Thet Thet Zin has just completed a career-changing internship at the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSD Australia).

Chosen through a competitive process to undertake an Australia Awards Myanmar Internship, Thet Thet was fortunate to receive a placement at Australia’s peak body for Sustainable Business Development. BCSD Australia’s mission is to accelerate Australia’s transition to sustainability through supporting forward-thinking businesses to be more successful. The internship took place across August and September, with Thet Thet dedicating three days a week to the organisation.

During the internship, Thet Thet gained insights into the policy review process and the importance of considering stakeholder perspectives. Additionally, by working closely with Andrew Petersen, CEO of BCSD Australia, she developed strong communication skills and learned how to manage projects efficiently, ensuring timely delivery of outcomes. This experience has not only enhanced her understanding of sustainable development but also provided valuable networking opportunities.

“This opportunity has been invaluable providing me with significant learning and growth in an area in which I am deeply passionate”.

The internship has been instrumental in shaping Thet Thet’s career aspirations. She plans to apply her newfound skills in sustainable projects, water management, and climate change policy for Myanmar. The practical experience gained through her internship complements her academic studies, preparing her for future challenges in the field.

“One of my areas of study is policy review, so the experience I gained from this internship program is highly relevant and has significantly contributed to my long-term career plans.”

Thet Thet is currently undertaking a Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development at the University of Newcastle. Her journey in Australia has been characterised by adapting to a new climate, navigating a different education system, and engaging with a diverse group of classmates. Her classes, a blend of in-person and online sessions, have provided her with a rich learning environment, allowing her to interact with peers from Nepal, Bangladesh, and other Asia-Pacific regions

In addition to her studies and internship, Thet Thet has been actively involved in extracurricular activities. She has volunteered with the Australia Resilience Corps, participating in events focused on disaster prevention and community engagement. Through these activities, she has had the opportunity to engage with community members, learn from their experiences, and enhance her social skills.

Thet Thet encourages fellow scholars to take advantage of extracurricular opportunities that align with their goals. Her journey underscores the importance of balancing academic commitments with practical experiences to achieve personal and professional growth. She believes that these experiences can significantly contribute to personal and professional development. She advises,

“Challenge yourself and make use of the opportunities as they arise.”

Favourite thing to do in Newcastle? Hanging out with friends and going to the beach.

Least favourite thing about Newcastle? Limited public transportation and no street food.

Favourite place to eat? Hamilton Street for its variety of food options.

What insiders tip would you give new scholars arriving in Newcastle? Prepare for a quieter city life with reasonable living costs. Find accommodation early and don’t hesitate to ask for help, as people are friendly and helpful.