Christine Chen. My internship experience at Transdev Sydney Ferries

I had the privilege of joining Transdev Sydney Ferries for a two-month internship as part of University of Sydney local Industry Placement Program. It has been an incredible journey, and I’ve gained so much from the experience.?

One of my internship highlights was the visit to the Balmain Shipyard with Communications & Engagement Manager, Lana Bright . The team at the yard were very welcoming and gave me a tour of the facilities, including a walk through on how everything operates at the yard. For instance, I learned that the dry dock is used for vessel maintenance. I got lucky because two vessels were set for their scheduled maintenance and I had the chance to see one lifted onto a hardstand, an above ground dock—a unique experience as, until recently, the vessels at the yard had been solely docked in the dry dock.

Junior Engineer, Grace Sun gave me a detailed explanation of the vessel structure, which I found fascinating. She pointed out the special coating under the vessel that helps protect from corrosion and broke down how the engine connects to the gearbox, then to the shaft, propeller, and finally the rudder.

Grace also explained the various roles on board: the Captain (also known as the Master or Skipper) commands the vessel, the Deckhand handles ropes, knots, and assists in emergencies, while the Engineer oversees the technical and mechanical operations to ensure the vessel runs smoothly and safely for passengers. I also had the unique opportunity to visit the helm—something passengers usually do not get to see. Overall, it was an incredible experience, and I was truly amazed by the sophistication of the operations.

As a communications intern at Transdev Sydney Ferries, my main responsibilities were creating social media content and internal communications. This hands-on experience not only helped me build on my existing knowledge but also gave me valuable skills that I’ll take with me into my future.

In terms of internal communication, Lana taught me a lot. She emphasised the value of clear and thorough communication, highlighting the benefits to employees. We don’t assume that colleagues already know the information beforehand, so it’s crucial to ensure clarity and diligence in every message. That way, everyone is on the same page and feels informed and supported. Sharing positive feedback with colleagues is key. Transdev’s Customer Stars are a way to highlight positive feedback received from customers, demonstrating the impact to customers by striving to provide excellent customer service and an open and friendly approach in service delivery.?

Marketing varies across industries, and for a mobility company like Transdev Sydney Ferries, customer satisfaction is all about the experience. That’s why the focus here is on highlighting the quality of service, the friendliness of the employees, and the cleanliness of the environment—all key factors in encouraging people to choose public transport more often. It’s about keeping passengers happy and ensuring they have a positive experience every time. A huge thank you to everyone at Transdev Sydney Ferries—it's been an amazing journey!