Imtiaz Ali
At the end of his internship at the Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS), Mary Gurgone was delighted to receive Ali's reflections on his AfCAS experience as follows:
What did you expect to achieve with the internship?
During my internship at the Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS), I expected to gain practical experience in marketing and event management within a multicultural environment. I aimed to learn effective communication and teamwork skills while organizing events and managing tasks efficiently.
I achieved all of this and more. I improved my communication abilities, learned how to collaborate with others, and successfully organized events. I also developed technical skills, such as updating the website using WIX, and enhanced my data visualization and graphic design skills.
Overall, the internship met my expectations and provided me with valuable experiences that not only enhanced my skills but also deepened my understanding of working in a not-for-profit organization
How Did You Find the Internship Experience at AfCAS?
The 13 weeks of my internship at AfCAS flew by I can’t believe how quickly it ended! Working with Mary and Shrutika was an incredible experience. They both played such a huge role in helping me refine my skills and pick up new ones, especially in a not-for-profit setting. The insights and techniques I learned from Mary will definitely stick with me for a lifetime, and I’m excited to apply that knowledge and those skills in everything I do moving forward.
What were your Learnings from the Internship?
Throughout my internship at AfCAS, I gained invaluable experience, particularly as an international student adjusting to an Australian office environment. I learned how to communicate professionally, organize events, and collaborate effectively within a team. Time management became a key focus, ensuring that I completed tasks efficiently and met deadlines.
Additionally, I developed technical skills, such as updating the website using WIX, and further enhanced my abilities in data visualization and graphic design. These skills have greatly expanded my professional toolkit, and I’m confident they will prove valuable in my future career.
What were Some Highlights of the Experience?
Some of the most memorable moments during my internship at the Association for Culturally Appropriate Services (AfCAS) included designing the volunteer visitor card, which was incredibly rewarding and motivating. Seeing AfCAS use my design not only for the cards but also for other flyers and social media posts was a proud achievement.
Another highlight was attending two major events with Mary: the "Friendship, Music, and Mindfulness of Seniors" event at AfCAS and the "Respecting Human Rights of Seniors with Diverse Language Needs" event at the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Both were enriching experiences that expanded my understanding of the field.