Nicola's story

Nicola completed her placement as a legal intern at Grey Innovation.

One of the most important things I’ve learnt outside of the course content is to put my hand up for new experiences. Going into university, I was quite hesitant at entering situations where I did not already feel I could succeed. Now I am far more willing to put myself into new situations because I learn so much more.

While we were all stuck in inside, being online actually turned out to be a positive as I could juggle different commitments easily. I was able to jump between meetings where I could be tutoring, studying or mentoring! It gave me many great experiences and an opportunity to try and develop my time management skills. 

My job involves a lot of things that I have never experienced or heard about before, so while I always try and show initiative, I have learnt to not let pride get in the way of asking for help. Tertiary education has taught me that it is better to ask questions.

If I were dreaming of my ideal situation, I would see myself graduated with job offers to pick from and a great network of contacts to lean on. I’d also love to have developed great balance in work, study and life by that stage. 

If I could say one thing to people looking to study at Swinburne, it’d be this – you are going to meet so many incredible people and have more opportunities than most students at other universities.

Swinburne is a fair bit smaller, so there is less competition for opportunities. It’s easier to stand out and get the support you need from staff and students.