Internship at the Canberra Behaviour Lab: Learnings From My First Ever Internship at the University of Canberra
When I began my internship at the Canberra Behaviour Lab, I did not just step into a new role but I stepped into uncertainty, responsibility, and growth. As the first-ever intern for this newly launched initiative within the University of Canberra’s Faculty of Business, Government and Law (BGL), I had the rare opportunity to contribute to something being built from the ground up.
What I thought would simply be a marketing internship became one of the most transformative learning experiences of my university journey.
About the Canberra Behaviour Lab
The Canberra Behaviour Lab is a newly established research initiative focused on behavioural research and engagement. Its mission is to explore how behavioural insights can inform decision-making, policy, and organisational practice (Can Be Lab, 2025). As a developing lab, it required foundational work such as research, outreach, branding, and stakeholder engagement to establish its presence within and beyond the university.
Being part of this early-stage development meant that my work would directly contribute to shaping the Lab’s identity and outreach strategy.
My Role as the First Intern
As a Marketing and Promotions Intern, my responsibilities were diverse and often self-directed.
One of my primary tasks involved researching behavioural labs across Australia and the globe. This required identifying relevant institutions, analysing their research focus, and compiling structured documentation that could inform potential collaborations. I initiated professional communication with external organisations, which strengthened my written communication skills and exposed me to formal academic correspondence.
Alongside research, I supported the Lab’s marketing and promotional efforts. I contributed to drafting email communications and developing digital content for social media. This was my first time applying marketing theory in a real institutional context — considering audience segmentation, brand tone, stakeholder positioning, and consistency in messaging.
Since the internship was flexible and largely independent, I had to manage deadlines, prioritise tasks, and take ownership of deliverables without close supervision. That level of trust pushed me to become more accountable, disciplined, and confident in making independent decisions.
Skills I Developed- Beyond the Obvious
While I expected to develop marketing skills, what surprised me most was how much I grew personally and professionally.
1. Self-Reflection and Documentation
Throughout the internship, I documented my tasks, challenges, and learning outcomes. This practice helped me recognise what I call “invisible opportunities” — small tasks that quietly build competence. Writing professional emails, organising research findings, structuring reports — these activities sharpened my attention to detail and analytical thinking.
2. Professional Communication
Initiating contact with external organisations required confidence and clarity. I learned how to structure formal emails, align tone with institutional expectations, and communicate with academic professionals respectfully and effectively.
3. Adaptability and Initiative
Because the Lab was newly launched, processes were still evolving. There was no fixed blueprint to follow. I learned to work in ambiguity — a critical skill in today’s dynamic workplace.
4. Strategic Thinking
Marketing a new research initiative is not just about posting content — it is about building credibility. I began thinking beyond tasks and started asking strategic questions:
● Who are our key stakeholders?
● What message builds trust?
● How do we differentiate ourselves?
Challenges and Critical Situations
Being the first intern also meant navigating uncertainty. There were moments when I questioned whether I was doing “enough.” Without a defined structure, I initially struggled with task prioritisation. Remote work arrangements required discipline and self-management. I had to learn how to set realistic timelines and avoid overcommitting. Another challenge was overcoming hesitation when reaching out to established institutions. As a student, I sometimes felt intimidated. However, I realised that professionalism is not defined by seniority but by clarity, preparation, and respect.
Reflecting on My Shortcomings
Looking back, I recognise areas where I could have performed better.
● I could have asked for feedback more proactively rather than waiting for it.
● I occasionally underestimated the importance of early stakeholder mapping.
● At times, I focused heavily on task completion rather than impact measurement.
However, recognising these shortcomings has been more valuable than avoiding them. Reflection transformed mistakes into lessons.
Connecting My Business Studies to Real Practice
Studying business at the University of Canberra gave me theoretical foundations in marketing, management, stakeholder analysis, and strategic communication. During this internship, I saw these theories come alive.
Concepts such as:
● Market positioning
● Brand consistency
● Stakeholder engagement
● Organisational behaviour
were no longer textbook definitions but they were practical tools.
I realised that business education is not just about grades; it is about developing frameworks for decision-making. The internship helped me connect classroom knowledge to real institutional challenges, showing me where I was strong and where I needed improvement.
Becoming a Future-Ready Candidate
This experience prepared me for the future workplace in ways I did not initially anticipate.
I learned to operate in ambiguity.
I developed ownership and accountability.
I improved my written and strategic communication.
I built confidence in professional environments.
I understood how early-stage projects demand initiative, not instructions.
Most importantly, I learned that being “future-ready” is less about having all the answers and more about being adaptable, reflective, and proactive.
A Message to New Students
If there is one thing I would say to new students at the University of Canberra, it is this:
Step out of your comfort zone early. Opportunities here are endless — but they require initiative. Whether it is an internship, research project, student leadership role, or industry program, each experience builds skills you cannot fully develop in a classroom alone. I started this internship unsure of myself. I finished it with clarity, confidence, and direction. The Canberra Behaviour Lab gave me more than professional exposure, it gave me perspective. And sometimes, that is the most valuable opportunity a university can offer.
References
Can Be Lab (ca. 2025). Canberra Behavioural Lab. https://canbelab.org/