My Volunteer Experience - Rasika Nawarathne

Welcome Rasika!
Rasika Nawarathne joined our Data Analytics Team as a volunteer, following in the footsteps of cousin Nirupama Amarakoon, whilst he searches for employment. Beginning with the team this year on the 30 January 2024, he attends for ~4 hours a week onsite at the Connecting Up Office. We are thrilled to report that Rasika has now found work with SA Water, starting on the 22 July 2024. Congratulations Rasika!
"Volunteering at SAcommunity with Connecting Up has been an enriching experience that provided me with profound insights into Australian work culture. Working alongside a diverse and talented team allowed me to identify skill gaps and effectively adapt to the professional and social dynamics of the workplace. This experience has equipped me with a solid foundation in work culture and ethics, which I believe will be invaluable as I prepare to take on my next role. I am confident that the lessons learned and relationships built during my volunteer work will contribute significantly to my future endeavors." ~Volunteer Rasika Nawarathne
Total Hours 70 Joined 30 January 2024 Last Check-in 9 July 2024 (retired)
Personal Biography
Rasika, a Civil Engineering graduate from the National Institute of Technology Rourkela, India, has honed his skills in the construction industry, notably specialising in quality assurance and control in weirs, dams and water structures used in irrigation, for the Minipe Left Bank Canal Rehabilitation Project, during his two-year tenure at AMSK Constructions Pvt Ltd in Sri Lanka. With expertise in project management, technical consultation, stakeholder liason and document management, he recently relocated to Adelaide, driven by opportunities in the thriving engineering sector. He is actively seeking employment in Australia, where he can use his skills to contribute to local infrastructure and development.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Rasika is a self-taught indie musician, showcasing his talents on the reality television singing competition 'The Voice' in Sri Lanka in 2023. Where he was successfully selected in the Blind Auditions with Riptide, joining 'Team Umaria', hosted by renowned Sri Lankan Music Industry Award Winner Umaria Sinhawansa. Throughout the competition, Rasika delivered captivating performances through Battle Rounds Nadee Ganga Tharanaye before his final showing in the Knockouts Paradeesee Ma Ha. His self-titled YouTube channel and Spotify playlist highlight many of his more recent artistic endeavours.
Looking ahead, Rasika aims to fulfill his career as a Civil Engineering professional in the Australian Civil Engineering Industry. Here he endeavours to utilise his expertise to contribute to and drive impactful projects, working across all aspects of design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure and building projects that positively impact the community. Rasika envisions continuing his passion for music in parallel with his engineering career, foreseeing a future where he can continue to work both as a respected engineer and accomplished musician.

Image: Volunteer Rasika Nawarathne with Data Analytics Team Lead Stathis Avramis


Image: Yi Han, Dexter Tabada, Anju Odedara, Violet Zewei You, Alice Jingyi Zeng, Rasika, Stathis Avramis, Harsh Bhatt, Pujan Maharjan, Camille Sze Pui Ko, Rex Porter
Volunteering with Connecting Up has been a strategic move to immerse myself in the local community and industry landscape of Adelaide. I have been preparing Power BI reports on community services for Streaky Bay council, using data from Google Analytics and SAcommunity. This role has allowed me to refine my analytical skills and present my findings to council stakeholders, gaining invaluable experience and insights.
Participating in various organizational meetings and events, including monthly SAcommunity Team meetings and 'Lunch and Learn' sessions, has provided me with a deeper understanding of the Australian workplace culture and enhanced my communication and networking skills.
Looking ahead, I aim to build a career in the Australian Civil Engineering industry, contributing to impactful projects in design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure. I envision balancing my engineering career with my passion for music, aspiring to excel as both an engineer and a musician.
Image: Rasika's Farewell 9 July 2024: Violet Zewei You, Yong Kheng Beh, Olivia Thi Kim Oanh Nguyen, Rasika, Jay Shijie Zhang, Harsh Bhatt
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