How RMIT Plus helped Nirmani gain experience and build professional skills

SKIP TO CONTENT

How RMIT Plus helped Nirmani gain experience and build professional skills

Nirmani Thilakarathne, a Master of Biotechnology student graduating in December 2025, joined RMIT Plus to make the most of her time at university — not just academically, but personally and professionally.

“I started RMIT Plus to become more engaged in university life beyond academics,” she says. “I wanted to develop my skills, take part in different activities, and make the most of my time at university while also enjoying the experience.”

Gaining experience through volunteering

One of the highlights of Nirmani’s journey was volunteering at RMIT Open Day, where she had the chance to connect with others and build confidence.

“I developed my communication and networking skills, gained confidence, and had a fun and rewarding experience,” she says.

Her involvement extended beyond campus. Through RMIT Plus, she joined the Red Cross as a volunteer and will soon participate in the RMIT Global Leader Experience workshop. She also took part in RMIT Kirrip activities, which she describes as “personally and professionally enriching.”

Nirmani volunteering as part of her RMIT Plus experience.

Nirmani volunteering during RMIT Open Day as part of her RMIT Plus experience.

Building professional skills and workplace insight

Nirmani found the CV writing and interview workshop particularly helpful in preparing for the Australian job market.

“It helped me understand Australian CV standards and guided me to update mine with support from Career Connect,” she explains.

Industrial visits were another key part of her experience, offering insight into workplace environments and employer expectations. These opportunities helped her build confidence and better understand what’s valued in professional settings.

Students participating in a CV and interview workshop as part of RMIT Plus.

Students participating in a CV and interview workshop as part of RMIT Plus.

Why RMIT Plus?

For Nirmani, RMIT Plus has been a valuable part of her university experience.

“It has helped me work towards my goals by providing opportunities to build confidence, improve my communication and networking skills, and gain a better understanding of the professional expectations in Australia,” she says.

She encourages others to get involved early:

“I’d tell my friend to join RMIT Plus right from the beginning of their degree, because the earlier you start, the more rewarding it is. It enables you to develop skills, forge connections, and seize opportunities throughout your entire university experience, making your time truly memorable.”

For Nirmani, RMIT Plus has made university more meaningful.

“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people, building confidence, and gaining experiences that go beyond the classroom,” she says. “I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to make the most out of their time at RMIT.”

Learn more about RMIT Plus

24 October 2025

More student news

Meet RMIT’s Graduating Student Ambassador for 2025, James Anquetil

03 Dec 2025

Engineering student and RMIT Motorsport Team Lead James will be speaking at this year’s Graduation Ceremony at Marvel Stadium.

Roman wearing a black button up shirt pictured from chest up

Banking on soft skills: How an overseas internship changed Roman's perspective and got him a graduate job at NAB

03 Dec 2025

Participating in an internship exchange program allowed business student Roman Fontana to explore Ho Chi Minh City and land a graduate position back home in Melbourne.

woman in dress standing in front of plant boxes

Engineering impact: Tanvi is embracing her creativity and career connections to help combat water insecurity

28 Nov 2025

After studying civil engineering and working in the industry, Tanvi Shaikh decided to head back to university where she has embraced every opportunity to build her skills and tackle pressing environmental issues.

Laptop open displaying an email message

That’s bait! How to identify a scam and avoid falling victim

27 Nov 2025

It’s common to think that scams only affect the elderly, but did you know young people are increasingly likely to fall victim to scams? Here’s how to avoid being scammed and what to do if you fall victim.

aboriginal flag float-start

torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information