“Who would have ever thought I could have ended up on the other side of the world?”
Yes, that’s a good statement and honestly my answer is: me neither. My original plan was taking my internship in my home city: Milan. I assumed it would have been possible and, surely, the easiest option. But after sending out over 20 applications and receiving no replies it became clear that things weren’t going as planned.
Since internships are compulsory for graduation, I was determined to stick to my timeline. Then came the idea. I was chatting with my dad one day, and he suggested looking for a program abroad. At first, I wasn’t convinced, but time was ticking; so, I went for it.
Barcelona was my first option, but when I saw Melbourne on the list, something just clicked inside of me. I’d never been to Australia, and instead of scaring me, the distance made me even more curious.
Being new is not always something to be scared about
The phrase “We are afraid of what we don’t know” best conveyed my feelings as soon as I knew I was going to be part of AP Group’s team. That was probably the thing that scared me the most because I suddenly became unsure about all my skills (weird because I tend to be confident of my abilities). Then, day by day I began to understand why I shouldn’t feel like that. Everyone supported the ‘rookie’ without judgment or ego.
Being the newcomer in a different country, surrounded by new people and ways of working, turned out to be one of the most enriching parts of this journey. It challenged me to adapt, opened my eyes to different perspectives, and gave me the rare chance to grow both personally and professionally. in a space where I felt encouraged, not judged.
A spectrum of experiences
To better understand how people perceive internships, I conducted a survey asking participants to share their experiences the highs, the lows and everything in between. The responses came from a mix of backgrounds and businesses, giving me a wide range of perspectives.
Ninety percent of the respondents had undertaken an internship, and for most, it had been a valuable and enriching experience. They enjoyed the challenge of getting inside a professional environment, and most reported how these experiences had assisted them in developing confidence and a deeper insight into the world of work.
Having said that, not everything was so positive. Some found their workday activities too unchallenging and struggled to stay motivated. Others found a significant age difference at work that sometimes made it harder to get close to co-workers. Some believed their managers were too self-focused, not taking the time to build an authentic relationship or give meaningful mentorship.
There were also interns present who felt they were not being allowed to grow professionally because, instead of teaching them how to do something, they simply did it for them. There was even the aggravation of not being allowed to practice their language skills.
After collecting all these insights, one thing became clear: internship experiences can vary wildly from person to person. While some find themselves in roles that limit their growth or fail to engage them, others benefit from environments that challenge, support, and inspire. To be honest, I was lucky enough to be part of the second group.
Why abroad and why Australia?!
Another section of the survey focused on whether participants would consider undertaking an internship abroad and, if so, why. The results showed that 7 out of 10 respondents would be open to the idea, motivated by a variety of reasons. Many respondents felt that abroad, young and motivated individuals have a better chance of realising their potential, as they are often trusted with greater responsibilities from the beginning. A recurring theme was that, outside of Italy, age is not a determining factor in career progression; instead, skills and competencies are. This merit-based approach not only boosts professional development but also creates a more stimulating work environment. Economic factors also played a key role. It has been highlighted that in many countries, wages and employer contributions are higher than those typically offered in Italy, making moving abroad an attractive option even from a financial perspective. While acknowledging that these benefits can vary from sector to sector, overall, a young professionals feel more valued and engaged abroad.
In all this, Australia positions itself as a fascinating destination with a job market. A place where young professionals can find a unique blend of opportunity, support, and quality of life. Its combination of professional opportunities, cultural diversity, and quality of life reinforced the perception that Australia offers fertile ground for young people eager to grow, learn, and succeed in their chosen careers. Professional development and personal wellbeing go hand in hand and these factors makes Australia a great choice for those seeking internships or early career roles that not only make their best part to come out but also support a balanced, fulfilling life.
To conclude, my internship experience in Australia allowed a whole set of qualities to flourish, from gaining valuable skills and industry insight to feeling genuinely supported both professionally and personally. Little by little, I realised that this isn’t just a remarkable place to start a career, but also a place to live, feel at home, and truly enjoy the journey. Because, let’s be honest ; Australia is not just about surf, kangaroos, and koalas!
Written by Alessandro Bracci, Marketing Intern – AP Group
AP Group are the leading pharmacy experts in Australia, helping hundreds of pharmacists into ownership every year – our team can help with sourcing finance for your purchase, as well as providing the right legal advice to help you navigate the process.
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