WLI Alumna from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Rachel Bigler, says she has gained confidence and “much-needed” professional connections after completing a workplace internship with a leading international sexual and reproductive health service provider.
Through the Women’s Developmental Leadership Program, Rachel undertook a three-month placement within the International Programme at Family Planning Australia (FPA). The experience offered her valuable insights into working in a multidisciplinary environment.
Currently pursuing a Master of Public Health/Master of Global Health at the University of New South Wales, Rachel described the internship as one of "the best" experiences in her WLI journey so far, significantly boosting her skills and encouraging her to step outside her comfort zone.
About the internship with Family Planning Australia
Rachel’s internship focused on reviewing, analysing, and offering recommendations to improve child safeguarding and reporting practices. Working closely with the FPA team, she identified key areas for improvement and presented her recommendations to the executive committee.
During the placement, she also met with partner organisations, contributed to a potential grant application, participated in clinic tours, and attended various online workshops and webinars to expand her knowledge and skillset.
“This helped me build a network and observe best practices in international development,” Rachel said. “It also gave me a glimpse into what it’s like working in the health sector in Australia.”
Rachel’s key takeaways
One of Rachel’s biggest takeaways was the professional relationships she developed with FPA’s International Programmes team, which is active in the Pacific and beginning to expand into the Micronesian region.
She noted the team “truly supported” her, including by providing constructive feedback that helped her improve her public speaking and presentation skills.
“The techniques I learned in the WLI program prepared me for the internship,” she said. “But working in a real-world environment with a team that has such diverse experience and expertise taught me even more; lessons that will benefit me in the long run.”
Despite initial doubts about her ability to succeed in a new area of health, Rachel left the internship with increased confidence.
“I didn’t think I could succeed in this field, but I received a lot of positive feedback that built my confidence and motivated me to do more,” she explained. “WLI gave me a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and strengthened my ability to trust myself in the learning process.”
Bringing lessons home to the Republic of Marshall Islands
Rachel, who has held various roles within the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Ministry of Health and Human Services and the World Bank, believes that building international relationships is vital to advancing healthcare in small Pacific Island nations.
“Family planning is an area that needs more support,” she said. “I’m excited to contribute, especially since my focus is women’s health, rights, and mental health in the Republic of Marshall Islands.”
Encouraged by her transformative experience, Rachel now urges other WLI alumni and participants to pursue similar opportunities.
“This was one of the best WLI experiences I’ve had so far,” she said. “I’m eager to share it with others considering similar paths.”
Rachel added, “I’m especially excited about the lasting connections I made and hope to cross paths with my FPA team again in the future.”
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Through the WLI Leaders Hub, Women’s Developmental Leadership Program participants like Rachel, and select LeadershipConnect participants apply for and access supported workplace internships and professional development opportunities.