CRASH COURSE GREAT TIME FOR REFLECTION

FOUR young people who understand the value of an internship are Queensland University of Technology students Madi Hirini, Aidan Ayunon, Josh Cook and Natasha Walford.

They are among 24 interns helping out at the Brisbane Festival this year – and earning credit toward their degrees. Hirini and Ayunon are studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production). “It’s definitely pushing me in a direction for the future,” Hirini says.

Ayunon says the experience so far has ranged from changing gas bottles to building a stage. Meanwhile, Cook and Walford are both studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries, majoring in entertainment industries.

Cook’s main project was co-ordinating the family fun day, and booking entertainment such as a hula hoop workshop, roving performers and arts and crafts. Walford worked on planning and scheduling the opening night. “It’s a good crash course in learning all the practical skills that no amount of academic work could teach you,” she says.