After spotting a promotion for the Talent Accelerate program on her university hub, Atifa jumped at the chance for some real-life work experience. As a Bachelor of Biomedical Science student at the University of the Sunshine Coast, she was eager to gain practical, on-the-ground experience to broaden her understanding of the working world.
“Unfortunately, there isn’t enough real-life work experience with university degrees, and I knew that this would make it so much more difficult for me to find work at my desired place upon graduation,” she says.
During her placement at Concept Labs, Atifa had the opportunity to dive into all aspects of the cosmetic lab manufacturing business, from formulating skincare and body care products to creating marketing material.
“There were a variety of roles I had the pleasure of being a part of,” she says. “This included formulating skincare and body care products, understanding the ingredients (chemicals, etc.), learning about what each machine is used for, creating marketing and promotional material for products, and working on the production line, inspecting products before packing them to be sent off.”
For Atifa, this leap from university to the workplace was a crucial step, providing her with the kind of practical, hands-on experience that’s hard to come by in a classroom. It’s this kind of exposure that helps young people gain a real understanding of the industry and build the confidence to take on future challenges.
“Not only have I gained first-hand experience in the lab working with formulating products, I now also have experience with warehouse duties like picking and packing, inspecting products, and creating promotional/marketing material. I wouldn’t have been able to experience all of this at uni, but now I can connect the dots between the two, and link and apply my knowledge in many aspects of my life,” Atifa adds.
With a clearer path ahead, Atifa now feels more confident about what she wants to do after university. The Talent Accelerate program has helped her define where she wants to go and how she plans to get there.
Having struggled with self-doubt for much of her life, this experience has given her the confidence to try new things and trust herself. Reflecting on her growth, she says, “I still remember doubting myself all the time in school and saying no to any opportunity because I let my self-doubt win. I was able to say yes to this amazing opportunity, and I am so glad I did.”
Her advice for others on the fence about a program like this is simple but powerful: “It’s not until you expose yourself to things and experiences that you may think you don’t like or don’t like enough, that you actually learn and grow. This program is not just about gaining industry connections and work experience, but also about developing your soft skills and getting to know more about yourself.”
Atifa’s story is a powerful reminder of the growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Thanks to the Talent Accelerate program, she’s discovered more about herself, built valuable skills, and gained the confidence to take on whatever comes next, all while making the most of her time at university.
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