A PhD student researching information systems has explored an alternative organisational design paradigm for the Australian Army through an internship, providing a valuable student experience while delivering a foundation the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) will build on to develop ‘future proofed’ military organisations.
Second year PhD student Rebecca Hermon is completing her research in computer science with supervisor Professor Trish Williams. She is one of four Flinders University PhD students to complete internships through the APR Intern Program since it commenced in 2018.
So far, the internships have been undertaken in diverse engineering and sciences projects.
Ms Hermon’s project with DSTG investigated how information systems can empower decision making. “The internship was an amazing experience and opportunity for me as a student. I was able to learn so much from an industry partner.”
“This has also given me a future for a career after my PhD,” she says. “During my six-month internship, I dramatically improved my writing and presentation skills which is useful for both my PhD and future career”.
Ms Hermon says DSTG’s flexibility in enabling her to complete the internship while simultaneously continuing her PhD was critical to her experience and achievements.
Professor Williams highlighted the fantastic opportunity it provided to work closely with experts in reviewing the models and assessing the potential for digital transformation in the Australian Army.
“DSTG were fabulous to work with and tailored the project to tie in with Rebecca’s PhD”, she says.
“The placement has contributed to her PhD in terms of the application of information flow theory to a different context, and has contributed to her professional development and work related skills. The internship is a great program.”
From a DSTG perspective, the internship delivered essential foundation knowledge on the interplay between technology and organisation structures and the opportunities and risks inherent in the flattening paradigm. This knowledge will be used as part of the wider design research effort to build ‘future proofed’ military organisations in support of Army development.
The APR Intern Program enables higher degree by research (HDR) students to gain experience and career-oriented skills through internships of three to six months. Funded jointly by government and the industry partner, students receive a monthly stipend and the supervisor receives a $5,000 grant.
For more information about the program visit the APR Intern website or contact Megan Prideaux, Partner Engagement and Pathways Officer in the Office of Graduate Research at Flinders University.