Yash’s Digital Innovation Internship at Mobiddiction

Beyond the classroom: exploring innovation at Mobiddiction

When I began working with Mobiddiction, I expected to gain an introduction to the technology industry. What I did not expect was how much of that experience would come from seeing how programs develop from an initial idea into something that can be implemented in the real world.

One of the most valuable aspects of my time at Mobiddiction was being exposed to a range of programs at different stages of their lifecycle. Rather than seeing only one part of the process, I was able to gain insight into how strategy, planning, design, technology, production, testing and release come together. Seeing these stages alongside one another gave me a much clearer understanding of how different teams contribute to a shared objective and how decisions made at one stage can influence what happens later.

Two programs that particularly stood out to me were SharkSmart and PatientVR. Through these programs, I was able to see how emerging technologies can be applied to real-world challenges rather than existing simply as technical demonstrations.

I had the opportunity to attend a workshop with clients and take part in demonstrations of new technologies, which gave me a first-hand view of how user experience and analytics are designed into practical solutions. Seeing these technologies in the context of actual programs helped me appreciate the amount of planning and collaboration required to make them useful for the people ultimately interacting with them.

The hands-on nature of the internship was particularly valuable. Rather than simply observing these processes, I was able to become involved in discussions and contribute where appropriate. Following programs through different stages showed me how much communication is required between teams and clients, particularly when ideas need to evolve in response to feedback. It also gave me a better understanding of the difference between having a technically interesting idea and developing something that genuinely meets a user’s needs.

I was also able to take part in strategy and client meetings, gaining exposure to conversations involving senior executives at Mobiddiction and client organisations. For me, this was one of the most distinctive parts of the experience. Presenting a technology demonstration to a client and contributing to weekly client meetings gave me an early look at how feedback shapes a program and how decisions are made in a professional environment. It was very different from presenting an idea in a classroom because there was a real objective behind the conversation and real people relying on the outcome.

The digital innovation internship has given me a perspective on business and innovation that I could not have gained from a classroom alone, and I will carry those lessons with me into university and beyond.

Another important part of the internship was seeing how many different areas of expertise are required to bring a program together. My exposure to VR, mapping, design, production, testing and emerging technologies showed me that innovation is not simply about having a good idea. It requires people with different skills to communicate effectively, respond to problems and continually refine an idea until it can be delivered in a way that is useful to its intended audience.

While I am still exploring exactly where I want to take my career, my time at Mobiddiction has strengthened my interest in understanding how businesses operate, make decisions and turn ideas into practical outcomes. These are interests I hope to keep developing at university through studying business and economics.

More than anything, Mobiddiction gave me the opportunity to learn in an environment where the work had a purpose beyond the classroom. I developed a better understanding of professional communication, collaboration, problem-solving and decision-making, while gaining a first-hand view of how a program moves from strategy to delivery.

Mobiddiction thanks Wangaratta Tech School, who were extremely supportive throughout Yash’s digital innovation internship, and the DPIRD SharkSmart and Surf Life Saving NSW teams for their support.