Conor Grefte, an English Intern in Oz

Market Intelligence Intern, Melbourne

I really thrived in the relaxed environment in which Civica provides. Not only did it increase my work performance, but raised my productivity for the entire day, resulting in huge job satisfaction, knowing that I’ve performed at my best and given my all.

Getting out of my comfort zone

The main reason I wanted to come to Australia was to get out of my comfort zone and experience a new way of life, with new people and different surroundings. I wanted to test myself and the only way you can mature and develop as a person is by doing things that make you uncomfortable. I came to the other side of the world by myself and I can safely say that I’ve achieved my goal of maturing as a person, both emotionally and productively. Also, I did come for the weather of course!

The relaxed atmosphere increased my productivity & performance

What strikes me first about Civica in Australia is definitely the fact that they are the most friendly people and co-workers. When I first arrived, I was particularly nervous to be in a completely new country and environment, but I was instantly made welcome as if I had been part of the team for years.I enjoyed working with my mentor, Nhan. It was really interesting to analyse competitor markets and how Civica reacts and responds to market fluctuations and how it can act to surpass its rivals. These are both key components I thoroughly enjoyed and would serve me greatly in my own future aspirations of working in or starting a business. Additionally, I really thrived in the relaxed environment in which Civica provides. Not only did it increase my work performance, but raised my productivity for the entire day, resulting in huge job satisfaction, knowing that I’ve performed at my best and given my all.

 I began to understand the values of professionalism, dedication and consistency

Having Nhan as my mentor was the most beneficial out of all, as he is full of knowledge on this role. He taught me so much on the power of familiarity with Excel, which allowed me to complete my work to a much quicker, practical and more succinct way. If ever I was struggling or didn’t understand a task or topic, Nhan would be more than willing to help me in any way he could. In that way, I learnt that when it comes to market intelligence, every detail is rich detail and a chance or opportunity to jump ahead of your rivals. Even if you find no data on a firm, it is a much greater thing to be able to explain why there is a lack of data, than to disregard the information completely.  Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I gained invaluable experience on what it is like to work in a business environment. Through doing this, I really began to understand the values of professionalism, dedication and consistency – particularly over the two months, just as my time in Australia really began to settle in.

The internship at Civica has given me both the confidence and experience

I now look forward to going home to telling my friends and family that Civica is a flourishing company with a relaxed but motivated work environment. With well-mannered and welcoming co-workers, I would have nothing but great things to say about the people who work there. My recommendation to anyone who would get the chance to work there, would be to seize the opportunity with both hands because they will not regret it.

When I go home I’m going to go and see my family, whom I’ve missed for a while now since I’ve been on the other side of the world! Hopefully, then I’m going to enjoy my summer with both family and friends before I start at the University of Exeter in September, studying History & Business. The internship at Civica has given me both the confidence and experience, which will hold me in good stead for my future plans in business.