Konica Minolta staff have welcomed the contribution of two final-year university students in a Macquarie University internship placement program.
Konica Minolta and Macquarie University have enjoyed a successful partnership for almost ten years. A long-time customer, the University has installed an extensive range Konica Minolta products and services, from the presses that power the Macquarie Lighthouse print room, to a large fleet of multifunction printers, pay for print infrastructure for students and a document capture solution in the administration offices.
The partnership took on a new dimension with the internship of two students as part of the University PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) Program.
“The relationship that Konica Minolta has with Macquarie University is fantastic, for the basic reason that it keeps us fresh”, said Cindy Reid, Director of People and Culture.
The students, James Camilleri and Raquel D’Mello were able to get some hands-on experience and lend ideas straight from their studies. “We got to work with people from all levels of the company to coordinate the launch of Konica Minolta's new Learning and Development strategy”, said James.
“Dealing with a new situation or being able to balance the demands of both study and work has been a catalyst for growth for me on both a personal and professional level”, says Raquel.
The benefits have flowed both ways, with Konica Minolta staff gaining a valuable injection of new thinking and enthusiasm.
“The students have had a real impact within our team. The Learning and Development Department previously didn’t exist in this form, so the students James and Raquel have been integral to setting up the department from a back-end perspective,” Learning and Development Manager Patrick Phillips says.
Managing Director Dr David Cooke is keen to continue the engagement with Macquarie University and the PACE program, acknowledging the impact it has had on the business.
“There is so much information and knowledge, fresh ideas and creativity that flow back to us via our contact with academics and also our contact with the students that are involved in the PACE programs”.
The success of this year’s placements has paved the way for more internships in different business units in the future. Konica Minolta will welcome a second group of PACE students in January.
