UWA student Josie Cake has contributed 100 hours towards important work being done at the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre (MMRC), helping to raise awareness of services that assist migrants and refugees to settle into life in Western Australia.
Josie, who is studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Media and Communications and Marketing, undertook the internship through UWA’s McCusker Centre for Citizenship.
“The highlight of my internship was working alongside the staff from the MMRC, who were all so welcoming and passionate about what they do,” said Josie.
Josie utilised her marketing and communications expertise to help the MMRC team raise awareness of their services and programs, which include a focus on family and community, young people, mentoring and more, producing content for MMRC’s website and social media platforms.
Additionally, she collected testimonials from clients who had utilised the services of the MMRC and also developed resources to help the MMRC gain donations and funding.
“My internship at the MMRC has opened my eyes to the difficulties faced by migrants and refugees in the Perth community,” said Josie.
“Employment, housing and schooling can be difficult to navigate, and even simple things like claiming Centrelink money can be impossible to do without assistance when someone does not speak English or understand Australian systems,” she said.
“I learnt how much work non-profits like MMRC do to help these communities,” said Josie.
The MMRC team were impressed with Josie’s efforts, praising her ability to “take ideas and turn them into action”.
“It has been a pleasure supervising Josie. She has been a keen learner and has made every effort to understand the goals of the MMRC,” said internship supervisor MMRC Management Committee Member, Leena Bakshi.
Josie said interning at MMRC was an enjoyable experience and allowed her to gain valuable new skills and experience working in an office for a community organisation.
“I believe my internship will assist me in my professional life in numerous ways. It has grown my interpersonal and technical skills which will assist me in future employment, and I have been able to make numerous professional connections,” she said.
Josie recommends the McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship to other students looking for professional experience with a social impact.
“The program assists you professionally and you get to volunteer in your community all whilst earning credit points,” said Josie.