Student stories
Sumit Dhingra, MBA (International)
Postgraduate Internship completed Trimester 1 2012
Aim: To gain experience within the mortgage finance broking industry
As part of my MBA (International) studies, I undertook a 12-week internship with S.S. Finance, working on different projects within the mortgage finance broking industry.
The Postgraduate Internship unit provides an opportunity to try out a particular field and to apply the theory learned at university to a practical work situation. The internship helped me in the transition from university to full time employment, and provided the opportunity to develop a strong work ethic and work practices which are conducive to effective interpersonal relationships and increased sense of responsibility. I was also able to develop employment references that will enhance my employment opportunities.
The practical experience I gained was rewarding, educational and challenging. During the internship I performed a variety of tasks related to client database management, appointment settings, strategic customer service, consultative selling of financial products, presentations, client meetings, writing business reports, research work and designing and modifying marketing avenues. I was introduced to new software used in the mortgage broking industry and was able to upgrade my skills with popular office software. I also improved my time management skills, and was able to familiarise myself with vocabulary used in the corporate world.
The best way to find an internship is through websites such as Seek, My Career, Yellow Pages, Deakin university career workshops and the Unit Chair of the Internship unit. Students undertaking this unit should develop an impressive resumé which should be sent with a cover letter outlining career goals and highlighting the benefits of an internship for both the employee and the intern. Students should also make an agreement with the employer about their working schedule and the term of the internship.
