Thanks to the McCusker Centre for Citizenship, University of WA student Rosanna Radici has seen what her professional future might look like “for the very first time”.
“The experience and skills I learnt while interning at Guide Dogs WA was so invaluable,” the Claremont resident said.
“It was my first step into the professional realm and, for the very first time, I was able to see what my future might look like. I now know I would love to work in international relations with not-for-profit organisation.”
Ms Radici completed several projects during her 100-hour internship, including regional marketing research, data management, estate support, record keeping and event support at the organisation’s Guide Dog Graduation and VIP Event.
Guide Dogs WA Planned Giving Coordinator and intern supervisor Carol Morfitt said Ms Radici was a “joy to have around”.
“During the time that Rosanna was our intern, she made such a positive impact not only with the efficient way that she undertook all of her tasks but also the empathetic way that she dealt with our donors, clients and staff,” Ms Morfitt said.
“Rosanna was my first intern from the McCusker Centre for Citizenship Intern Program and she made such a great difference in the program, we really missed her when her internship was over.
“Her professionalism and character should be applauded.”
Ms Radici said the community service internship changed her opinion on the meaning of “active citizenship”.
“Before, I thought active citizenship was about reflecting on your own opinions – but now I realise that active citizenship is about representing and giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves,” she said.
The 18-year-old said she applied for the McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship program “just hoping to gain experience in a not-for-profit organisation”, but ended up with so much more.
“I didn’t realise how limited my understanding was of how big of an impact this relatively small organisation truly makes,” she said.
“It was quite confronting to go from the university environment – where everything is theoretical and doesn’t have any real-life consequences – into a not-for-profit organisation where everything you do will have a real impact on real people.
“It was rewarding to put in a lot of work into the project and see how it truly impacts people.”
Ms Radici said she “could not recommend the McCusker Centre for Citizenship enough”.
“My life has honestly changed because of this internship,” she said.