Rumaysah is a vibrant and bubbly 23-year-old marketing student who recently joined us at our Sydney headquarters. After working for a global brand for more than six months, Rumaysah knew she wanted to pursue something more meaningful and decided that the 9-5 grind of a corporate job just wouldn’t cut it. So, when an internship position came up with Islamic Relief, Rumaysah knew she couldn’t pass up the exciting opportunity.  Learn more about Rumaysah in our interview with her below. 

Can you tell us a bit about yourself? 

My name is Rumaysah. I am a 23–year–old marketing student, currently working as a Marketing and Communications Intern at Islamic Relief Australia. 

A little bit about me… I was born in Pakistan. My family moved to Oman a few years after I was born due to better work opportunities. I went to school there and was raised in a small city called Salalah. My family immigrated to Brisbane, Australia in 2012. We moved to Australia because my father wanted to provide us with better educational and professional opportunities. I went to a state high school in Brisbane and went to Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to study a Bachelor of Biological Sciences. I got married two years into my bachelor’s in 2016, and then moved to Sydney with my husband. I decided I wanted to pursue a career in business instead of science, so I enrolled in a Bachelor of Business, majoring in marketing at Western Sydney University in 2018. I am graduating at the end of this year and I hope to work and pursue a master’s degree next year Insha’Allah.  

 What attracted you to Islamic Relief Australia? 

As I have completed marketing internships in corporate companies previously, nearing the end of my bachelor’s, I realised I wanted to work for an organisation where I could make a positive difference in this world. Islamic Relief Australia is one of most prominent charity organisations in the world and now, in Australia. I grew up seeing the impact their programs have overseas and in Australian communities; I have always admired the work they do.  I have wanted to volunteer and work for the organisation for the last two years so when the opportunity to intern with the organisation presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands!  

What do you do in your spare time? 

I like using my spare time to learn new things. Recently, I have taken up painting and I’m learning how to swim. I also believe it is incredibly important to nurture one’s soul, so I like to learn about my religion through short courses and weekend classes in my spare time as well. On weekends, I like to spend time with my husband, going on hikes and picnics and hanging out with our friends.  

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

Over the next few years, I want to explore and develop different skills in marketing and community engagement. In five years, I want to have gained enough experience to lead projects from start to finish; projects that have the potential to really change lives for the better. To further this goal, I’ll continue to seek opportunities, particularly in the not-for-profit space, to expand my skillset and responsibilities. I’m hoping to achieve this with Islamic Relief, so watch this space!  

Last of all, what do you enjoy most about working at Islamic Relief? 

The thing I enjoy about working at Islamic Relief the most is the organisational culture. I feel like I’m a part of a family that is working towards very inspirational humanitarian goals. The commitment of my team and my managers inspires me to do my best in my role.