try out for them if I do the advanced diploma. I always wanted to get better at some of my soft skills such as teamwork, I'm really used to independent work from university, so I figured I should branch out and work with more people.

What team are you working with and for how long?

I’m with the Operations team (in the College of VE), so I do both Health, Safety and Wellbeing as well as Facilities! I’ll be working with them till the end of this year.

Have you been surprised by anything you’ve learnt through this internship?

Honestly how much I’ve enjoyed it, I'm quite used to creative work, so I was pleasantly surprised how fun I found it. The job is really hands on and running around the place, which is so different from sitting on a desk and animating or programming.

Person leaning over while searching through a clear drawer. Luqman Derar is enjoying the hands-on nature of his internship.

Bella Herbert

Bella is fresh to Melbourne, having recently moved from Brisbane at the start of the year to start her higher education. She is currently studying the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services and is keen to build her experience in the field while being a student to help her understand the diversity of this industry. Bella will be interning with the Technical Services team for the remainder of the year.

How did you hear about this opportunity? What led you to apply?

I was fortunate to be notified for this opportunity by my program manager, Rebekha Naim, early into the start of my course. Previously at my high school, I was a Technical Services crew member, a role I held for 3 years, and miss dearly. My time with my team allowed me to learn about the Live Production industry as well as work with equipment in line with Technical Services. As such, the opportunity to continue this passion and gain more knowledge was extremely valuable to me, and I’m grateful I was able to achieve it. 

Have you been surprised by anything you’ve learnt through this internship?

An observation I’ve picked up is how unique yet interconnected the different groups that make up the department “Technical Services” are. Considering my previous background, it's been eye-opening and incredibly interesting. Some examples include the variety of equipment used amongst the students I interact with, as well as the projects I’ve begun to be involved in. 

What are your goals following graduation? Have your plans been influenced by this experience at all?

By the time graduation comes around I hope to be involved with a company or crew related more so to the Live Production sector, hopefully in a theatre-like setting. However, I am open to new experiences and challenges that may change that. This position has benefited me in continuing to explore the Creative Industry and allowed me to gain a new perspective on roles and their respective functions that I greatly value. 

Two people standing over a desk holding work tools. Bella Herbert (Right) said that this internship has allowed her to continue her passion for the Live Production industry.
27 May 2025

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