Students excel in global internship with NAB

Students excel in global internship with NAB

A pilot internship exchange program has seen Bachelor of Business students travel internationally and gain valuable experience in technology and business at NAB.

At the end of 2024, a group of Australian students travelled to Vietnam to intern at the NAB Innovation Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, while a group of RMIT Vietnam students gained experience at NAB’s Melbourne office. 

The program, which will be continuing in 2025 after the success of the pilot, is designed to prepare students for working in a globalised workforce where international collaboration is standard practice for many businesses. 

The College of Business and Law, which runs the program, embeds a technology-first mindset in its learning, teaching and research activities.  

The partnership with NAB focuses specifically on technology and building students’ understanding of how technology intersects with business in the real world. 

Students had the opportunity to work closely with the technology teams at NAB, participating in training and workshops while assisting with project work. 

Melbourne student Eshal Shoeb said she loved the opportunity to join the NAB corporate office in Ho Chi Minh City. 

“The opportunity to see the inner workings of a major financial institution is rare and amazing,” Shoeb said. 

“I’ve got a better understanding of the technical side of business and the business side of business, and how those two things work together.”  

Joneth Pham from RMIT Vietnam said no day at the NAB Melbourne office was the same. 

“I really got to deep dive into what it’s like to work in the banking industry in Australia,” he said.  

10 April 2025

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Two images. One of student team presenting. One of people catching up over coffee. Students at the NAB Innovation Centre in Vietnam (left) and Melbourne office (right).

Students gain life-changing cultural experiences

Central to the students’ professional and personal development was the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, its local business practices and social customs.

The Australian students took part in a tour of Ho Chi Minh City where they learned about the city's history, explored the sights and landmarks, and sampled the vibrant Vietnamese food scene.

They also experienced key parts of day-to-day office culture such as casual networking and relationship building. 

“The work culture is so different to Melbourne,” Shoeb said.

“In the Vietnam office, it’s common for everyone to eat lunch together and even spend time outside of work like over the weekend and even public holidays.”

The Vietnamese students also broadened their understanding of local ways of working in Melbourne and grew their communication skills and confidence.

Kristine Nguyen from RMIT Vietnam said the NAB employees were very supportive. 

“This encouraged me to step out of my shyness, speak up more confidently, and actively contribute to discussions, improving both my communication skills and perspective on workplace collaboration,” Nguyen said.

Industry partners embrace collaboration

The program is an opportunity for industry partners to expand their international engagement and collaborate with a leading university of impact like RMIT.

Hosting the students has brought many benefits to NAB, with the Australian students contributing greatly to the work culture in Vietnam by engaging with initiatives such as NAB’s English Club.

Having interns at NAB's different locations at the same time also allowed for more internal staff collaboration across borders. 

A group of five people in Vietnam office video calling a group of people in the Melbourne office. Australian students interning in Vietnam connect with their Vietnamese counterparts in Melbourne to discuss a project.

Chris Di Guilmi, Head of Careers (Acting) at NAB Melbourne said the program wasn’t just about travel.

“The NAB RMIT International Business Internship Exchange is about learning, growing and making a real difference,” he said.

“Seeing students contribute meaningfully in both Vietnam and Australia reinforces the value of international experience and NAB’s focus on fostering globally minded talent.”

Many of the students who participated in the program have applied for NAB’s upcoming graduate program, with recruitment currently underway. 

Next steps for the program

The program will continue in 2025, with the University’s College of Business and Law seeking more industry partners to be involved.

To express your interest, get in touch with us.

Watch the NAB x RMIT Internship Program 2024 video below.

 

Story: Keely Tzoukos

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10 April 2025

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