My Aha Moments: Reflecting on an Incredible Internship Journey

Hello! My name is James Della Gatta. I’m 23 years old and have just completed a double Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Psychology at Curtin University.

Since October 2024, I’ve had the privilege of being an intern at Aha! Consulting. As I look back on the past seven months, I can’t help but feel deeply grateful for the experiences, lessons, and people that have shaped my journey here.

Discovering the World of Engagement

Before joining Aha!, the concept of “engagement” was foreign to me. My degree gave me a solid foundation in communication, but what engagement truly meant, how it worked, and why it mattered, was never really on my radar. That all changed the moment I stepped through the doors at Aha!.

From my very first community deliberative panel process, to community forums, to importing and creating survey data, and to doing even the less glamorous tasks like filing, every assignment was an opportunity to learn. I owe a huge thank you to the amazing Aha! team of Joel Levin, Janelle Easthope, Donna Gibson and Nicole Sjardin who guided me, trusted me, and always made me feel valued.

The Power of Learning

One of the most transformative experiences during my internship was participating in the IAP2 Essentials of Engagement and the Apply Engagement Methods courses led by Joel, who is an accredited IAP2 trainer. These courses were a true eye-opener. I began to see how engagement isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool that shapes the way we connect, collaborate, and create change in our communities.

Armed with these new skills, I started applying engagement principles to every aspect of my life, including my part-time job and my volunteer work. Whether it was being duty manager/bar supervisor at Optus Stadium, or while coordinating camps for kids at Thrive WA, I found myself thinking differently, listening more, involving others, and striving for meaningful connections.

Turning Knowledge into Impact

Perhaps the most rewarding part of my journey has been seeing these engagement skills come to life in other aspects of my professional development.

I was thrilled to win the RAC Ignite program in December last year for creating a concept that uses gamification as an engagement strategy to encourage young people to embrace active transport. This project wasn’t just a theoretical exercise; it was a chance to make a real difference.

To top it all off, I was honoured to have recently been named a finalist in the 7NEWS Australia Young Achievers Insurance Commission of WA Road Safety Advocate Awards. The awards are being held in Perth in June.

These achievements are not just personal milestones; they are a testament to the incredible mentorship, encouragement, and opportunities I received at Aha! Consulting.

This is the last day of my internship at Aha! and on Thursday I head off on my travels. In the next six months, I'll be volunteering at summer camps in the USA and sightseeing in several states, before working at a ski resort in Japan at the end of the year. I'll be back in Perth for a couple of months in between.

My time at Aha! has been more than an internship. It’s been a journey of growth, discovery, and inspiration. I’ve learned that engagement is at the heart of everything we do, and that with the right guidance and mindset, we can all become agents of positive change.