Applying for an internship… Is it really that scary?
Internships are more than just about sprucing up your resume, completing your degree, or expanding your network. It is also about upscaling yourself and applying new knowledge to discover your strengths and weaknesses.
Applying for an internship can be a daunting process. With all the available positions, one might wonder which one to apply for, where I fit in, and most importantly, how will this shape my future career?
As an international student, these are some of the things that we constantly worry about; especially when it comes to applying for an internship. Sure, it can be scary, but treating it like an adventure can help turn that anxiety into a source of courage and self belief! What you learn during your internship is your own unique journey, for it is your life, your story, and your way. My story happens to be at Procuret, and from what I can tell you, it has been a truly invaluable experience that has helped me find my future passion.
How did I land at Procuret?
I am a commerce student with a double major in Business Economics and Financial Technology (Fintech). There were a few internship opportunities when I first looked into them; however, none sparked my interest... Until Procuret came along. It was like a calling, and I knew I had to apply.
Procuret is an international FinTech scale up with head office in Sydney’s CBD. Their internship opportunity, the job description, and the role and responsibilities were everything that I learned in theory at university... but not in the real business world... yet! The role allowed me to take advantage of knowledge gained in previous work experience, both in Australia and back home, while learning a multitude of new skills. I was so excited to start when I got accepted; I was curious and afraid, yet keen to find out what lay ahead for me.
Something familiar and something very exciting
While I was exposed to concepts behind integrating finance and technology at university, such as understanding how to use Python to perform the financial calculations required in a financial services setting, actually seeing this in action was quite another matter! Everything was so seamless and efficient! I could never have imagined how technology could benefit a team in such a way and that it could operate effectively without cumbersome processes usually found elsewhere.
Communication Is Vital
I have always been accustomed to thinking about the importance of generating profits when running a business; but I was new to the critical importance of customer relations. The Customer Success role at Procuret showed me just how much they value their customers, and it allowed me to improve the most essential skill anybody should have, COMMUNICATION!
Communication is a two-way street that leads to valuable customer relationships. There are ups and downs in each and every relationship. However, what matters is the ability to adapt to each changing situation.
Procuret emphasises that customer contact is not just about trying to sell more services. It is about understanding Customers’ needs and how they can help Customers grow and expand their business. This is key to building a sustainable and loyal Customer base. There are many textbook guides on how to do this, but there is no one-size-fits-all answer and nothing beats real market experience.
Another Great Day
Every day at Procuret was another great day. Everyone there was friendly and there to help at any given time. From the moment I started, I never felt alone. The Procuret team was supportive and strives to help you grow in any way possible.
Procuret has helped me realise the type of work I want to do in the future. I have gained a lot of new skills and experiences that I would never have gotten elsewhere, yet I still have so much more to learn.
Anyone interested in a career at a Fintech company should definitely apply for an internship at Procuret. Come into this exciting, fast-paced industry that is shaping the future as we speak!
