10 weeks and it’s over like that?? I can’t even begin to describe how much this experience has impacted my life. I feel I will almost be doing it a disservice trying to encapsulate the journey into my words because it has literally been the best thing I have ever done, but I will do my best. I would like to first talk on the amazing people I had around me 24/7, my fellow SYD scholars, from complete strangers at the departure gates of Edinburgh airport to family at our home in Marrickville. I genuinely couldn’t have expected to get on with people like that in such a short period ever. I guess it’s a testament to the work Entrepreneurial Scotland do to ensure the right candidates make it through, as to be a scholar meant that we were all alike which I believe accelerated our relationships together. They genuinely have become friends for life.
Nonetheless what this internship has done for both my personal and professional growth is nothing short of transformative. Through engaging with multiple projects across diverse workstreams, I've developed much stronger analytical skills and a newfound appreciation for managing varied tasks. Personally, I've become more confident in my social interactions, learning that asking questions is crucial - if you don't ask, you don't get. This realization has made me more proactive and assertive in both my personal and professional life, ensuring I seize opportunities and maximise my learning.
Over the summer, I worked on two key projects that significantly contributed to the strategic goals of Sydney Airport. The first involved conducting an in-depth analysis of freight operations at the airport, marking the first time such a comprehensive study had been undertaken. The outcome was a detailed freight book that provides critical data and insights, enabling more informed decisions on future freight strategies. The second project focused on analysing the operations of an on-site freight operator, leading to recommendations for structuring a new contract designed to maximise the airport's revenue. The impact of these projects is substantial - my analysis will guide data-driven decisions in freight management and ensure that future contracts are optimised for revenue generation, correcting potential gaps from previous agreements.
From this experience, I've learned several key lessons that I will carry forward into my future life and career. First, the importance of asking questions - I've realised that seeking clarity is essential to making informed decisions and driving success. I've also gained a deeper appreciation for the value of working across multiple projects and workstreams, which has taught me how to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks. Finally, the experience reinforced the power of data-driven decision-making, showing me that thorough analysis is crucial for maximising outcomes and ensuring long-term success. These takeaways will be invaluable as I continue to grow professionally and personally.
I think a major highlight for me came in the final week where all interns were asked to present our final projects to the higher ups. During this I was able to take a step back and see just how far I had come, as throughout the project I just went from one task to another without really looking back. So, this final presentation allowed me to truly appreciate the work I had done and understand that I can make an impact. It was also really nice to watch my fellow scholars presenting their own projects watching them grow from where they started just as much as myself. It all kind of just tied it all together really nicely.
On reflection, this experience provided me with invaluable insights into real-world business operations and allowed me to develop critical skills like data analysis, project management, and effective communication. I would highly recommend this experience to future students because it offers a unique opportunity to work on meaningful projects that have a tangible impact. It also helps build confidence in navigating complex tasks and making data-driven decisions, all while enhancing both personal and professional growth. The lessons learned and the skills gained are truly applicable to any future career path.
Although it is certainly sad that it is now over, I can appreciate now that it truly was an experience of a lifetime. The skills garnered and relationships built will forever bare major impacts on my transition into my future career.
