The first internship experience: balancing expectations and reality

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The first internship experience: balancing expectations and reality

Internships are more than a line on your CV, they are journeys of self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Like any adventure, they come with moments of triumph and times of challenge. But every experience is a chance to learn and grow.

Starting your first internship is such an exciting and maybe... slightly scary milestone! Regardless, it is a fantastic opportunity to step out of the classroom and dive into the real world, where learning goes beyond just textbooks and lectures. Like many students starting this adventure, you might feel a mix of excitement, nerves, and curiosity about what is ahead. Some RMIT Vietnam students are here to share some of the ups and downs of their first internship experiences and share some friendly tips on how to succeed and learn from any challenges that come your way.

It was like a rollercoaster

“I remember sending out applications to over 100 part-time jobs and not getting a single call back,” said Tu Anh, an RMIT penultimate-year student who is doing her internship in Melbourne after the campus transfer program.

Tu Anh, an RMIT senior student at Melbourne campus

For many students, securing an internship can take lots of perseverance. “After passing an interview once, I was told the next day they found a more suitable candidate. It was heartbreaking—I even cried a little.” But instead of giving up, Tu Anh kept her spirits up by regularly checking RMIT’s job website. Then it paid off: she secured a three-month paid internship at a government-owned multicultural language services organisation, helping her cover course fees and gain valuable experience.

“Don’t expect too much too soon, stay humble, and keep trying,” she advises. “Sometimes, success comes at the last minute.” We know that your first internship can be a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and eye-opening experiences. Rejection might be a part of the process, but it doesn’t define your potential.

Learning the hard way and loving it

Interning in a role that doesn’t match your initial dream can feel disorienting, but it can also lead to unexpected growth. Bich Ngoc, also a transfer student from Hanoi to RMIT Melbourne, was accepted by a TV and film production agency, and while it wasn’t what she had envisioned, she discovered that it somehow matched her existing skills and interests.

Bich Ngoc, an RMIT senior student at Melbourne campus

Her internship was full of hands-on learning opportunities, some challenging, others surprisingly rewarding, in a supportive environment. This made the internship both enjoyable and enriching for her. “My supervisor, Simon, was incredibly encouraging and professional. He taught me how to operate cameras, adjust lighting, and manage sound on set. It felt more like working with a friend.”

Despite having faced a wave of disappointment when she didn’t land her initial "dream job", she now successfully turned it into a powerful motivation, embracing the new opportunities that lay ahead. Sometimes we aim for the moon, but then we can still reach the stars, shining brighter than ever before.

Advice for the future interns

Both Tu Anh and Ngoc agreed that internships abroad come with unique challenges, from expectations for your dream journey to job market competition. Here’s what they’ve learned:

Don’t let rejection shake you lose confidence. Instead, see it as a valuable opportunity to reflect on your application, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen your CV and interview skills. Each setback is a step closer to success if you learn and grow from it.
Don’t hesitate to seek support. Friends and mentors can offer valuable advice and encouragement, but don’t overlook many other available resources RMIT Vietnam’s The Job Shop, or the alumni community. You can get tailored guidance, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to improve your job applications and interview skills. These services can make a significant difference in your success.
Welcome every opportunity, even if it’s not your ideal role. Each experience strengthens your skills and builds confidence. Stay relaxed and open to learning—from mistakes to cultural differences—and embrace the new environment as part of your personal growth. This mindset will help you fully enjoy the journey from start to finish.

Tu Anh sums it up: “No one shines everywhere; it’s about finding the right place to shine. When one door closes, another opens. Keep trying, keep learning, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.”

First internships are rarely perfect or easy, but they are always invaluable. They teach resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of open communication. They also reveal that workplaces can be communities of learning and mutual respect, regardless of your background.

If you're preparing to start your first internship, take heart from these stories. Your journey will have bumps, but with persistence and an open heart, it will also be filled with moments of joy, discovery, and growth.

Story: The story is written by Nguyen Minh Chau, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam, with inputs from Tu Anh and Bich Ngoc. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

08 July 2025

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