Meet the students building workplace confidence through RMIT internships

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Meet the students building workplace confidence through RMIT internships

Vocational education students Kai, Bridie and Harvey have spent eight months interning at RMIT, gaining professional skills and a deeper understanding of the work and teams that support the University's students.

For Kai Carey, Bridie O’Halloran and Harvey Wiseman, an RMIT internship has provided more than practical workplace experience. It has helped them build confidence, strengthen professional skills and gain a deeper understanding of the work that supports the student experience.

The three students are among seven selected from more than 500 applicants for the College of Vocational Education (CoVE)’s annual internship program. The eight-month program gives students the opportunity to apply their studies in a professional environment while gaining insight into potential career pathways.

With this year’s program quickly coming to an end, the interns reflected on the skills they have developed along the way, and how working at RMIT has altered their perspective as students.

Kai Carey holding a studio light in an equipment store room.

Kai Carey holding a studio light in an equipment storeroom.

Kai is working in the Creative Industries Technical Team while studying the Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Aeronautical). After looking for work that complemented their studies, Kai received an email from their program coordinator prompting them to apply for the internship program.

“It seemed the perfect opportunity to work in an industry that I was familiar with, in a more technical role that was close to what I was studying,” they said.

For Kai, one of the most valuable outcomes of the internship has been growing their confidence as they refine their skillset.

This opportunity has given me the chance to feel more confident in myself and my skills.

Bridie O’Halloran smiling against a plain background.

Bridie O’Halloran is interning in RMIT's Communications team.

For communications intern Bridie, the experience has offered a clear path from classroom to workplace.

After completing higher education at another institution, Bridie felt shaky entering the workforce. Lacking confidence in her skills and experience, she returned to study the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing at RMIT.

“What drew me to VE was the hands-on, industry-focused learning,” she said.

“The opportunities we’re offered outside the classroom are a really big part of that practical approach.”

In our rapidly changing professional landscape, Bridie feels it’s important to explore diverse pathways to employment that prioritise experience and inspire confidence.

“The job market is pretty brutal right now, and with so much competition for entry-level roles, it can be difficult to take those first steps without a little help.”

This internship has really helped me feel steady on my feet.

Harvey Wiseman sitting at a curved desk in a council chamber.

Harvey Wiseman in a council chamber.

For Harvey, one of the greatest benefits of the internship has been finding a balance between work, life and his studies in the Associate Degree in Screen and Media Production.

Harvey is also working in the Creative Industries Technical Team, where he helps out across the photography, screen and media, visual arts and furniture design disciplines. He typically works in the mornings and attends classes in the afternoon, all within the same building.

“Working and studying at the same place helps save a lot of travel time, and working 9–5 has allowed me to keep weeknights and weekends for ‘me time’,” he said.

As part of the program, the interns participate in face-to-face ‘Ready for Work’ modules that provide professional development and training aligned with RMIT’s Professional Capability Framework. The sessions build foundational workplace capabilities designed to prepare the students for employment, with topics ranging from public speaking and networking to software navigation and the ethics of AI at work.

A supplementary benefit of the interns’ workplace experience has been growing their understanding of the University and the work that takes place behind the scenes, which they agreed has enhanced their student experience.

Harvey said that interning has “affected how I think and feel about studying at university, as I have been able to see and discuss the inner workings and obstacles that staff face in order to meet industry standards.”

“It has really opened my eyes to all the time, effort and care that goes into crafting the university culture and experience,” Bridie added.

“It’s made me feel so lucky to be an RMIT student.”

With new capabilities, confidence and professional insights, the internship program has helped Kai, Bridie and Harvey find their footing as they take the next steps from study into the workplace.

04 November 2026

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