Adelaide University Internship Experience - Holly Hongjie Xiang
Welcome Holly!
Holly Hongjie Xiang joined our SAcommunity Data Analytics Team for her University of Adelaide SET (Sciences, Engineering and Technology) Internship for her Master of Data Science Semester 2, 2024: starting 13 August 2024 - finishing 22 October 2024.
She completed a 140 hour internship onsite with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up Office, Infoxchange for 2 days (15 hours) a week for ~11 weeks around her classes.
Holly returned as a volunteer at SAcommunity for ~4 hours a week, flexible on the 29 October 2024 to continue her investigation into data analytics - Welcome back!
Total Hours 150.5 Joined 13 August 2024 Last Check-in 12 December 2024
Personal Biography
Holly Xiang has robust educational background in data science and finance. She has completed extensive coursework in data modeling, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Additionally, her background in finance provides her with a strong understanding of financial principles and data interpretation.
Currently, Holly is focused on mastering data analysis tools, with a particular emphasis on Power BI. Her primary goal is to gain hands-on experience in creating detailed visualizations and comprehensive reports that enhance data accessibility and support informed decision-making.
Holly aspires to pursue a career as a business analyst or data analyst. She is motivated to leverage her combined expertise in data science and finance to tackle real-world challenges and support strategic initiatives within organizations. Her goal is to contribute to impactful projects that utilize data to enhance decision-making processes and achieve organizational objectives.
Intern Lily Thuy Linh Nguyen gave publishing tips to Holly Hongjie Xiang on 11 Oct 2024
Community Services in Councils Project
Holly has selected Northern Areas Council for her Power BI council reports, a database of approximately 85 community services operating in the area for the financial years 2020-2021, 2022-2023. Her reports can be found >>here.
There are several steps involved in creating data reports for the community services of Northern Areas Council. Holly begins by downloading landing page and primary category data from Google Analytics 4 and converting it into an Excel format for easier processing. She then performs data cleaning using given Python scripts to address any initial inconsistencies and errors.
After the automated cleaning, Holly manually reviews the data with Data Lead or Coordinator to ensure its accuracy and makes necessary adjustments. Once the data is validated, Holly compiles it into comprehensive Excel files and uses PowerBI and Canva to create visualizations that highlight key trends and insights. The finalized reports are then uploaded to the SAcommunity website, and Holly contacts the respective council via email on the 22 October 2024 and phone to introduce the reports. These reports serve as tools to help stakeholders better understand community needs and gather their feedback.
Pankaj’s Guidance for Volunteers and Interns
Work experience - Internal and External Events, Connections and Networks
1. Introduction and Onboarding
On the first day, Pankaj Chhalotre provided a thorough overview of the different areas within the workplace, helping us get acquainted with the surroundings. Each of us took turns introducing ourselves and discussing our career aspirations, which fostered a great sense of connection among the team. She also outlined the steps for completing the new employee training, ensuring that we were clear on the process moving forward. This day created a positive and supportive foundation for the tasks ahead.
Infoxchange Monthly Staff Meeting with all Staff, Volunteers and Interns on 13 August 2024
2.Connecting Up Monthly Staff Meeting
Holly took an active role in attending various meetings and training sessions to gain a deeper understanding of Connecting Up and SAcommunity’s operations. Starting with the August monthly staff meeting, which featured a presentation by Kylie Love, Senior People and Culture Business Partner from the Brisbane office, Pankaj warmly welcomed all interns and volunteers. He introduced them to the core goals and mission of SAcommunity and provided a roadmap of upcoming initiatives. This meeting helped Holly understand the organization’s focus and encouraged her to contribute actively to the team's future projects.
Connecting Up Monthly Staff Meeting with all Staff, Volunteers and Interns on 8 Oct 2024
In October, Holly attended another important staff meeting, which was led by Eric. This session involved updates from several key teams, including Customer Service, Marketing, Website Rebuild, and Data Analysis. Each team reflected on their progress from the previous month and shared their objectives for October. This meeting helped ensure alignment across all departments, creating a clear path for the month ahead.
Telephone technique training on 8 October 2024
Training and Development
1.Telephone Techniques
Holly participated in training sessions led by Catherine, aimed at improving communication skills for interacting with service providers and working up to councils as part of the Data Analytics Team’s efforts in maintaining, updating and introducing datasets. This training provided Holly with essential techniques for effectively introducing herself and the organization, asking for specific information, and leaving clear, professional messages. By practicing these skills, she became more confident in handling phone interactions.
Additionally, Holly learned how to collect, clean, and update data to confirm and update directory information. The training also focused on how to seek feedback from councils after generating data reports, ensuring that the communication process continues smoothly through both phone and email interactions. These skills have better prepared her for future communications and report presentations, and ongoing practice has made her more comfortable in these tasks.
Holly's Mentor meeting with Liezl Thomas and Lancy Lanxi Zhang on 15 October 2024
2. Mentor Session
Connecting Up Interns are provided with the opportunity to select staff members from across the wider Infoxchange organisation for an informational mentor meeting. Here they have the opportunity to ask more about staff members job roles and employment journey, and learn about their career and professional development, to gain insights and guidance that can be applied towards their own success.
I prepared 5 questions for mentor and then recorded 5 aspects I felt were helpful to share on my portfolio for both myself and other interns. I shared my experience in meeting Liezl Thomas – Project manager, Infoxchange.
1. Having collaborated with many candidates, what characteristics, work ethic, or abilities have stood out to you in interns or recent graduates?
Liezl that trust and respect are crucial in any professional relationship. She said, "If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you can’t, have a good reason why it wasn’t done." She believes that once trust and respect are lost, they’re very hard to regain. She highly values honesty and advises setting clear, realistic expectations from the start.
2. What do you wish you had known when you were a student that would have better prepared you for your career?
Liezl wishes she had been “braver” early on in her career. She mentioned, "If you really want a position, be bold and apply, even if you don’t meet every requirement." She encourages embracing discomfort and not letting fear of rejection stop you from pursuing opportunities.
3. What behaviors have you observed in the workplace that you feel are unprofessional?
Liezl pointed out that some people are “good at appearances” but contribute little to actual work, a group she calls "perception managers." They may excel at presenting themselves well to management but don’t necessarily get much work done. She compared this to the "freeloaders" often found in school group projects and admitted that dealing with them is challenging. Her approach is to identify these individuals and manage work around them where possible.
4. What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most, and what aspects do you find less appealing?
Liezl said her biggest frustration comes when colleagues don’t meet her high standards. She believes in delivering quality, especially in non-profit work where resources are limited. On the other hand, what she enjoys most is the satisfaction of working in a well-functioning team. She explained, “When you work with a reliable team, everything just clicks, and you know you’re delivering great work.” For her, teamwork creates a supportive environment where colleagues can rely on each other to achieve a common goal.
5. Since soft skills are crucial when applying for jobs, how can we effectively showcase our soft skills on our resumes?
Liezl suggested that instead of just listing soft skills like "communication" or "teamwork," it’s better to use real examples. In your cover letter or resume, describe how you applied these skills in specific situations, such as resolving a conflict or leading a team. This approach gives a clearer and more practical demonstration of your abilities.
Lunch and Learn | Launch of the IX way on 13 Aug 2024
IX Lunch & Learn Sessions
In the Lunch & Learn session, Jo Davies, Chief Operating Officer, and Jenna Bertieri, People and Culture Change Manager, introduced "The IX Way." This initiative is designed to unify the organization's culture by establishing a shared sense of purpose, guiding our interactions, values, and accountability. The IX Way provides a clear framework for how we work together, ensuring consistency across the organization and fostering a strong, cohesive environment that supports both individual and team growth.
The session also addressed the key principles of hybrid work, which include balance, teamwork, well-being, connection, and ownership. These principles are meant to guide employees in managing their remote work effectively while staying connected and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Emphasis was placed on teamwork and ensuring that everyone, whether working from home or in the office, collaborates effectively. Infoxchange also stressed the importance of well-being, prioritizing the physical and mental health of employees.
The goal is to foster a supportive environment where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their work and engage meaningfully with their teams.A central theme of The IX Way is the importance of clear and intentional communication. Effective communication ensures that teams are aligned and working efficiently. Employees are encouraged to be purposeful in their meetings by clearly defining goals and choosing the appropriate communication tools. Furthermore, the use of consistent, branded templates for both internal and external communication is essential to maintaining professional standards and a unified organizational identity.
Overall, The IX Way marks an important step in creating a more connected and agile organization. Initiatives like Cake and Connect Day, combined with the focus on hybrid work principles, aim to foster a work culture where employees feel valued, engaged, and empowered. By embedding these practices into everyday operations, Infoxchange will continue to build a collaborative and purpose-driven workplace that supports growth and delivers impactful outcomes.
Health & Wellbeing Webinar - Foods to Boost Your Mood on 20 August 2024
In the webinar, Elaine Fox, Head of Product and Innovation at Healthworks, offered insightful information on how diet can directly impact emotional well-being. She highlighted that adopting a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is essential for both mental and physical health.
Elaine advised participants to focus on incorporating a variety of plant-based and minimally processed foods, emphasizing fruits and vegetables. She also recommended including moderate amounts of high-quality proteins like seafood, lean meats, and dairy in daily meals. By ensuring an adequate intake of Omega-3 fatty acids—commonly found in fish and nuts—along with essential vitamins and minerals, Elaine explained how these nutrients positively affect brain function and mood regulation. She specifically recommended consuming at least five servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits each day for maximum benefits.
During the session, Elaine also discussed the risks of consuming hyper-palatable, processed foods, which are often high in calories but lacking in nutritional value. Although these foods can provide temporary satisfaction, they tend to lead to unhealthy cravings and overconsumption, which can negatively impact long-term health. She pointed out that these foods create a cycle of pleasure followed by the urge to eat more, contributing to both physical and mental well-being challenges.
A key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of “eating like a rainbow,” or incorporating a diverse range of colorful fruits and vegetables into daily meals. This simple yet powerful approach promotes not only better physical health but also emotional stability. Elaine’s practical tips for healthier eating encouraged attendees to reflect on their current dietary habits and consider adopting a more holistic, balanced approach to their nutrition.
Overall, the webinar provided an informative and refreshing look at the strong connection between food and mood, offering practical advice on making healthier choices to support overall mental and physical wellness.
Data Catalyst Network: Working with Government data on 1 October 2024
The Data Catalyst Network, a partnership between the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Infoxchange. Comprises of nearly 50 organizations, and collaborates with the not-for-profit community sector to leverage data in innovative ways, aiming to break cycles of disadvantage.
The Smith Family Learning for Life program aimed to assist children facing disadvantage by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to actively participate in school and improve their educational performance. Through a collaboration with the South Australian Department for Education, the program utilized real-time educational data to deliver timely and focused support to students and their families, ensuring challenges were addressed as they occurred.
The program placed a strong focus on real-time access to data regarding student attendance, academic performance, and behavior. This allowed for early detection of potential issues, enabling more proactive interventions to help students stay on track.
Moreover, the project highlighted the value of data-driven strategies, illustrating how effective data use can significantly improve the educational support offered to students, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both students and their families.
Digital Training & Development
Volunteers and interns have access to the Connecting Up Digital Learning Platform providing live webinars and recorded webinars, workshops and webcons presented by subject-matter experts to understand more about a range of technology topics for the not-for-profit sector.
Holly selected and participated in relevant training sessions, then reviewed and analyzed them to see how they could improve her internship experience and support her development.
Leveraging Microsoft's generative AI tools
Holly Hongjie Xiang Certificate of Completion
The webinar highlighted how AI can significantly improve efficiency within the nonprofit sector. Tools like Microsoft Copilot were showcased for their ability to streamline routine tasks such as drafting emails and generating reports, which can save valuable time in resource-limited environments.
A key focus of the session was the importance of ensuring AI literacy across all staff members. Nonprofits were encouraged to invest in training to help employees effectively use AI tools, particularly in data analysis and communication. The concept of "prompt engineering" was emphasized as a useful technique for refining AI queries, enabling more accurate and relevant outputs.
Additionally, the webinar stressed the need for responsible AI usage, including verifying AI-generated content to prevent inaccuracies and biases. This is especially critical for maintaining trust and transparency within the nonprofit sector.
Overall, the session provided practical insights on integrating AI to optimize workflows without compromising ethical standards. It offered clear guidance on how nonprofits can adopt AI to improve productivity and enhance overall operations.
AI 101: Empowering NFPs for the digital era
Holly Hongjie Xiang Certificate of Completion
The "AI 101: Empowering NFPs for the Digital Era" webinar provided a practical overview of how artificial intelligence can be effectively integrated into nonprofit organizations. It introduced the distinction between narrow AI, which handles specific tasks, and general AI, which has broader cognitive capabilities. This understanding helps nonprofits choose the right AI tools to enhance their operations.
The session outlined ten actionable ways AI can be applied in nonprofit work, such as marketing, volunteer management, donor personalization, and grant writing. These strategies offer realistic, implementable solutions that can bring immediate benefits to resource-limited organizations.
A key focus was on utilizing existing AI tools, such as those embedded in platforms like Canva or social media, to streamline content creation and social media management. The idea of applying AI to improve volunteer management and HR processes was also highlighted as highly practical, particularly for organizations managing large teams or donor bases.
The webinar emphasized the importance of ethical AI usage, including the need to check for biases and verify AI-generated content to ensure accuracy. The discussion on AI quirks, such as "hallucinations," underscored the necessity of human oversight to avoid potential errors or misinformation.
Overall, the session provided clear, actionable insights into how nonprofits can start small with AI and gradually expand its use across various areas. It demonstrated how AI can not only improve operational efficiency but also help organizations focus more on mission-critical tasks by freeing up valuable resources.
My Internship Experience
From the very beginning of my internship, I have had the privilege of working with a highly supportive and knowledgeable team. Harsh Bhatt and Olivia Thi Kim Oanh Nguyen were instrumental in helping me understand the workflow and daily routines, allowing me to quickly adjust and contribute to the team. When I began working on data analysis, Eily Lee Selvam and Todd Guanhua Tao provided invaluable guidance, with Todd, in particular, teaching me how to use code to clean and organize data in alignment with Google Analytics 4—an essential skill that has significantly enhanced my technical capabilities. Additionally, Stathis Avramis, the Data Analytics Team Lead, helped me grasp the core distinctions between Universal Analytics and GA4, showing me how to efficiently extract relevant datasets for specific analysis.
In addition to the technical support, Lancy Lanxi Zhang kindly assisted me in editing my portfolio. Her advice on how to effectively organize and present my work has been extremely beneficial, ensuring my projects are showcased in a professional and impactful manner.
I am especially grateful to Catherine McIntyre for her constant encouragement, patience, and invaluable expertise. Her guidance has played a crucial role in my development throughout this internship. Catherine's leadership and dedication to mentoring have not only expanded my knowledge but also greatly increased my confidence in handling complex tasks.
This internship has been a truly enriching experience, both personally and professionally. I have acquired valuable skills in data analysis, gained a deeper understanding of personal branding and collaboration, and experienced what it means to be part of a supportive and collaborative team. The environment at Connecting Up has fostered my growth, and I feel well-prepared and confident to face future challenges. This experience has been transformative, and I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills I have gained to future opportunities.
