Interns to Leaders: Journeys Through Melbourne University's Internship Program at Local Brewing Co.
By Joshua McLeod and Nick Manickam
Embarking on the University’s Commerce Internship program saw Joshua McLeod and Nick Manickam transition from interns to managerial roles. Their experiences highlight the program's profound impact on career development and employability skills.
Joshua McLeod: From Intern to Head of Operations
My journey began when I secured a self-sourced internship with Local Brewing Co. (LBC), aiming to bridge academic theories with practical application. As an intern, I was immersed in projects that honed my skills in project management, people management and strategic planning. During my internship, I was able to apply theory, operational knowledge and business acumen to streamline venue management costs, which saved the business $100,000 annually.
I’ve since led initiatives such as our recently awarded $400,000 ‘Coles Nurture Fund Grant’, which supports our research and development initiative of redirecting surplus bread destined for landfill into the production of our beers, reducing food waste.
My greatest privilege has been building a high-performing commercial team alongside Nick Manickam, who also completed the Commerce Internship. Following our internships, we built and now lead marketing, partnerships and events at LBC. This team has partnered with the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Victory, the National Pickleball League, Farmers Pick, SecondBite and the Hawthorn Football Club.
Nick Manickam: From Intern to Operations Manager
Having started at LBC as an intern from a university-sourced internship, I didn’t know what to expect, but I was eager to gain practical workplace experience. Thanks to Josh’s mentoring and a collaborative work environment, I stepped up to new challenges and quickly became immersed in LBC. Over time, I learnt how each business area connected to drive overall success.
As a marketing intern, one of my key focuses was to improve LBC’s social media presence. From creating engaging content to analysing performance, I was able to refine our strategy. From this, I had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects, including a marketing launch campaign for our partnership with the Hawthorn Football Club.
The hands-on experience gained during my internship strengthened not just my technical skills but also invaluable skills such as communication, leadership and initiative. Thanks to my mentorship and the challenges I tackled, I developed a proactive, strategic mindset. Today, I’m the Operations Manager at LBC and lead my own team. It’s a surreal and rewarding experience to now guide interns through their own journey, knowing it wasn’t long ago that I was in their position.
Our advice to students considering an internship
For anyone considering completing an internship, make the most of every opportunity. It’s an experience you can’t replicate in the classroom. The challenges you’ll face will help you develop invaluable skills in the workplace. Seek feedback from your industry mentors and peers and reflect on it to keep refining your approach.
Building strong relationships across the business is also important; those connections can lead to mentorship, support and even future roles. Above all, take the initiative. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, contribute ideas, or get involved beyond expected tasks. Showing curiosity, being proactive and looking for ways to add value will help you stand out and make a lasting impression. Every task, big or small, is a chance to learn and grow — so stay present and make every moment count.
How the Commerce Internship accelerated our careers
Participating in the Commerce Internship played a significant role in shaping our professional journeys at LBC. It allowed us to apply classroom theories in a real business environment. More importantly, it helped build our confidence and gave us a platform to prove what we were capable of, even as students. We’ve both developed professionally and personally within the business world; our internships laid a strong foundation for our careers.
Want to kick-start your career through an internship?
Bachelor of Commerce and Melbourne Business School students interested in completing an internship can apply for CMCE20001 Commerce Internship or BUSA90525 Business and Economics Internship. Internships can be self-sourced or through the University of Melbourne.