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undergrad experience
Jen Simpson Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), University of Adelaide.
Jen’s three work experiences gave her clear direction and a greater understanding into what she wants to do after graduation.
Describe your three working experiences. When I began university I wanted to gain practical experience that would complement my degree. I joined the local chapter of AIESEC, a global not-for-profit organisation run entirely by students. I spent nine months with AIESEC in a business-to-business sales and marketing role. Following this, I undertook a one-year position as the State Manager of AIESEC South Australia. This involved coaching and managing four people.
In February 2009 I worked at a Malaysian orphanage for a two-month development internship. The Agathians Shelter houses 30 Indian and Chinese Malay boys. My role was to teach five students as well as work with and mentor other students to advance their skills in English and mathematics. This mentoring aimed to help the students plan what they would do once they left the orphanage, so that they can be independent.
I then relocated to Sydney to undertake a one-year industry- based learning position as Executive Director and Vice President of Marketing for AIESEC Australia. The opportunity to be the director of a company at 21 years old was a unique learning curve both personally and professionally. One project included a product implementation strategy. I also had the opportunity to negotiate a new visa sponsorship agreement with the Department of Immigration.
Have these experiences helped you to establish career goals? The most important thing I have gained is direction and a clear understanding of what I want to do when I graduate. I began my undergraduate degree majoring in accounting because I wanted to keep my options open. I thought I would get an accounting degree, start work and then find out what I wanted to do by trial and error. Importantly, I realised that there was no point completing a degree if I wasn’t actually going to use it or enjoy the work. So, I began to engage with topics I was interested in, both on and off campus.
Through these engagements I realised I was interested in education, especially the role that education plays in society. I was really interested in the way that government, corporate and not-for-profit sectors collaborate and engage with each other to create environmental, economic and social progress. This was a big realisation, as I found the common link between many of my interests.
I developed practical skills and networks that will enable me to start working in the field I am interested in once I graduate.
How did your volunteer work fit with your degree? I deferred university for 18 months to undertake the full-time internships in Malaysia and Sydney. Many of my friends questioned if I would ever return to university. Both at the time and with hindsight, I am so glad I took the time to do the internships. I have returned to university with a much clearer understanding of why I am doing my degree and what I will be doing after my degree. If I hadn’t taken time away to do this, it’s likely that I wouldn’t have valued my university degree as much.
What career advice would you give others? Work out what you want to do. Don’t wait until after you graduate. Start now. Find something you are interested in and get involved. Use your time at university to work out what you are passionate about. Once that is clear, develop the skills and networks you need to get there. Most of all do something you love. It doesn’t feel so much like hard work when you enjoy it.
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