A special work experience
A graduate from Melbourne’s Bialik has spoken about the “incredible work experience” he had in Israel on a project which will impact on the future.
Oliver Rose Photo: Keren Burlan
23-yr-old Oliver Rose says: “I wanted work experience where I would not be repeating the same task over and over. I wanted to prove my creativity, learn about starting and growing a business, and to make a lasting impact. Israel’s start-up culture was the perfect opportunity.”
Destination Israel is a MASA Israel Journey program that worked closely with Rose to get him into LifeBEAM. An Israeli start-up company that began by developing sensors to monitor the vital body signs of military pilots and astronauts.
Rose says: – “I was given interesting and meaningful work, researching relationships between LifeBEAM sensors and body functions, designing trials aimed at developing new features to be conducted in the nearby Olympic Centre, and developing the user experience. I also acted in a support role for the Chief Operations Officer, helping to re-design their website, analyse website traffic, manage customer support, and oversee product deliveries.”
The great part of going on the program with Destination Israel is not only the work experience opportunities but the social ones as well. Rose was given housing in the middle of Tel Aviv and lived with people his own age. Rose says: – “I made friends for life, learned to live independently, and grew up emotionally. Destination Israel provided educational and cultural activities, including weekend tours around Israel, during which our group of 40 grew very close. I made friends from all over the world and will never forget swimming in the desert oasis at Ein Gedi, or rafting down the Jordan River.”
MASA Israel Journey offers young Jewish adults between the ages of 18 and 30 a range of programs in Israel from 5 to 10 months in duration, including life-changing gap year, study abroad, post-university and volunteer experiences. There are significant grants and scholarships that help make the experience affordable.
The Zionist Federation of Australia is the Australian representative of Masa Israel Journey and the Israel Programs team is available to assist in program selection and provide support and advice in applying for scholarships.
Masa Israel Journey was established in 2004 by the Government of Israel and the Jewish Agency with the vision that all Jewish young adults would have the opportunity to spend an extended time in Israel. Masa believes that long-term experiences in Israel can effectively shape and inspire the next generation.
It certainly has for Oliver Rose, he continues to work for LifeBEAM in a paid position since he’s returned to Melbourne and says: – “These Israel-based internship programs are a fantastic, but untapped resource for the Jewish Community. They provide valuable experience in a country that has the leading edge in so many fields. The 6 months I spent living and working in Israel was one of the happiest and most successful times of my life.”
If you would like to find out about Internship opportunities in your field, contact the Masa Israel Representative at the Zionist Federation of Australia, Sarit Braver on 03 9272 5594 or via email – [email protected]
