Alum of the Month
Jasmin De Martin
January 2012
New York Program
September 2010 Intake
What and where did you study before your Mountbatten internship?
I studied a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (major in Public Relations and minor in Communication Philosophy), at the University of Canberra, and ITESM Tecnológico de Monterrey, Mexico City.
What made you apply for the Mountbatten programme?
I wanted to study again, and also gain international work experience. Additionally, I was becoming a little complacent with my work and life at the time, and needed to shake things up a bit.
Describe your sponsor company and your role within it.
I worked as a Conference Coordinator at Institutional Investor. Institutional Investor is primarily a leading finance publication, however has many conference, award and membership off-shoots. My role involved looking after the Financial Technology Forum membership, liaising with over 100 senior CFO's, CTO's and COO's from over 90 top investment firms and funds across America and the world. My biggest project was the coordination of three annual networking conferences in Boston, Los Angeles and Washington D.C.
What was the highlight/most memorable moment of your working experience during this year?
As part of my internship I was expected to complete the annual Financial Technology Forum Directory of Senior Delegates - this project was the bane of my existence for four months!!
As well as data collection via phone and email from all member firms, I was asked to launch the restructure of the Directory (this was great as I felt I was able to make a few personal changes and tweaks with the format, however it was a little difficult to not take too many liberties). I finally published the Directory, with my name and picture included in the work, a month earlier than the previous year. I think the thrill was seeing the work completed, printed and read! The hard work actually meant something!
What was the social highlight/most memorable moment during this year?
Whilst in New York I was successful in gaining a position on the East Coast Jaguar USA Representative Netball Team. I played all over New York, Connecticut and Canada. My final game was broadcasted live form the Prudential Centre, Newark NJ, supporting the WNBA. It was a really great way for me to meet heaps of new friends, whilst continue training in a sport I love.
Please share a little wisdom/philosophy that you acquired during your internship
I feel like I really learnt a whole lot about patience and expectations. Mountbatten was a brilliant enabler and experience to live and study abroad, allowing me to meet so many different people, complete with varying work styles and ethos. I learnt to take a little more time with people, and understand where they were coming from - even if I didn't quite agree. I can already see the difference in my approach to work related situations, and my handling of them.
If you could change anything about your internship, what would it be?
Generally, I liked all the aspects of my internship year.
What happened after completing the year - what did you do next?
After Mountbatten, I returned to Australia and had a month off work, visiting friends and family. In October 2011, I commenced work as a Digital Presenter, for Questacon, the National Science and Technology Centre. My role included TV studio science communication, presenting to students and professionals all across Australia. I presented each day in different studio environments, culminating in a major national event - the 90 minute interview of the latest Nobel Laureate, Professor Brian Schmidt. The interview was live to a studio audience of 200, and a dial in audience of over 20 education faculties, students and teachers. The interview was super scary, and involved some of the quickest thinking and talking I've had to do in a very long time! The guy's a genius!
Where are you now in your working life and what do you do?
I am still working for Questacon, yet have since accepted a higher position, working as their national and local Events Manager. In addition to this, I have also accepted a teaching position at the University of Canberra.
Do you have any future plans that you would like to realise & what are they (career & social)?
I would love to continue to work in the presenting and events field, gaining more skills and exposure as quickly as possible. I am always looking for work involving travel, as I love being in new environments, learning new things, etc. Ultimately, I'd love to be based in Australia, working for a global company in their communication or talent department.