Adelaide University Internship Experience - Alex Thi Ngoc-Bich Nguyen

Welcome Alex!

Alex (Thi Ngoc-Bich Nguyen) joined our SAcommunity Data Analytics Team for her University of Adelaide Internship with her Master of Data Science in Semester 2, 2024: 13 August 2024 - 01 November 2024.

She completed a 140-hour internship onsite with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up office (Infoxchange), working 2-3 days a week for ~12 weeks alongside her classes. After her internship and university studies are complete, she is planning to return as a volunteer to further develop her report for local councils.

Total Hours 143     Joined 13 August 2024     Last Check-in 1 November 2024 

Personal Biography

Alex is in her final year of Master of Data Science at the University of Adelaide (UoA), driven by a deep passion for data's potential. Before moving to Adelaide in October 2022, she earned a BA in Marketing in Vietnam and gained valuable experience in marketing, event management, and consumer insights with companies like McDonald’s, Ipsos, and Kantar. Her newfound passion for data led her to Australia to pursue a career as a data scientist and analyst.​

Alex’s commitment to helping others shines through her extensive volunteering efforts. She strongly believes in "Pay it Forward," particularly in assisting new international students adjust to new cultures and communities. As a peer mentor and advisory committee member for UoA’s Student Leaders Network, Community Volunteering Program, and International Student Support, she has made a significant impact. She was also named a National Student Volunteer Week Advocate in 2024 and served as a student ambassador for StudyAdelaide and UoA in 2023-2024.​

Currently interning at Connecting Up, Alex is contributing to the SAcommunity directory, providing insights to Alexandrina council to enhance community services. Her future goal is to apply her expertise in a role with the Government of South Australia or a not-for-profit (NFP) organisation, where she can continue making a meaningful difference.​ 

Figure: Alexandrina Council's Power BI report snapshot of financial year 2021-2022

SAcommunity Project in Community Service Statistics for Local Councils

The SAcommunity Community Service Statistics project provides data summaries for local councils across South Australia about community services. We use Power BI to visualise web analytics, offering insight into service demands through comprehensive reports with dynamic and interactive views for each financial year (FY). These reports help councils understand the needs of their communities, showcasing data on service counts, session percentages, and service-specific visits to better address community demands.

I selected 3 councils for the FY 2023-2024 (Gerard Community Council, Maralinga Tjarutja Community Inc, and Nepabunna Community Council) for data analysis - focusing on the Outback areas. Due to the limited availability of services in these regions (only one service per council), I included the Alexandrina Council which offers 328 community services, to enhance the insights presented in the Power BI reports for the 2021-2024 financial years. After completing the Power BI reports, I continued developing infographic graphics in Canva to illustrate key data points for local councils, making the information accessible to those from non-technical backgrounds.

Photo: Kane, a former intern and current volunteer, demonstrated the 3-year comparison dashboard process for Alex and Eily

The project process is outlined as follows:

1. Data extraction: I extracted community service records as CSV files from the SAcommunity website, organised by financial year, along with CSV data from Google Analytics 4 (GA4) detailing user interactions and activity related to community service searches on SAcommunity.
2. Data cleaning: I compared cleaned GA4 data with community service records using Python scripts (developed by teammates Anubhav, Harsh, Mihir, Todd, and Eily) to correct typos and verify primary categories.
3. Manual review: I cross-checked data with the SAcommunity website to assess currently available services.
4. Visualisation: Once the data was cleaned, I visualised it in Power BI and Canva, leveraging templates from previous projects by Harsh, Olivia, Sylvia, and Kane.
5. Advanced analysis: I am also implementing geo-tagging and comparison reports to better visualise the distribution of community services in Alexandrina Council.

Next, after the internship, I plan to return as a volunteer at SAcommunity to finalise the 3-year comparison report and contact Alexandrina Council's staff to share key insights and recommendations for improving their community services.

>> Explore Alex’s work on the Alexandrina Council reports: Alexandrina Council <<

 

Photo: First day of SAcommunity internship, 13 August 2024, with Leeves, Todd, Lily, Holly, Ivy, Lancy, Eily, Anju, Harsh, Mostafa, Robert, Tien, Olivia, and Alice

Work Experience - Internal and External Events, Information, Connections and Networks

1. Internal Events

During Alex's internship with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up office of Infoxchange (IX), several internal events provided opportunities for deeper involvement in the organisation. Below are key events that she attended, along with brief reflections on the experiences.

Photo: Pankaj, Head of Connecting Up, welcomed new interns 13 August 2024

Welcoming from Head of Connecting Up, Pankaj

Pankaj, the Head of Connecting Up, welcomed all new interns and volunteers to the Adelaide office. He shared his personal journey from intern to head of the organisation, offering insights into the company’s working culture and collaborative approach. Pankaj asked about my experiences and studies, encouraging me to speak openly about projects I was passionate about, even if those ideas weren't currently on the organisation’s radar. His words inspired me to be more vocal about potential projects, fostering a sense of confidence in contributing ideas that align with both personal passions and Connecting Up/Infoxchange goals.

Photo: Connecting Up monthly staff meeting, 13 August 2024, with Kylie Love, Acting Chief People Officer from the Brisbane office

Connecting Up Monthly Meetings (August & October)
These monthly meetings provided an overview of the progress in developing and launching new products. I gained exposure to cross-department collaboration with the Technology, Marketing, and Customer Services teams, enhancing my understanding of project management within the organisation.

Photo: SAcommunity project monthly meeting, 04 September 2024, with Stathis, Head of SAcommunity Data Analytics Team about SAcommunity workplace culture

Photo: SAcommunity project monthly meeting, 02 October 2024, about Google Analytics GA4 current workflow 

SAcommunity Monthly Meetings
I participated in two SAcommunity monthly meetings, where project updates, upcoming opportunities, and challenges were discussed. These meetings gave me valuable insight into the organisation’s operations and the collaborative efforts between various teams.

Photo: Discussion about community services insights for local councils with Stathis, Head of SAcommunity Data Analytics Team, and Eily, Mihir, Lancy

Photo: Peer-to-peer learning discussion with Kurinji and Hui Tao about visualisation and personal branding

Supervisor and Peer-to-Peer Learning and Discussion Sessions
In the Connecting Up office, I participated in supervisor-led and peer-to-peer learning sessions focused on improving efficiency in reporting, understanding the importance of my work, and identifying data issues. These collaborative discussions offered me practical insights into refining reports and addressing common data challenges, fostering a deeper understanding of how to make meaningful contributions to the team. This reflective learning approach not only enhanced my technical skills but also promoted teamwork and continuous improvement. 

Photo: Yong Kheng's sharing about her experiences in undertaking her industry project: SAcommunity chatbot implementation leading to a full-time employment role, 01 November 2024

Peer-to-Peer Sharing Sessions
SAcommunity fosters an inclusive and connected environment where previous interns and volunteers frequently return to share their experiences. These peer-to-peer sharing sessions offer valuable insights into how the internship has helped them secure full-time positions, advance their professional development, and build strong personal brands.

We heard inspiring stories and practical tips from Yong Kheng, Olivia, Sylvia, Harsh, Mostafa, and Alice as they shared their journeys from volunteer and intern roles to full-time employment. They provided diverse perspectives on topics like chatbots, AI, customer success, data analytics, programming, automation, and personal branding, offering us valuable guidance for our own professional growth.

Photo: Infoxchange's Lunch & Learn - Launch of the IX Way, 13 August 2024

Lunch & Learn Sessions
Lunch & Learn sessions are monthly casual training events at Infoxchange (IX) that allow staff from different offices to connect and learn over lunch.

I joined the first sessions on my first day of internship in August with the focus was on the Launch of the IX Way. The session highlighted Infoxchange's focus on digital empowerment, sector capability, and collaborative impact. The company values commitment, inclusion, innovation, collaboration, and accountability. I learned about IX's initiatives to foster connection and purpose among employees, such as monthly Cake & Connect days, social events, Viva Engage story-sharing, end-of-year celebrations, quarterly townhalls, and initiatives like planting trees for employee milestones. The session also emphasised effective communication through tools, written language, and well-structured meetings, alongside staff recognition through shoutouts and formal nominations via IXcel. 

Photo: Infoxchange's Lunch & Learn - Let's Talk Innovation, 25 September 2024

In September, Lunch & Learn's theme was Innovation. Jo Davies, Chief Operating Officer, discussed innovation as a spectrum, focusing on staying sector-relevant, scaling impact, improving efficiency, retaining and attracting talent, and enhancing the IX brand. I learned about the 5-stage design thinking process and how to develop or improve products and services using a matrix that evaluates technology's impact and newness.

Photo: Quick Linx catch-up with Sean Sullivan, Finance Officer at Infoxchange's Melbourne office and his lovely pug - Jimmy, 04 October 2024

Quick Linx Catch-up Session
I had an engaging Quick Linx session with Sean Sullivan, Finance Officer at Infoxchange's Melbourne office. During the conversation, we connected over our shared love for working in NFP organisations, driven by a desire to contribute to society. Sean also shared stories about his pug, Jimmy, and discussed countries like Norway and Switzerland, known for free education and healthcare. The conversation left me with a renewed appreciation for Infoxchange’s work culture and a sense of belonging in the organisation.

Photo: Mental Health Awareness Week's coffee connect, 09 October 2024, between Connecting Up staff (Julia and Chloe) and SAcommunity interns Teffi, Jason, Karthick, Lily, Tien, and Kurinji

Coffee Connect for Mental Health Awareness Week 7 - 13 October 2024
During Mental Health Awareness Week, I finally had a chance to talk with Chloe and Julia, staff members in the Connecting Up office at Café Bang Bang. This informal coffee catch-up provided an opportunity to learn about their experiences working at Connecting Up and the professional growth they achieved within the company. The meaningful conversation reinforced my appreciation for the supportive and inclusive environment at Infoxchange.

Photo: Cake & Connect, a break from the screens with IX's staff and current interns Navodani, Alex, Julia, James (Web Developer), Aaron, Eric (Account Manager), Chloe (Marketing Coordinator), Rex (Volunteer), Mihir, Jason, Jacinta (Volunteer), Eily, and Kurinji)

Monthly Cake & Connect for Staff
Infoxchange has introduced monthly Cake & Connect sessions to foster a sense of community among colleagues. On 1 November, during the morning tea gathering, staff came together for a quick catch-up and a break from their screens to recharge after a busy week. During this session, I learned that Pankaj would be returning to the office next week, and everyone shared their weekend plans and upcoming work tasks.

End-of-Week CEO Update with David Spriggs
The weekly updates from Infoxchange's CEO David Spriggs offered me insight into the organisation’s culture and employee engagement initiatives. These updates highlighted the company’s transparency and commitment to keeping all employees informed and aligned with its mission.

 Photo: Mentor meeting with David Simpson at Infoxchange's Brisbane office 18 October 2024  

3. Mentor Meeting with David Simpson

Connecting Up’s mentoring program pairs interns and volunteers with experienced staff at Connecting Up and Infoxchange for career guidance and skill development through informal, half-hour meetings. The program supports interns and volunteers by offering role-specific guidance, building team connections, highlighting relevant training opportunities, and inviting participation in team and social events. This mentorship fosters a developmental partnership, encouraging eager, committed mentees to learn and apply new skills.

Through this initiative, I had the opportunity to connect with David Simpson, a Business Analyst at Infoxchange (IX): Technology, based in the Brisbane office. David shared his inspiring career journey, insights into his day-to-day work, and valuable advice for anyone looking to start a career in business analysis:

• Career journey: David's journey into business analysis began right after university, where he joined eHealth Queensland as a graduate. He has since grown into his role at IX, driven by a passion for making a difference and contributing to NFP projects. David emphasised the importance of aligning one's work with what matters most, which ultimately led him to IX after initially starting in more corporate-focused roles.
• Typical day and work enjoyment: David's typical week as a Business Analyst (BA) involves balancing multiple projects, setting clear priorities with his manager, and collaborating closely with both customers and developers. Acting as a bridge between these stakeholders, David ensures effective communication and successful project outcomes. He shared that one of the most rewarding aspects of his work is the diversity of projects, each presenting unique challenges and offering the opportunity to create a positive impact on the community.
• Key skills for success: David highlighted several key skills essential for success in the field, including strong communication abilities, confidence, and a love for continuous learning. He stressed that being an effective communicator is crucial, as a significant part of a BA's role is understanding the needs of both technical and non-technical stakeholders and translating them effectively. Confidence in one's abilities, paired with curiosity to keep learning, is also vital for thriving in the ICT field.
• Career reflections: Reflecting on his career, David shared that if he could go back, he would establish his preferred communication style with managers earlier on. Understanding how one best learns and communicates can significantly enhance both job satisfaction and performance. He also emphasised that making mistakes is a natural part of the journey, and learning to own them is key to professional growth.
• Advice for aspiring BAs: For anyone looking to enter the field of business analysis, David recommended mastering foundational skills, such as those outlined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). He emphasised the importance of focusing on the basics, as they are universally applicable and provide a strong foundation across various industries. His advice is to always be open to learning, recognising that these foundational skills will carry individuals forward throughout their careers.

This mentoring session with David was incredibly insightful for me. Hearing about his journey and experiences has provided a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed as a Business Analyst and has inspired me to continue refining skills and growing in this field. 

4. Professional Development - Training and Webinars
During Alex's internship with SAcommunity, Alex had the opportunity to participate in several trainings and webinars provided by leading experts through the Connecting Up Digital Training Platform for the not-for-profit sector at no cost to interns and volunteers.

Photo: Connecting Up's webinar - Excel for database with tips and tricks

Week 2: Excel for Database with Tips and Tricks

Guest speaker Debbie Mayo-Smith shared practical tips for non-technical staff to use Excel for building efficient databases, particularly useful for nonprofits managing event registrations. Her success formula: Information + Communication + Automation = Effective Database.

My key takeaways:

• Database essentials: Export contacts/emails from Outlook to Excel and add new columns rather than creating new sheets for easy filtering.
• Efficiency hacks: Use filters, pivot tables, and functions like PROPER (formats text), TRIM (removes spaces), and Text-to-Columns for better organisation.

Photo: Connecting Up's webinar - Getting started with MS Fabric & Alex's certificate of compeltion

Week 3: Getting started with Microsoft Fabric

I chose the training on Microsoft (MS) Fabric, drawn to its innovative approach to data management within the Microsoft ecosystem.

I was interested because of the potential to streamline the data analysis process by enabling direct integration of a data warehouse into Power BI. This integration allows users to work seamlessly within a single platform, reducing the need for external data processing. Another appealing aspect was the ability to use SQL to query data in Power BI instead of relying solely on DAX, which aligns with my background and preference for SQL-based data handling practices. Additionally, the flexibility MS Fabric offers to model and clean data directly within Power BI stood out as a practical solution for immediate adjustments.

By exploring MS Fabric, I hope to deepen my understanding of efficient data workflows that enhance both speed and accuracy in business intelligence projects. 

Photo: SAcommunity's telephone techniques training, 11 September 2024, led by Catherine McIntyre (Community Service Directory Manager) and volunteer David Webb

Week 5&9: Telephone Techniques Training

In addition to tasks like cleaning and visualising data, one of my key responsibilities was checking and verifying information with community organisations and local councils. To prepare for this role, Catherine McIntyre (Community Service Directory Manager) and volunteer David Webb provided training for all volunteers and interns on how to initiate conversations and capture the attention of people they had not met before over the phone. We learned about potential dialogues that could occur during these calls and practiced with each other to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

Photo: Linkedin Learning - Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training

Week 7: LinkedIn Learning - Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training

For this week, I explored LinkedIn Learning course - Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essential Training. With access to LinkedIn Learning through the SA Public Library Network from SAcommunity's instructions, I used this opportunity to deepen my knowledge of GA4 beyond the training provided at SAcommunity, hoping to pick up helpful tips and methods to make data work easier and more effective.

My key takeaways:

• Understanding user behavior: GA4’s new approach to tracking user actions gives a clearer picture of how people interact with a website.
• Custom tracking: I learnt ways to set up specific actions to track, making it easier to measure important moments when users interact with the site.
• Visual tools: GA4 includes tools to map out user journeys, which helps in spotting where users might lose interest, providing clues on how to improve the website experience.
• Predictive features: GA4 also has predictive tools, which give a glimpse into likely future behaviors of users, offering helpful insights for planning ahead.

After completing this course, I picked up valuable methods to refine my data analysis at SAcommunity, helping make data insights clearer and the overall process more efficient.

Photo: Harsh's Birthday Celebration at SAcommunity with Anju, Anubhav, Tien, Jason, and Karthick 

Final Reflections and Future Goals
During my internship at SAcommunity within the Connecting Up office, I not only gained technical expertise in data analytics but also built meaningful, long-term connections. Engaging with team members, supervisors, and peers through various internal events and collaborative sessions, I developed a deeper appreciation for Infoxchange's inclusive culture and its mission-driven approach. These relationships extended beyond the professional realm, fostering a sense of community that I plan to nurture even after my internship. The insights and connections I made will undoubtedly shape my career as I look forward to staying connected with the Infoxchange network, sharing knowledge, and contributing to future initiatives.

>> Explore more Alex’s professional development on LinkedIn! <<