An inside look at The Missing Link internship experience

Ever wondered what it’s like to kickstart your IT career with hands-on experience at one of Australia's leading IT solutions providers? At The Missing Link, we’re all about nurturing talent and paving the way for the future of the IT industry. In the lead-up to International Internship Day on 10th November, we took a moment to reflect on our internship program and its partnership with CSIRO. This collaboration enhances opportunities for aspiring IT professionals by providing real-world experience and fostering growth beyond traditional academic learning.

Driving purpose and vision in our internship program

Our internship program is more than a learning opportunity—it’s the first step toward a thriving IT career. We don’t expect participants to come in with prior technical expertise. Instead, we value enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Our aim? Equip interns with essential knowledge and practical skills that set them up for future success in the IT sector.

Program structure and unique features

Our 13-week internship program is part-time, making it easy for participants to balance their academic work with gaining real-world experience two days a week. We’ve built an environment where interns feel at ease asking questions and taking the time they need to learn. Interns interact directly with clients over the phone, via email, and even on-site, gaining firsthand experience in communication and customer service. They also get to shadow senior engineers on-site, taking part in tasks like laptop replacements and seeing firsthand how projects are managed and how team communication flows. This practical, on-site experience is not only valued by our clients but also shows the trust we have in our interns' abilities.

What interns at The Missing Link can expect

Interns with us gain invaluable, hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world IT roles. Here’s what they can look forward to:

• Practical experience: Work on troubleshooting both hardware and software issues.
• Broad exposure: Get a taste of different IT specialties, from pen testing and DevOps to supporting our Security Operations Centre (SoC). This helps interns discover what interests them most and aligns with their career aspirations.
• Skill development: Build expertise in managing user accounts and delivering top-notch customer support.
• Confidence-boosting tasks: Handle client requests and learn ITIL V4 best practices, setting a solid foundation for future roles.
• Team collaboration: Experience a supportive and growth-focused team environment.
• Real-world application: Apply your knowledge to practical scenarios, preparing you for long-term success.

Internships are more than just a stepping stone—they’re an investment in the next generation of tech leaders. At The Missing Link, we’re proud to play a part in shaping this future with a supportive and impactful program that mirrors our values and commitment to excellence.

Mentorship and training: Our supportive approach

Each intern is paired with a mentor who offers ongoing guidance and technical insights. But it doesn’t stop there—interns have the opportunity to shadow different team members, gaining insights from multiple perspectives and developing a comprehensive understanding of IT support. This supportive structure not only builds confidence but ensures skills are applied effectively in real-world situations.

"My internship with The Missing Link has been an incredible learning experience! From day one, the team has included me in projects and service tickets that continuously challenge me to grow and develop new skills. The team is incredibly supportive, offering guidance and feedback that has helped me build confidence in my technical abilities. I’ve gained valuable insights into the industry and am excited to apply what I've learned in the future. This internship has been a stepping stone to both professional and personal growth, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that has been provided to me by The Missing Link!"

— Amy Reynolds, Service Experience Engineer Intern at The Missing Link

Real-world challenges that elevate skills and drive career growth

Our internship program is designed to push participants beyond typical entry-level tasks, such as basic password resets, and engage them in genuine problem-solving and troubleshooting. This approach helps interns build a solid foundation that prepares them for more advanced roles in the IT industry. The hands-on technical experience gained during the program equips participants with essential skills, making them strong candidates for roles not just within The Missing Link but across the industry.

“My internship at The Missing Link was more than just a learning experience—it was the start of my career. Those months gave me hands-on exposure to real-world IT challenges, from troubleshooting and user support to handling client requests, all with the guidance and encouragement of great mentors. By the time I transitioned to my role as an Associate Service Experience Engineer, I felt ready and confident. The team’s support and the skills I built during that time made the move feel natural. It was more than just training; it was being part of a team that wanted to see me grow and succeed.”

— Zuhayer Hasan, Associate Service Experience Engineer at The Missing Link

Interns who excel and secure permanent positions advance to our Associate Program. This program takes IT graduates from the Associate level to Level 1, opening a multitude of career pathways at The Missing Link. These pathways include continuing the engineering route to Level 2 with further certifications and on-the-job training, as well as opportunities in project management, sales operations, and cyber security roles such as SOC Analyst, SOC Engineer, or Associate Consultant in penetration testing. By integrating this structured pathway following our internship experience, we set participants on a trajectory of continuous growth and career success.

Tips for future interns

Here’s what helps interns thrive during their time at The Missing Link:

• Staying curious: The best interns are always eager to explore new concepts. When they run into terms or technologies they’re unfamiliar with, they take the time to dive in, research, and expand their knowledge.
• Embracing the basics: Those initial tasks might seem straightforward, but they’re the building blocks. Interns who take the time to master them, ask questions, and build from there often set themselves up for success.
• Developing customer service skills: Having experience in customer-facing roles, like retail or hospitality, can be a real advantage. It helps interns navigate client expectations and deal with tricky situations—skills that are invaluable in IT support.
• Seizing opportunities: Joining university tech societies or getting part-time roles in tech can help interns build those essential soft skills and round out their experience.
• Committing to lifelong learning: IT is a fast-moving field, and the most successful interns stay curious and dedicated to learning—both on the job and in their own time.

A promising start to an IT career

The Missing Link’s internship program offers an immersive, meaningful start to an IT career. While we don’t currently have openings, we encourage aspiring candidates to keep an eye on our careers page for upcoming opportunities.