Adelaide University Internship - Deekshitha Goud Podeti
Welcome Deekshitha!
Deekshitha Goud Podeti has joined our Data Analytics Team for her Adelaide University SET (Sciences, Engineering and Technology) Internship as part of her Master of Data Science, Trimester 2, 2025, from 27 May 2025 to 1st August 2025.
She is completing a 140-hour onsite internship with SAcommunity at the Connecting Up Office, Infoxchange, working 2 days per week over 10 weeks.
Total Hours: 140 Joined: 27 May 2025 Last Check-in: 1st August 2025 (Completed)
Personal Biography
Deekshitha is currently pursuing her Master of Data Science at the University of Adelaide. Originally from India, she brings prior industry experience as a Data Analyst at NTT Data, where she worked on business intelligence projects for Grupo Bimbo, a global food and bakery products company. In this role, she focused on data visualization, KPI tracking, and actionable analytics to support decision-making in the FMCG sector. Since early 2024, she has also balanced her studies with part-time customer service roles in Retail Industry.
Currently interning at Connecting Up (Infoxchange), Deekshitha is focused on strengthening her skills in data analytics, reporting, and visualization. With a strong foundation in data modeling and dashboard development, she aspires to build a long-term career in analytics ideally within the Fast Moving Consumer Goods(FMCG), healthcare, or public service sectors,where she can contribute to innovation, efficiency, and positive community outcomes.
People & Culture Events: National Volunteer Week and Induction for New Interns
From L-R: Intern Mahir Numayeer Islam, Volunteers Yong Kheng Beh and Joe Xanqiao Zhang, Charmi Divecha, Meixuan Liao,Shrushti Rajendra Ladage, Deekshitha Goud Podeti and staff member Julia Koh (Former intern)
Induction And Orientation For Interns 27 May 2025
The internship began on a warm and positive note with a cake-cutting celebration to mark National Volunteer Week in Australia. It was a wonderful opportunity for interns, volunteers, and staff to come together, connect, and share their career goals. The friendly and supportive environment created an encouraging start, setting an uplifting tone for the exciting internship journey ahead.
Community Services in Councils Project
I selected Southern Mallee District Council for my Power BI council reports, a database of approximately 53 community services operating in the area for the financial years 2023-2024, and 2024-2025, my completed reports can be found here.
The process of creating community service information data presentations involves several steps. Data trends are summarized by utilizing information from Google Analytics and SAcommunity. Subsequently, Power BI and Canva reports are generated, which may reveal data anomalies and the need for corrections. The database is then updated with improved information, and the reports are recreated. The final data reports are published on the website and introduced by Deekshitha to council stakeholders for their information and feedback.
Additionally, Deekshitha created a dashboard summarizing the community service information for the Southern Mallee District Council over the preceding Five years (shown above). This comprehensive dashboard allows for comparison and analysis of the data over the previous Five years and community service demand trends.
Image: Deekshitha Goud Podeti on the phone with Southern Mallee District Council.
Council Contact
Deekshitha contacted Southern Mallee District Council on the 30 July 2025 and 1st of August 2025 by email and by phone to raise awareness of the SAcommunity service with potential stakeholders, that is council staff working in community consultation or community development areas, to present her publicly available data reports which can be used as another tool to understand their community needs in the area.
Deekshitha contacted Southern Mallee District Council on the 30 July 2025 and 1st of August 2025 by email and by phone to raise awareness of the SAcommunity service with potential stakeholders, that is council staff working in community consultation or community development areas, to present her publicly available data reports which can be used as another tool to understand their community needs in the area.
Infoxchange Mentoring Program | 25th July, 2025
The Connecting Up mentorship initiative helps interns choose their mentors and have 30-minute guidance sessions. Designed to bolster career growth and skill-building, the program offers tailored advice for specific roles, fosters connections across teams, highlights pertinent training, and encourages involvement in both work and social activities. This supportive framework creates a collaborative partnership, empowering motivated mentees to acquire and apply new competencies
Session with Kristen Moeller-Saxone
I recently had the privilege of being mentored by Kristen Moeller-Saxone, the Data Capability Lead at Infoxchange’s Digital Transformation Hub. Kristen generously shared her professional journey, providing a clear look into her day-to-day responsibilities and how she bridges data science with practical outcomes, especially in the not-for-profit sector. Our conversation was incredibly valuable, offering not only career guidance but also practical advice on translating data skills into real-world impact.
Kristen described her own shift from academic research to data roles within mission-driven organizations. She emphasized the importance of moving from exploratory analysis to delivering insights under time and business constraints. She encouraged me to adopt a mindset focused on iteration and efficiency — favoring reliable tools and proven methods when deadlines are tight, and always grounding analysis in KPIs and organizational goals.
Kristen credits her ongoing growth to staying engaged with the broader data community and learning beyond formal training. She attends industry events, reflects on past work, and keeps a consistent schedule for professional development. This approach has helped her stay relevant and purpose-driven in her work.
Making Data Actionable
A standout insight was Kristen’s advice to always connect data to decisions. She’s seen many dashboards packed with charts that fail to deliver clear recommendations. Her advice: never lose sight of the core business question, and always aim to drive meaningful decisions through your analysis. She also emphasized understanding data governance and quality from the beginning.
Preparing for Leadership
Looking ahead to leadership roles, Kristen shared that strong technical skills alone aren’t enough. Navigating organizational dynamics, understanding the broader context, and communicating with influence are all key. Her involvement in groups like DAMA and the Data Champions Network has helped expand her leadership lens. She encouraged me to build skills in project management and stakeholder engagement, alongside my technical development.
People & Culture Events: Infoxchange's Biggest Morning Tea - Cancer Council 17 June 2025
From Front L - R: Head of Connecting Up Pankaj Chhalotre with staff member James Newport, Volunteer Stathis Avramis, Rex Porter, Yong Kheng Beh, Staff Members, Keegan Witney & Samantha Whillas, Volunteers Robert, Joe, Staff Member Eric Jenkins, Intern Shrushti, Staff Members Chloe Le & Julia Koh, Interns Deekshitha, Mahir, Charmi and Meixuan.
Infoxchanges Biggest Morning Tea - Cancer Council 17 June 2025
The Biggest Morning Tea helps the Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy.
Infoxchange All Staff Town Hall Meetings 27 May 2025
On the first day of the internship at ConnectingUp, the interns had the opportunity to attend an all-staff meeting that set the stage for an insightful journey ahead. The meeting introduced the organization’s vibrant culture, strategic priorities, and future development plans. It offered a valuable window into how Connecting Up continuously strives to improve its operations and remain customer-focused in every aspect of service delivery.
A particularly engaging part of the session was the discussion around the organization’s evolving use of AI. Rather than seeing AI as just another digital tool, interns gained an appreciation for how these technologies are being practically integrated to enhance productivity and streamline real-world business processes. It was an inspiring introduction that left a lasting impression and sparked curiosity about the innovative work ahead.
Connecting Up Staff Meeting 10 June 2025.
On 10 June 2025, the monthly staff meeting at Connecting Up provided a valuable opportunity to bring the entire team together. It was an engaging session where different teams, including Marketing, Accounts and Customer Service, shared updates on their current projects and achievements.
The Head of Connecting Up Pankaj Chhalotre also presented important insights and reflections on the financial year’s progress. For the interns, it was a great chance to meet team members from across the organization and gain a clearer picture of the exciting work happening company-wide. The meeting was highly interactive, creating a space for open discussion and team connection, making it a truly informative and welcoming experience.
Connecting Up Staff Meeting 08 July 2025.
Image:Monthly staff Meeting
From L-R: Intern Mahir Numayeer Islam, Charmi Divecha, Meixuan Liao,Shrushti Rajendra Ladage, Deekshitha Goud Podeti Volunteers Yong Kheng Beh and Joe Xanqiao Zhang,Robert Tran Huy Tran, and staff member Pankaj Chhalotre(Head of Connecting Up) ,Julia Koh (Former intern),Eric Jenkins(Account Manager), Chloe Le(Marketing Coordinator),Keegan Witney(Customer Support Officer)
In this month’s staff meeting, we had a productive discussion covering updates and progress across several key teams within the organization:
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SA Community Team
The team shared ongoing initiatives and community engagement activities. They emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships and continuing support for local communities. -
Website Rebuild Team
An update was given on the website redevelopment project. The team highlighted the progress made, current milestones, and the anticipated timeline for launching the new site. -
Customer Service Team
The team discussed improvements in response time and service quality. They are also working on new ways to enhance the overall customer experience. -
Financial Team
A financial overview was presented, including recent expenditures and budgeting plans. The team is actively monitoring financial health and ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. -
Update from the Head of Connecting Up
The Head of Connecting Up provided an insightful update on future plans and strategic direction. This included potential partnerships, upcoming projects, and long-term goals aimed at growth and sustainability.
Data Catalyst Network (DCN)
The Data Catalyst Network, is a cross-sector collaboration created to enable not-for-profit organisations working to support children, families and communities to use data more effectively to shape services and achieve their outcomes and generate new insights to better disrupt cycles of disadvantage.
Data Catalyst Network Meetings are held monthly and volunteers and interns are invited to attend to understand how nearly 70 organisations are working with data from the not-for-profit community sector alongside academics, government bodies, and business professionals.
Data Catalyst Network (DCN) Meeting - 28 May 2025
Social Scope Sector-led Benchmarking Tool
Key Speaker: Dr Bengianni Halil-Pizzirani: Executive Manager, Innovation & Strategy, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, Director of Research & Evaluation, Impact Initiative, Co-Founder, Synk.ai
Deb Tsorbaris: CEO, Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare
David Poynter: General Manager Business Development and Research Based Models, Anglicare Victoria
The May Data Catalyst Network Webinar introduces a collaborative, sector-led approach to benchmarking. This is a pilot project, funded by the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) Empowerment Fund. This pilot will help organisations measure early intervention effectiveness, addressing long-standing sector challenges in data accessibility, benchmarking and evaluation.
Data Catalyst Network (DCN) Meeting - 25 June 2025
Data-Driven Collaborations: Using Population Data to Showcase Outcomes
Key Speaker: Dr. Jan Kabátek is a Senior Research Fellow at the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne. He specializes in labor economics, family dynamics, gender, and ageing, using large-scale administrative data for empirical research. He also leads the Melbourne Institute’s AI Group, focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence and social science.
At the June Data Catalyst Meeting, Kristen Moeller-Saxone delivered an insightful presentation on what is needed for successful collaborations using population data. She opened the discussion by reflecting on the team's journey, sharing valuable case studies, key actions, and important lessons learned along the way.
The presentation was structured in two parts. The first part focused on setting the scene — exploring the practical steps, real-world examples, and the core takeaways from their collaboration experiences. Kristen emphasized the importance of using population data effectively and highlighted the keys to success in building meaningful partnerships.
The second part of the session was handed over to Yan Kabatek from the Melbourne Institute, who delved deeper into how the Melbourne Institute is working to break down barriers in accessing complex datasets, such as the HILDA survey. Yan also demonstrated how population data can now be accessed and interacted with using natural language tools, making it more approachable and actionable for a wider audience.
The session not only showcased how collaboration can drive impactful outcomes but also underscored the importance of accessible data and cross-sector partnerships in shaping the future of care. It was an inspiring conversation that left attendees with a clear message: smarter, more compassionate case management is possible when data is used collaboratively and effectively.
Let's Talk Webinar: Conference Recap 28 May 2025
During the recent "Let’s Talk" session, what truly stood out was Infoxchange’s unwavering commitment to its purpose, even as the organisation continues to grow and evolve. A key highlight was the announcement of a new brand positioning project, carefully designed for the not-for-profit sector and generously supported by a Melbourne-based branding agency offering their services pro bono. It was a thoughtful, mission-aligned initiative that reflected the organisation’s long-term vision without losing sight of its core values.
During the recent "Let’s Talk" session, what truly stood out was Infoxchange’s unwavering commitment to its purpose, even as the organisation continues to grow and evolve. A key highlight was the announcement of a new brand positioning project, carefully designed for the not-for-profit sector and generously supported by a Melbourne-based branding agency offering their services pro bono. It was a thoughtful, mission-aligned initiative that reflected the organisation’s long-term vision without losing sight of its core values.
The session also took a moment to reflect on Infoxchange’s humble beginnings — a small, determined team working out of a garage with nothing more than an idea and a passion to make a difference. That original spirit of purpose and resilience is clearly still alive within the organisation today.
Another important takeaway was the team’s invitation to support the upcoming 2025 Digital Technology Survey, underscoring Infoxchange’s dedication to driving sector-wide improvement. Overall, the session left a powerful message: true progress comes from staying grounded, working together, and always putting people first.
Let’s Talk – The Future of Care - A Roadmap for Smarter, More Compassionate Case Management 25 June 2025
Let's Talk Data Catalyst Network 10 July 2025
Image: Meeting Kristen Moeller-Saxone, Data Capability Lead Infoxchange
Yong Kheng Beh , Joe Xanqiao Zhang, Charmi Divecha
Kristen Moeller-Saxone, Data Capability Lead Infoxchange 27 June 2025
Volunteer Yong Kheng Beh from the SAcommunity Website Redevelopment Team arranged a meeting with Kristen Moeller-Saxone to discuss some of the challenges with data the Team was experiencing and some potential solutions. The interns were invited to sit-in to have an opportunity to hear from the organisation's Data Capability Lead.
The discussion focused on exploring different approaches and providing practical options to address the challenges faced. It was a valuable session that not only clarified the available solutions but also supported collaborative problem-solving to ensure the success of the redevelopment work.
Photo: Meixuan Liao and Deekshitha Goud Podeti discussing their council data analytics projects.
Telephone Techniques 15 July 2025
During the Telephone Techniques training, I had the opportunity to practice with Rex and Mahir. Rex guided us through the training and shared some valuable tips and tricks that will be helpful when contacting councils or other organisations.
The telephone techniques are closely linked to email and communication strategies, which support Data Analytics Team members in better understanding the directory and data collection methods. These skills also play a key role in data cleaning, updating individual datasets, and ultimately presenting data reports to council stakeholders.
Like the student elevator pitch sessions, the Telephone Techniques meetings emphasise the importance of practice – the more we practice, the more confident and effective we become.
Organisation Lunch 25 July 2025
It was a pleasure meeting David Springs (CEO) and Jo Davies (COO) of Infoxchange, who flew in from the Melbourne office to visit us in Adelaide.The company lunch was a wonderful opportunity to connect with the executive leadership, share thoughts, and enjoy some quality time together with colleagues in a relaxed setting.
As this was my first experience attending such an event, I must say it was truly enjoyable. With a great team by your side, moments like these make work feel even more fulfilling. I'm definitely looking forward to many more lunches like this in the future!
Digital Training & Development
Volunteers and interns have access to the Connecting Up Digital Learning Platform, which offers live and recorded webinars, workshops, and webcons led by subject-matter experts on various technology topics relevant to the not-for-profit sector. Deekshitha selected, attended, summarized, and evaluated relevant training sessions to explore how they could enhance her internship experience
Getting started with data: Microsoft Power BI for data analysis 2nd July 2025
The Power BI webinar offered a comprehensive overview of how raw data can be transformed into actionable insights to support informed decision-making. I gained a deeper understanding of how Power BI serves as a powerful bridge between data and business outcomes by enabling users to analyze, visualize, and share information effectively.
As a Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, Power BI is highly versatile and accessible across multiple platforms, including Microsoft Teams, web applications, and mobile devices. This flexibility makes it ideal for dynamic work environments.
One of the standout features discussed was Power BI’s ability to create custom and interactive visualizations. These visuals can be embedded into presentations to enhance storytelling and improve clarity, making it easier to communicate insights to diverse audiences. Collaboration was also a key theme—Power BI supports seamless data sharing across teams, departments, and external stakeholders.
The session also explored the broader Power BI product suite, covering core areas such as report authoring, sharing, enterprise-scale deployment, and app development. A live demo showcased how to connect Power BI to various data sources like Excel and Oracle, reinforcing the importance of understanding your data structure to build meaningful visualizations.
Overall, the webinar provided a practical, end-to-end walkthrough of using Power BI — from connecting to data, designing visuals, and enabling collaboration. It was an insightful session that highlighted the real-world value of data visualization tools in today’s data-driven landscape.
The webinar designed to introduce the fundamentals of Microsoft Power BI, and it was both practical and insightful. The session covered essential Power BI concepts, focusing on how to navigate the platform, connect to data sources, and create meaningful visualizations.
One of the key highlights was learning about best practices for data analysis and visualisation. The speaker emphasized the importance of designing clear, purposeful dashboards that not only look professional but also drive decision-making. We explored how thoughtful layout, color choices, and chart types can make a big difference in how data is interpreted.
The webinar also introduced data visualization techniques that help turn complex data into easily understandable formats. From choosing the right visual elements to understanding your audience's needs, it was clear that Power BI is more than just a tool — it’s a platform that supports storytelling with data.
Overall, the session helped me see how Power BI can be used to simplify complex datasets and deliver insights in a way that’s both impactful and accessible.
Too Much Data, Too Little Time: Using NotebookLM to strengthen your data processing
Efficient multi-format summarization - The webinar demo showed how NotebookLM can ingest CSVs, text notes, PDFs and instantly synthesize them into concise overviews critical for anyone drowning in sensor logs, maintenance reports, and meeting minutes.
Mind maps & interactive summaries - Being able to visualize the relationships between themes like linking temperature spikes to vibration anomalies and having an audio overview to “listen” to the key points will speed up my understanding of complex compressor behavior.
Image: Farewell of Deekshitha and Shrushti 1st August 2025
We said farewell to Deekshitha and Shrushti who has completed their time with us as an intern.
