Simran Janbandhu is studying a Master of Public Health at UWA and was able to put her knowledge into action through a McCusker Centre for Citizenship internship with Sexual Health Quarters.
Contributing 100 hours as a grants and research intern with the not-for-profit, which provides services for sexual and reproductive health and relationship wellbeing, Simran reviewed past grant activities, inventoried funding streams, and assisted with grant applications.
“Sexual Health Quarters embraced me as a valued member of their team, involving me in events and encouraging open conversations with colleagues, while my supervisor provided invaluable guidance and support,” Simran said.
“The highlight of my internship was planning a program for various CaLD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities and writing a grant. Submitting this grant application was particularly rewarding, as its potential approval would significantly benefit Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities by educating them about respectful relationships and providing resources for those at risk of family and domestic violence.
“Despite having extensive academic knowledge in grant writing, I lacked real-world practical experience. Real-life work often presents unexpected complexities and challenges that require adaptability and resilience; I was able to navigate these complexities with guidance and feedback from my colleagues, and a flexible approach.”
Elizabeth Tekanyo, Program Manager at Sexual Health Quarters and internship supervisor, said that Simran has made a lasting contribution through her internship.
“With a background in public health, Simran was incredibly focused and perceptive when it came to understanding how different public health funding initiatives aligned with the goals of our organisation,” Ms Tekanyo said.
“Her significant contribution allowed us to put together more grant applications in a short amount of time, but also build in streamlined strategies for the future.
“Simran is devoted to supporting those who have less access to healthcare through her passion for health promotion; she fit seamlessly with our team within the organisation.”
As well as making a significant contribution, Simran said the internship was a valuable professional development experience, and one she recommended for other UWA students.
“My internship significantly broadened my perspective and revealed several important insights; one of the most profound realisations was the complex and dynamic nature of implementing health promotion programs in real-world settings.
“The McCusker Centre excels in guiding interns as they transition into the ‘real world’ beyond university. The strong support system in the internship program ensures that interns not only gain practical experience but also feel confident and prepared to tackle future professional endeavours.”