Adelaide University Internship Experience - Eily Lee Selvam

Welcome Eily! 

Eily Lee Selvam joined our SAcommunity Data Analytics Team for her University of Adelaide SET (Sciences, Engineering and Technology) Internship for her Bachelor of Information Technology Semester 2, 2024: 13 August 2024 - 8 November 2024. 

She is completing a 280 hour internship onsite with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up Office, Infoxchange for 3 days (22 hours) a week for ~14 weeks around her classes. 

Total Hours 280 Joined 13 August 2024 Last Check-in 8 November 2024  

Personal Biography 

Eily is pursuing a Bachelor of Information Technology with a major in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Adelaide. She has cultivated a strong foundation in AI, machine learning, and programming, excelling in languages like Python and C++. Through her academic projects and internships, she has gained experience in web technologies and is continuously honing her problem-solving abilities.

At Connecting Up, Eily aims to network with professionals in her field, gaining insights from their experiences. She seeks a deep understanding of organizational databases and the practical application of data for real-world decision-making. She plans to become proficient in data analytics tools such as Excel, Power BI, and Google Analytics, while developing skills in data collection, cleaning, management, and creating impactful dashboards for effective data communication.

Eily is also committed to contributing to the organization by producing insightful reports and presenting key findings, ensuring the data analyzed is meaningful and impactful. Her goal is to support not-for-profit initiatives by leveraging data to make a difference in the community.

Outside of her studies, Eily actively engages in volunteering and student events, using her technical skills to help others. Her experience in the hospitality industry has further developed her customer service and communication skills. She is passionate about developing AI-driven technology solutions that benefit the community and aspires to work in data analytics, with a long-term focus on community development projects.

Murray Bridge Council Four Years Comparison Report 

Community Services in Councils Project
Eily selected Murray Bridge Council for her Power BI council reports, a database of approximately 274 community services operating in the area for all available financial years 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 with the council visualisation report being a newer addition to the project.The completed reports can be found >>here.

There are a number of steps involved in the creation of community service information data presentations. A summary of data trends prepared, using information from Google Analytics and SAcommunity with subsequent Power BI and Canva reports revealing data anomalies and corrections required, the database is updated and reports re-created with improved information.

Capacity Building Group Photo with Kane Hengchuan Zhao and Alex Thi Ngoc-Bich Nguyen 25 October 2024

Capacity Building

During my internship with the SAcommunity Data Analytics Team, I adopted an active role in capacity development, focused on equipping new volunteers and interns. Acknowledging the significance of an effective induction, I assisted them with the initial setup phase, which included detailing essential procedures and ensuring they felt at ease with the team's expectations and resources. In this stage, I shared information about the workflows we utilize, highlighting best practices for data entry, ensuring data integrity, and managing typical data problems.

To enhance support for my peers, I provided assistance in using Power BI, aiding them in building crucial skills in data visualization and reporting. These sessions encompassed topics ranging from fundamental navigation in Power BI to sophisticated data cleansing methods, guaranteeing that participants could efficiently convert raw data into meaningful visual representations. When intricate problems surfaced, especially during data cleaning, I was present to resolve issues and seek solutions together, promoting a culture of peer learning and collective knowledge.

This position provided me the opportunity to assist others while also enhancing my own understanding, fostering a cooperative team environment where all team members felt motivated to inquire, discuss difficulties, and acknowledge achievements. By focusing on capacity-building initiatives, I intended to create a lasting influence on the team's skills and morale, enhancing our joint capability to obtain significant data-driven insights for the community.

Induction Group Photo with new Volunteers and Interns 13 August 2024

Orientation and Induction

The induction day kicked off with a lively stand-up introduction, where new volunteers, interns, former volunteers, and staff members gathered to meet one another. Each participant shared their background, goals for their time at Connecting Up, and their future aspirations. In addition to getting to know each other, we completed the necessary paperwork, including signing important policy forms. This collaborative atmosphere set a positive tone for the exciting projects ahead.

Progress Catch-Up, Pankaj Chhalotre, Head of Connecting Up Advice for Volunteers and Interns 20 September 2024

Head of Connecting Up Check-in 20 September 2024

Pankaj, the Head of Connecting Up, convened all volunteers and interns for an important catch-up session to review our progress. He initiated the meeting by inviting everyone to share updates on their projects, encouraging open dialogue about our experiences thus far.

During the discussion, Pankaj made it a priority to ensure that we were all doing well, both professionally and personally. He asked if anyone was facing challenges and facilitated a brainstorming session to identify potential solutions. This collaborative approach fostered a supportive environment where we could express our concerns and share insights.

Additionally, Pankaj provided invaluable advice on how to make the most of our internship experience. He emphasized the importance of setting clear goals, actively seeking feedback, and taking the initiative in our roles. He encouraged us to leverage the resources available and to engage with our colleagues to foster learning and growth.

Overall, Pankaj’s guidance helped to reinforce a sense of community and purpose among the interns and volunteers, motivating us to contribute meaningfully to the organization, and we were all invited to lunch together with staff, volunteers and interns afterwards.

SAcommunity Peer to Peer Learning to Analyze Problem 4 September 2024 with Volunteers and Interns. Left to Right: Aaron Xuefeng Li, Neil Anubhav Dattagupta, Eily, Rajkarthick Raju, Mihir Desai, Alex Thi Ngoc-Bich Nguyen, Todd Guanhua Tao, Ivy Ling Luo

Peer to Peer Learning

Our team gathered to discuss the recurring issues with data extraction from Google Analytics, and it quickly became apparent that many of us were facing similar challenges. For instance, in my case with Murray Bridge Council, the exported data included entries from other councils, suggesting that the export wasn't correctly filtered by organization ID or name. As a result, we’ve been manually verifying each data entry for accuracy, which has been quite time-consuming.

Infoxchange RU OK Cake & Connect Day 10 September 2024 

Infoxchange Cake and Connect Day

In preparation for R U OK Day, we seized the chance to bond over cake and engaging discussions. It served as a prompt to reach out to those near us, confirming that everyone is alright, both mentally and emotionally. We appreciated a laid-back environment, inquiring about each other's feelings, and exchanging thoughts on healthy practices we can integrate into our routines to enhance our well-being. It was an easy yet powerful method to cultivate connection and remind us of the significance of being aware of one another’s well-being.

Lunch and Learn | Launch of the IX way 13 Aug 2024

On August 13, 2024, Jo Davies, Chief Operating Officer, and Jenna Bertieri, Manager of People and Culture Change, presented the IX Way during a Lunch & Learn event. This initiative seeks to create a cohesive culture within the organization, defining explicit values and a uniform method for how we operate, cooperate, and hold ourselves responsible. The IX Way will act as a guiding structure to synchronize our actions, interactions, and processes, strengthening our collective purpose and promoting a more unified atmosphere. With this initiative, Infoxchange aims to foster a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that encourages growth on both personal and group levels.

One of the standout initiatives from the IX Way is the launch of Cake and Connect Day in September 2024. This new initiative is designed to foster personal connections and enhance community spirit by bringing employees together in shared spaces across all locations. Given our hybrid work environment, Cake and Connect Day will be held at various times throughout the week and month to accommodate different work schedules. The goal is to ensure everyone—whether working remotely or on-site—can take part, building a sense of belonging regardless of where they are based.

The session also emphasized the importance of successfully managing hybrid work through key principles such as balance, teamwork, wellbeing, connection, and ownership. These principles are intended to help employees navigate the challenges of remote work while maintaining strong team dynamics, productivity, and personal wellbeing. Balance encourages a healthy work-life routine to prevent burnout, while teamwork focuses on strengthening collaboration, whether employees are on-site or remote. Wellbeing remains a priority, with Infoxchange supporting both physical and mental health. Connection emphasizes meaningful interactions within and across teams, and ownership empowers employees to take responsibility for their work and growth.

A major focus of the IX Way is clear and effective communication across the organization. Employees are encouraged to approach communication with intentionality by defining the purpose and goals of meetings to ensure they are focused and productive. Selecting the right communication tools—whether email, chat, or meetings—is crucial for ensuring the message is delivered appropriately. Additionally, adherence to branded templates for both internal and external communications will help maintain consistency in branding and professional standards. Clear communication practices are essential for ensuring alignment and efficiency as the organization continues to grow.

The launch of the IX Way marks a significant step toward building a more connected and agile organization. With initiatives like Cake and Connect Day and a renewed focus on hybrid work principles, Infoxchange is committed to creating a workplace where employees feel empowered, connected, and engaged. By embedding these values and practices into our daily operations, we will continue to strengthen our shared purpose, enhance collaboration, and drive meaningful outcomes together.

Lunch and Learn with Jo Davies | Innovation at Infoxchange 25 September 2024

Jo Davies, Chief Operating Officer of Infoxchange, delivered an inspiring presentation on innovation during this session. She emphasized that innovation is more than just generating creative ideas—it encompasses various forms, ranging from incremental improvements to transformative organizational changes. Jo illustrated these types with relatable examples: the gradual refinement of razor designs as incremental innovation, disruptive platforms like Airbnb and Netflix, and the revolutionary impact of smartphones as radical innovations.

To foster engagement, Jo invited attendees to share their own experiences with innovation. I was particularly impressed by Andrew Mahar, the founder of Infoxchange, whose visionary thinking in the 1990s resulted in the creation of the first online crisis accommodation register. This system revolutionized how people experiencing homelessness could find shelter. Another example of early innovation was the SAcommunity directory, which transitioned from the traditional printed Yellow Pages to an online platform, demonstrating Infoxchange’s ability to adapt to digital trends early on.

One of the most valuable insights from the session was the introduction of the 3 Horizons model, a framework for balancing present operations with future innovation. The model divides focus into three stages: Now, Near Term, and Future. Jo demonstrated how Infoxchange aligns its products and services across these stages, applying the 70/20/10 Principle—dedicating 70% of time and resources to current operations, 20% to learning and development, and 10% to exploring new ideas and opportunities.

This framework resonated with me personally, as it provides a structured approach to organizing not only business strategies but also personal career development. By applying the 3 Horizons model, I can better align my immediate priorities with long-term goals, allocate time effectively for continuous growth, and embrace new opportunities while reducing uncertainty. This strategic mindset offers a practical path forward, helping me stay focused and adaptable in both my professional and personal journey.

Lunch and Learn Health and Wellbeing Webinar - Foods to Boost your Mood - 20 August 2024

In the Foods to Boost Your Mood webinar, Elaine Fox emphasized the profound impact our food choices have on emotional well-being. She highlighted the importance of adopting a diverse diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and Omega-3 fats to enhance mood and support brain health.

Elaine also warned about the allure of hyper-palatable, processed foods. While these may provide temporary satisfaction, they often lead to unhealthy cravings and patterns of overconsumption, ultimately affecting our long-term health. The session concluded with practical tips for making healthier food choices, encouraging participants to incorporate more whole foods into their daily meals. This approach not only boosts mood but also fosters overall mental and physical wellness.

Data Catalyst Network (DCN)

The Data Catalyst Network (DCN) is made up of close to 50 organisations working with data from the not-for-profit community sector. The Data Catalyst Network brings together people from across sectors, to break cycles of disadvantage through the innovative use of data. DCN is a partnership between Infoxchange and the Paul Ramsay Foundation. Volunteers and Interns have the opportunity to attend these stakeholder meetings.

Data Catalyst Network (DCN) Working with Government data - Lessons from the Learning for Life program 1 October 2024

The Data Catalyst Network Meeting emphasized the significant influence of joint data sharing efforts in boosting assistance for underprivileged students and improving educational results. Through building robust partnerships, gaining family trust, and establishing a secure data-sharing system, organizations can deliver prompt and focused support that meets the specific needs of at-risk students. The session highlighted the importance of connections, common goals, and proactive dialogue in addressing implementation hurdles, aiming to establish a fairer educational environment.

Data Catalyst Network (DCN) Using linked data to support transitions to school 30 October 2024

The Data Catalyst Network Meeting highlighted the critical role of collaboration in data-centric efforts to understand and address challenges faced by children transitioning to school, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. The project’s use of population-wide data from various sources demonstrated the value of comprehensive information in revealing patterns and trends, including how early hardships—such as parental incarceration or interactions with child protective services—relate to developmental deficits, absenteeism, and reduced school involvement. The meeting demonstrated that working in partnership with governmental and non-governmental entities can enhance data capabilities to inform policies that foster resilience and positive results for disadvantaged children. This approach, incorporating plans for future phases and potential geographic analysis, highlights the importance of collaborative efforts and resource exchange between sectors, particularly with universities, to create impactful, informed tactics for the academic achievement of youth.

The Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) is a shared initiative with over 500 business, government, academic and community organisations working together to accelerate action on digital inclusion. ADIA is supported by Infoxchange, Google, Telstra and TasNetworks. Volunteers and Interns have the opportunity to attend these stakeholder meetings.

Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) - Positive impacts of AI: The intersection of AI and Digital Inclusion

The recent ADIA September Meetup explored the convergence of AI and digital inclusion, highlighting the urgent requirement for fair access to AI-powered tools. David Spriggs, the CEO of Infoxchange and chair of the Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance, led the session, emphasizing the opportunities and obstacles of generative AI in narrowing digital gaps. Main topics involved tackling the cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical obstacles that restrict AI’s accessibility. Professor Michael Desani emphasized the importance of a “Wikipedia moment,” suggesting that generative AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney should be utilized as initial resources, while being approached with care and analytical thinking. Kit McMahon, CEO of Women’s Health in the Southeast, highlighted the significance of AI in uplifting marginalized communities, while Anisha, a social worker from Nepal, discussed how AI tools have personally and professionally empowered her, changing her digital experience in Australia. 

Australian Digital Inclusion Alliance (ADIA) - The Economic Benefits of Overcoming Digital Exclusion: A deep dive into Good Things Australia’s latest report

The ADIA October Meetup highlighted the substantial economic and social benefits of digital inclusion, with recent research showing it could contribute close to half a billion dollars annually by enhancing employment, productivity, healthcare access, social connectivity, and financial safety. Real-life stories shared during the session illustrated the transformative impact of digital literacy, particularly for seniors and rural communities, enabling them to stay connected, access essential services, and navigate technology safely. A key message was the urgent need for a national digital inclusion strategy, with further investment in digital skills training and access initiatives. Attendees were encouraged to use the research as a foundation for advocating policy changes, aiming to ensure all Australians can participate fully in an increasingly digital society.

Mentor Meeting 10 September 2024: Eily Lee with Pankaj Chhalotre, Head of Connecting Up

Training and Development - Webinars and Workshop
Eily has had the opportunity to understand more about data analytics in the not-for-profit sector, and was provided with access to the Connecting Up Digital Learning platform, a training and development online learning platform with a selection of relevant live webinars and recorded webinars, workshops and webcons from a range of subject-matter experts who also have experience in working with not-for-profits.

Relevant weekly webinars, workshops and webcons selected by Eily for her internship include:

Week 1: Getting Started with Analytics: Tools, Infrastructure & Data

Eily Lee Selvam Certificate of Completion

Getting Started with Analytics: Tools, Infrastructure & Data, this webinar was particularly relevant to my internship role. It provided practical advice on how NGOs with limited resources can initiate and manage data projects. The session covered essential strategies for handling messy data, shared real-life case studies from the Good Data Institute, and introduced key tools and infrastructure necessary for effective data management. The insights gained from this webinar are directly applicable to my current work with data at Murray Bridge Council, and I plan to implement these strategies in upcoming projects.

Week 2: The Threat of Ransomware and Defending your organization

The Threat of Ransomware + M365 Defenses webinar was particularly relevant to my current focus on data security. It provided valuable insights into how organizations can protect themselves from the increasing threat of ransomware, even with limited resources. The session covered essential strategies such as implementing robust backup systems, using advanced email filtering, and ensuring regular system updates to protect against phishing and malware. Real-world examples of ransomware attacks were discussed, along with the importance of utilizing Microsoft 365's built-in and advanced security features like Defender for 365. These strategies will be directly applicable to my work in safeguarding data at Murray Bridge Council, and I plan to integrate these security practices into future projects.

Week 3: Decisions with Data

In the Decisions with Data: Business Intelligence for Your Organisation webinar, I learned key strategies for using business intelligence tools like Power BI to enhance data-driven decision-making. This session highlighted the importance of transforming data into actionable insights to improve service delivery, a principle that directly relates to my current internship work with Murray Bridge Council. The webinar demonstrated how clear data visualizations and dashboards can provide meaningful insights to help organizations track performance and identify trends. I plan to apply these techniques to improve the community data reports I am preparing, ensuring they not only present data but also support strategic decision-making for council stakeholders.

Week 4: Leveraging Microsoft's Generative AI for NFP

Eily Lee Selvam Certificate of Completion

The Generative AI for Nonprofits webinar offered important insights on utilizing AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, driven by Azure OpenAI, to boost productivity in nonprofit organizations. It emphasized how AI can enhance tasks like drafting documents, summarizing information, conducting research, and resolving issues, greatly benefiting organizations such as Murray Bridge Council by optimizing workflows and improving decision-making. Main points emphasized the significance of incorporating AI into everyday activities while following ethical AI guidelines, prioritizing transparency and equity. The webinar highlighted AI's ability to revolutionize data management and communication by making intricate information more accessible for stakeholders. I intend to use these strategies to improve data management, boost communication, and incorporate tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot into upcoming projects, assisting in resolving present data issues more effectively.

Week 5: Learn how to build your own custom AI assistant

Eily Lee Selvam Certificate of Completion

The Build Your Copilot webinar focused on how organizations can leverage Microsoft’s Copilot Studio to create custom AI copilots tailored to their specific needs. The session introduced Copilot Studio, an end-to-end platform for building and extending Microsoft Copilot experiences using large language models. Key takeaways included how nonprofits can automate workflows, enhance productivity, and improve customer interactions by integrating AI tools into everyday tasks like IT services, human resources, and customer service.

The emphasis on responsible AI practices, such as privacy, security, and inclusiveness, resonated with my studies in IT, particularly as I major in AI. These insights will not only support my academic journey but also help me explore practical applications in the field, enhancing my skills for future career opportunities in AI development and technology innovation.

Week 6: Recording of Gaining Buy-In Strategies for IT Leadership to influence key Stakeholders in Organisational projects 

During the Gaining Buy-In: Strategies for IT Leadership to Influence Key Stakeholders in Organisational Projects webinar, I discovered the significance of establishing trust and encouraging teamwork while managing digital transformation initiatives. The session highlighted the importance for IT leaders to develop a captivating story that connects with stakeholders, explicitly outlining the issue at hand and the advantages of the proposed solution. By grasping the influence and impact of each stakeholder, and tailoring their engagement strategies to fit, IT leaders can achieve successful project results. These approaches are directly relevant to my role, as fostering stakeholder trust and encouraging collaboration are crucial for executing data-driven initiatives within organizations.

Week 7: Data, reporting, business intelligence and outcomes to enhance services

During the Data, Reporting, Business Intelligence, and Outcomes webinar, I discovered ways for not-for-profits to utilize digital technologies and data-focused approaches to improve their services in a post-COVID landscape. The meeting emphasized the application of business intelligence tools to assess service results, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), and enhance the effectiveness of their initiatives. These insights hold significant value as they assist organizations in better fulfilling funder expectations while enhancing service delivery. I intend to integrate these data-focused methods into my efforts to enhance the evaluation and reporting of community services, ultimately leading to a larger impact for the organizations I assist.

Week 8: How to ensure relationship fundraising is included in your core CRM requirements 

In the webinar How to Ensure Relationship Fundraising is Included in Your Core CRM Requirements, I discovered the significance of considering relationship fundraising as an essential aspect of CRM systems, on par with all other fundraising efforts. The meeting addressed the operational needs for critical sectors such as significant contributions, inheritance gifts, trusts, and corporate collaborations. It highlighted the necessity of CRM systems to assist in relationship management, covering prospect research, pipeline management, and stewardship tools, to guarantee that high-value, individual relationships are properly cultivated. These insights will aid in guaranteeing that relationship fundraising is not neglected in CRM implementations and is completely integrated to improve donor engagement and long-term success.  

Week 9: Preventing Data Disaster

The Preventing a Data Disaster webinar covered key tactics for protecting organizations from data breaches and cyber risks. It addressed different risks including ransomware, insider threats, and data exfiltration, highlighting the necessity of safeguarding sensitive information such as financial records and personal data. The session presented essential tools for data loss prevention (DLP) and emphasized the importance of balancing security with workflow efficiency.

One of the main takeaways was the need for organizations to identify critical data and implement measures like encryption, mobile device management, and content filtering. As someone studying IT with a focus on AI, these insights are valuable not just for securing data but also for understanding the importance of robust security measures in tech development. This knowledge will be critical in my future work, ensuring that systems I help build are both innovative and secure.

Week 10: What is AI? And how can it help your nonprofit organisation?

The AI for Nonprofits webinar examined how artificial intelligence can be used to tackle typical challenges encountered by nonprofits. It addressed subjects such as automating customer support, enhancing operational effectiveness, and crafting personalized supporter experiences. Moreover, it emphasized the significance of collecting quality data and employing skilled individuals to implement AI solutions successfully. A key point that emerged was that AI is most effective at addressing specific, clearly defined issues and necessitates continuous human supervision. As a student of AI, the knowledge gained from this webinar emphasized the necessity of merging AI tools with a solid grasp of organizational issues to develop effective solutions. This understanding will be crucial in guaranteeing that the AI systems I assist in creating are effective and focused on outcomes.

Yong Kheng Beh Visits Connecting Up for Q & A 16 October 2024: Tien Trang My Au, Jason Chun Kwan Lam, Yong Kheng and Eily 

We were incredibly excited to have Yong Kheng Beh visit Connecting Up on October 16, 2024. Her return sparked a vibrant discussion, and we were fortunate enough to engage with her as interns. Yong Kheng shared invaluable insights from her wealth of experience, covering a range of topics from university life to the intricacies of the work environment. Her stories about her previous project with Connecting Up not only inspired us but also highlighted the importance of collaboration and learning from one another. It was a fantastic opportunity to absorb her knowledge and perspective, and we left the session feeling motivated and enriched by our conversations with her.