The final group of Griffith University students undertaking unprecedented internships at Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) have taken up their positions as the countdown to the Games gets a full head of steam.
One hundred and thirty new recruits arrived for duty at the Ashmore offices of GOLDOC early on a warm January Monday morning, ready to play their part in the staging the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).
“It’s a rare opportunity to have an internship with an international organisation involved in an event on a world stage,” Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning student, Emma Davis, said. “This kind of work experience going into my second year is really unique.”
Emma will join the Sustainability and Legacy team for her 12-week internship.
“I’ve grown up with a passion for sustainability, knowing the importance it has in everyday life. I can bring that knowledge and passion to my team in implement strategies at the Games.”
Business student and sports fanatic, Harry Rodgers, will channel his energies into working as a Spectator Services Deployment Supervisor intern where he will be involved in the implementation of training to volunteers pre-Games, and engaging with volunteers and deploying the venue workforce (volunteers) during the games.
“Griffith offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and as sport is my passion I didn’t want to miss this chance to use what I’ve learned in the classroom in a real practical work environment,” he said.
Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Commerce double degree student Madison Harding admitted to some butterflies as she arrived on Monday morning to take up a role as a spectator experience intern with the Spectator Experience team.
“I immediately felt at home,” she said. “This is going to be my office and partial home for the next few months. I’m really looking forward to it.
“I think this experience will help shape some of the decisions I will make down the track beyond graduation. I want to start using some of the things I’ve learned and bringing those skills to life.”
The interns will be immersed in key activities leading up to and during the Games, working across Functional Areas within GOLDOC. Many will be working with GOLDOC staff at Games venues. Theunique partnership — the first of its kind in the world – allows student interns to complete an academic program wrapped around the internship.