The intersection of art and science
About the Winyama internship program
In 2021, Winyama implemented an internship program to further the opportunities available to young Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people in Perth and surrounds. As a First Nations owned and operated organisation, Winyama seeks to enter into arrangements that are mutually beneficial. With a desire to provide accessible education and equal opportunity within the tech sector, we implemented an internship program that could achieve both.
Since its inception, the program has on boarded three interns and is training them in a number of different streams. The diversity and flexibility of the program allows for interns to upskill and become proficient in interest-specific disciplines.
Hear from Khia Emslie-O’Brien about her experience as a GIS Analyst Intern
Born and raised in the warmth of Darwin city on Larrakia land, Khia identifies as a Wiradjuri woman. Before beginning her internship with Winyama, Khia had studied contemporary dance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and worked as an Art Consultant at an Indigenous gallery. As a creative individual, she has always aspired to find a fulfilling career that could combine her passion for creativity and drive to do meaningful work. Now, as an intern at Winyama, Khia has found a role that can offer her exactly that.
Uncovering the possibilities of a geospatial career
After many years spent pursuing creative interests and other pathways, Khia decided to zero in on something different. When the call for applicants went out, Khia was encouraged to apply for the Winyama internship by a friend. With friends and contacts who worked in the industry—her interest was piqued by the possibilities a career in geospatial would allow.
It was around this time that Khia realised its potential and how it can perpetuate preservation of Indigenous cultures in the Western world. But perhaps what intrigued her most was the intersection she noticed between the art and science worlds, whereby geographic information systems (GIS) is both a scientific and artful expression, something that appealed to Khia’s creative side.
At this time, she was already taking steps to get her start in a GIS career, but the path wasn’t clear cut. Throughout her experiences networking and talking with people in the industry, Khia found that many of the people she was encountering already knew what they wanted to do, whereas she was still in the process of figuring it out.
Her recommendation to those still figuring it out?
“Don’t be deterred by not being clear on what you want...I think there’s a huge force that says you have to go step by step to get to where you want to be, but I say that you can do whatever you want as long as you enjoy it, your heart is there and you are ready to learn and grow.”
What’s it like being an intern at Winyama?
Each day is different, but the few similarities include a daily check in with the team, some admin and emails and project work. Currently, Khia and fellow intern Holly are working closely with Merindah, Senior GIS Analyst at Winyama. They typically undertake training in software like ArcGIS Pro and TerraExplorer, before helping with some of the project work such as sorting, uploading and analysing datasets.
An additional learning that has occurred during the internship for Khia is more understanding around the importance of data and how its application is so powerful. Particularly when it comes to different Native Title Groups in Western Australia.
Since starting at Winyama, Khia has developed her technical skills and become more confident using geospatial programs and undertaking data processing tasks. With the support and confidence gained in her internship, Khia applied for She Codes Plus, which champions women to excel in STEM careers. As a successful candidate, Khia and the other participants in the cohort will learn the basics of coding and practice their skills over the course of six months to emerge industry-ready for a career in tech.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Winyama, Khia mentions, is the team environment. Having minimal experience in a team-oriented role prior to the internship, she particularly appreciates the close nature of the team and enjoys the flexibility and individuality everyone can enjoy.
Future goals
As part of her future ambitions, Khia aspires to further develop her technical knowledge and abilities to a level of deeper understanding and competency. Another goal is to one day speak confidently in a public setting, opening up the opportunity to convey information and ideas to a wider audience.
What advice does Khia give to aspiring GIS professionals or internship candidates?
"You don't have to follow the conventional pathway to achieve your career goals. Go towards the things that interest you and feed your passion. Explore as much as you can, this is especially for those who are uncertain of what it is exactly they want to do.
And if you do find something, but you're not sure how to get into that spot, I'd say just stick with it, even if it starts by just making connections and talking with people who are already in your area of interest. I definitely have not taken the conventional pathway to get into this position.”