Internship insights & advice: real experiences of KBS students

“What I enjoyed most [about my internship] was being part of a friendly and professional team where I could really learn by doing. I loved applying what I’d studied in real-life situations and working on tasks that mattered. The supportive environment made it fun and helped me learn a lot along the way.” 

~ Moe, Bachelor of Business (Accounting), interned at Primal Accounting

“The internship transformed abstract knowledge into practical experience. I gained firsthand experience in enterprise-level IT support and infrastructure management. It exposed me to cloud-based systems like Intune, Azure, and Power Platform workflows. I had the chance to lead small deployments and contribute to real projects, not just observe. I was later offered a job in System Administration, which I accepted. I am now transitioning to be an Operations Manager.” 

~ Pierre Montanov, Master of IT (Extension), interned at Work Reimagined

“Internship helps you get your foot in the door to the industry. You get first-hand experience and great references. It might be intimidating and scary at first but if you’re open to learning new things and having new experiences then I suggest completing one.” 

~ Christine Anne Dulay, MBA (Tourism & Hospitality Management), interned at Atura Adelaide Airport

“One of the challenges for me was adapting to accounting software in a short period, since I had no prior work experience. While most accounting systems share similarities, each has different interfaces and functionalities. Meeting tight deadlines was another challenge, especially during month-end tasks. I persevered and with guidance from my supervisor, I managed to complete my tasks successfully and grow through the experience.” 

~ Moe

“Adapting quickly to unexpected technical issues required initiative and problem-solving. I overcame this by asking my manager questions, reverse-engineering existing processes and creating clear documentation.” 

~ Pierre

“Working in a culturally diverse team far from home exposed me to different communication styles, work ethics and expectations. It made me more adaptable, empathetic and resilient. I learned to listen carefully, ask questions and manage my time so that I could deliver at work while still meeting my academic commitments.” 

~ Pierre

“I enjoyed being given the space to solve problems creatively. There was a real satisfaction in seeing a script I wrote cut hours of repetitive work for a colleague, or hearing appreciation from someone in finance because their report now runs automatically. I enjoyed the camaraderie within a diverse team and the sense that everyone was learning together.” 

~ Pierre

Skill Area

Professionalism

Communication

Collaboration

Technical

Problem solving

Personal Development

Key Skills 

Time management, workplace etiquette, accountability 

Written, verbal (presenting), active listening 

Teamwork, conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity 

Industry tools, software, project management 

Critical thinking, creativity 

Confidence, career clarity, adaptability

“I became more confident in communicating in a professional setting. I learned how to manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, and apply accounting standards in real-world situations. Technically, I improved my skills using SAP, Excel and Xero, processed financial transactions, and performed reconciliations. I also developed soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and attention to detail.” 

~ Moe

“I have learned to navigate through Micros Opera - a system that many hotels use to keep track of guest profiles, reservation bookings, room availabilities, room rates and other information crucial to running a hotel. I have improved my customer service skills, built guest rapport and become more confident in dealing with different scenarios to improve customer satisfaction.” 

~ Christine

“Have a willingness to learn, ask questions, stay curious and be proactive. Even small tasks offer big lessons. Punctuality, professionalism and a positive attitude will go a long way in shaping your experience.” 

~ Moe

“Approach each day with enthusiasm. Always be ready for anything, show initiative and that you are ready to take on the job. Act as a regular employee; don’t think of it as just an internship.” 

~ Christine

“Treat your internship like a testing ground, not a ‘box-ticking’ exercise that lacks engagement. Come prepared, curious and ready to contribute. Ask questions, find gaps and look for ways to add value. If you make a mistake, own it, fix it and learn from it. Document everything, because your teammates and future self will thank you. Build relationships across the organisation; a quick coffee chat can teach you more than a lecture. Finally, pace yourself as consistency beats burnout, and your wellbeing matters as much as your output.” 

~ Pierre

“On my first day, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. I prepared by researching the company’s website to understand its background, services, and team members. I also ensured I was dressed professionally, arrived early, and brought a notebook and pen to take notes and ask relevant questions.” 

~ Moe

“Every member of the staff wants to see that you are open to being taught and not afraid to take on challenges. I relied on my colleagues and duty managers for guidance and support. After a time of working with them, they started to trust that I could handle some tasks on my own. It was a huge encouragement boost for me and helped me believe that I have the skills to succeed in this industry.” 

~ Christine

“I initially focused on completing my assigned tasks, but when I noticed there were gaps in workflows, I proactively designed a plan and strategy to add value by improving internal processes. I presented it to my supervisor and discussed the next steps. This initiative showed my ability to contribute beyond the original scope of my role. As a result, I was gradually entrusted with more complex responsibilities, ranging from solving technical issues to addressing organisational and operational challenges. This trust led to the company offering me a position at the end of my internship.” 

~ Pierre

Tip

Be punctual and reliable

Stay curious and ask questions

Communicate clearly

Take initiative

Listen to feedback 

Document your achievements

Reflect on your growth

Network with colleagues

Why it works 

Shows professionalism and respect 

Reveals a willingness to learn and be clear on your tasks 

Keeps your manager and team updated 

Shows enthusiasm and leadership 

Helps you grow and improve 

Helps with future job applications 

Builds confidence and direction 

Builds your professional network / possible job lead

“The internship reinforced my passion for accounting. It helped me realise that I enjoy working with financial data and systems and confirmed my desire to pursue a long-term career in the field. It provided me with a clear understanding of professional expectations and allowed me to apply accounting knowledge in a practical context. I feel more prepared and confident to step into a full-time accounting role in the future.” 

~ Moe

“The internship forced me to step away from the comfort of theory and solve messy, real-world problems within a diverse team. Navigating undocumented systems and shifting priorities sharpened my diagnostic skills, taught me to prioritise under pressure and gave me confidence in my technical judgement.  

This experience confirmed that my career interests lean towards Artificial Intelligence in Modern Machine Learning and Logic, automation and eventually leading teams that bridge business needs with technical solutions.” 

~ Pierre Montanov

“When my internship was nearing its end, my duty managers told me that they loved working with me and were happy to be my future references. I was able to secure a guest service agent position at their sister hotel, Rydges Adelaide, because of my internship experience and my managers’ positive reviews. Overall, it was a very encouraging and supportive environment that I was glad and proud to be a part of.” 

~ Christine