How IDP is creating new career opportunities for international students

When Faye first discovered the Medibank Academy internship through an IDP newsletter, she was immediately interested.

At a time when she was trying to determine her next career move, the structure of the program was particularly appealing.

"Part of me wanted to stay where I was comfortable, while another part of me wanted to challenge myself and explore something new."

Rather than being "just another internship," Medibank Academy offered:

• Exposure to a large corporate environment

• Opportunities to develop professional skills

• Hands-on learning experiences

• Insight into real business decision-making

• A chance to discover personal strengths and career interests

Despite her initial hesitation, encouragement from a friend helped her take the leap, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions she could have made.

Starting a new role can be both exciting and intimidating.

As she commenced her internship, Faye found herself feeling a mix of emotions. She was eager to learn how organisations work, how strategic decisions are made, and how companies build trust with customers.

At the same time, stepping into a large corporate environment for the first time brought understandable nerves.

"I'm really looking forward to learning how everything works, how decisions are made, and how organisations build trust in the market."

But rather than letting uncertainty hold her back, she approached the experience with curiosity and an open mind, qualities that will serve her well throughout her career journey.

One of the aspects Faye is most excited about is putting her university learning into practice.

"Over the past two years, I've studied marketing and business analytics, but there's a big difference between learning concepts and applying them in the real world."

While her studies provided a strong foundation, Faye is looking forward to gaining first-hand experience in a professional environment and seeing how those concepts translate into real business outcomes.

She's particularly interested in understanding how organisations use data to make better decisions.

"I'm particularly interested in understanding how data supports decision-making, how businesses use analytical insights to improve services, and how those decisions can improve customers' experiences. My goal is to challenge myself, put what I've learned into practice and develop new skills. Most importantly, I want to discover where my strengths can create the most value."

For Faye, Medibank Academy is more than an internship - it's an opportunity to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

Faye's journey highlights something many international students can relate to: ‘success is rarely achieved alone'.

From preparing for her IELTS test to navigating life in Australia, she credits IDP as an important source of support throughout her student journey.

"IDP has always been a trusted buddy throughout my journey in Australia."

Like many students studying abroad, she faced moments of uncertainty. Whether it was understanding visa processes or adapting to life in a new country, having access to guidance and a supportive community helped make those challenges more manageable.

"Through the IDP network, I knew there was always a community I could reach out to for support, and people who were going through similar experiences. That sense of connection helped me keep moving forward."

Having people to turn to can make all the difference when you're building a life in a new place.

For students thinking about applying for internships, graduate programs, or new career opportunities, Faye has a simple message:

“Believe in yourself.”

It's easy to focus on what could go wrong or why you might not be the ideal candidate. But international students have already shown resilience, adaptability, and courage by moving to a new country and pursuing their education abroad.

The same courage that helped you take that step can help you pursue new opportunities too.

Remember:

✅ Apply, even if you're unsure
✅ Be willing to step outside your comfort zone
✅ Stay open to learning and growth
✅ Trust the skills and experiences you've already gained

Faye's story is a reminder that career growth doesn't begin when you have all the answers.

It begins when you take the first step.

Whether it's applying for an internship, attending a networking event, or exploring a new opportunity, every experience helps build the confidence, skills, and knowledge you need for the future.

For Faye, that step was applying for Medibank Academy.

For you, it could be the start of your own career story.