Alan Pigram reflects on his summer internship

I would first like to acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as the traditional custodians of the land I am writing this on. As a Yawuru man, I extend my respects to the elders, past, present and emerging and thank them for their unwavering connection to the land.

Another successful internship with The Fulcrum Agency done and dusted. Prior to this summer internship, I was able to spend four-weeks over winter with the team which meant I could slide straight back into work. Literally, I was being briefed on a project in the first 10 minutes of my first day. That’s how an internship should be!

Over the course of the summer, I was able to cover a lot more ground than the winter period. I got the chance to use my skills of illustration and graphic design to communicate projects and compile reports and even had the opportunity to assist in the design of a small renovation project. I have tried new things, sharpened existing skills and learned valuable lessons.

Even though my chosen field of study lies within graphic design, architecture is a constant source of inspiration for me. An architect’s ability to design beautiful and meaningful spaces is an artform of great measure and having the opportunity to see a firm in action beckons admiration. Not only is the work inspirational but the innate values that the team exert has inevitably had a lasting impression on myself. These values I will carry throughout my career as a creative.

I am so grateful to be a part of a generation of Indigenous disruptors, game changers and unrelenting overachievers. To be able to embark on this journey with interns across Australia fills my heart with such pride as an Indigenous person.

I’d like to acknowledge the CareerTrackers program, and my advisor Melissa, for their tremendous work in placing Indigenous students in meaningful internships. Through the CareerTrackers program, the face of corporate Australia will change, I truly believe that.

This reflection upon myself, my experience and my surroundings encourages the opportunity to really appreciate the time I’ve spent with The Fulcrum Agency. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of my internship. Design plays such a pivotal role in the way messages are perceived and I want to leverage my skills to spark change and create lasting experiences for people. I’d like to thank the team for their support, hospitality, wisdom and guidance during my time here. In Yawuru language, mabu liyan means ‘a place of good spirit’ and to me, The Fulcrum Agency is mabu liyan for sure.

+ Alan Pigram is a second year Graphic Design student at Curtin University and he came to us through our involvement with the CareerTrackers Indigenous internship program. We have loved every minute of having Alan in our studio; he has made a huge contribution to the way in which we communicate our work to the communities with whom we work. With Alan’s love of music, art and a good laugh, he fit perfectly into the ways of our studio. He even braved his own ‘Tuesday Lunch’ – making a delicious satay noodle salad for us all. We’re looking forward to him returning soon.