Isabella Zhang is studying a Master of Public Policy at UWA and took her recent McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with the State Solicitor’s Office (SSO) as an opportunity to contribute to the local community.
“As an international student who worked at home in China before starting at UWA, I saw this internship as a valuable way to develop a comparative perspective, learning about workplace practices, values and institutional differences in context.
“I also love living in Perth, and the internship was a meaningful way to give back to a city that has welcomed me so warmly,” said Isabella, who contributed 100 hours to her internship with the SSO Communications team.
Isabella helped the team with a strategic communication plan, undertaking research on best practice and gathering staff feedback.
“Internally, improved communication can help legal and administrative teams collaborate more efficiently, which supports faster, more effective service delivery. Externally, clearer and more responsive communication can improve client and stakeholder satisfaction,” she said.
“Ultimately, these improvements contribute to better, more timely legal support for government departments - indirectly benefiting the wider Western Australian community that relies on those public services.”
Isabella’s impressive contribution was welcomed by her host team.
“Isabella exceeded my expectations from the outset. She approached every task with professionalism and curiosity, took direction exceptionally well, and delivered work that was thoughtful, strategic, and close to publication-ready,” said Rebecca Munro, Principal Communications Officer at the State Solicitor’s Office.
“Her contribution was not only helpful to our team but added real value to the organisation. Isabella has a bright future ahead of her, and I have no doubt she’ll make a meaningful impact wherever she goes.”
For Isabella, the internship had been a meaningful and memorable part of her UWA journey, with valuable personal and professional development outcomes, some surprising.
“Before starting my internship, I expected the State Solicitor’s Office - as a legal institution - to be highly formal and serious. While it certainly upholds high standards of professionalism and rigour, I was inspired by the warmth and care shown toward staff. Through various internal events and daily interactions, I witnessed a workplace culture grounded in respect, empathy, and belonging. It was a powerful reminder that even the most formal institutions can foster a deeply human and supportive environment,” she said.
“Studying Public Policy, I understand it’s essential to develop strong communication skills for engaging stakeholders and explaining complex policies to the public. This internship has given me valuable hands-on experience in strategic communication, which complements my academic learning and will be highly useful in my future career.”