Development Studies Internships
The Internship Program in Development Studies offers graduate level students the opportunity to gain practical experience by placing students in development agencies, non-government organizations, private sector consulting firms and related organizations in Australia and internationally. The internships are elective subjects which are available to postgraduate and graduate students for credit towards their course work degree. The Development Studies Program recognizes the considerable skills, enthusiasm and commitment of students to broaden their educational experience. Thus the program enables students to select and approach an appropriate agency or organization in consultation with the internship coordinator that reflects their particular individual interests. Students gain exposure to an employment situation where they may apply techniques and knowledge acquired in the course of their studies and prepares them for a better understanding of the professional context in their chosen field of expertise. Students must demonstrate to the internship coordinator that they have the skills, interest and academic preparation to be successfully selected for an internship placement.
Through the internship program students are able to demonstrate their willingness and capacity to undertake development assignments, illustrate an interest in learning new concepts and skills needed for a career in development, and strengthen their cross-cultural sensitivity. The Internship Program provides students with:
- an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the activities of the host organization;
- an opportunity to relate skills and knowledge of prior study and employment to specific activities of the placement;
- an opportunity to broaden their understanding of development processes and needs in a particular aspect of development or specific cultural, regional contexts and situations;
- exposure to cross-cultural work environments;
- developing contacts and networks within host organizations and related organizations; and
- an opportunity to enhance their skills in presentation of self, willingness to participate in and, on certain occasions, lead activities. Also, enhances their resourcefulness, flexibility, preparedness to work independently and as members of a professional team.
The role of the host organisation
Development Studies students have completed internships with a wide variety of host organisations in Australia and internationally. Hosts have played an invaluable role in supporting our students. The ongoing support of host organisations and their enthusiasm to accept interns from our program in the future is testimony to the successful placement and their appreciation of the contribution of our graduate level students.
The internship program is a kind of exchange relationship between the Development Studies program and host organisations. Host organisations have the opportunity to engage with future development practitioners who bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm and new skills and ideas about development processes and practices. Often, the internship program enables host organisations to tap into the existing skills, work and professional training and experience of individuals.
Host organisations perform the following roles:
- identify a placement and relevant host supervisor within the organisation;
- in consultation with the intern and with the approval of the subject coordinator host supervisors produce a brief outline of the placement or a terms of reference;
- ensure support and resources are available for the proposed placement;
- monitor and assist the intern throughout their internship period;
- provide feedback and liaise with the subject coordinator during the intern’s placement at the organisation;
- complete and return to the subject coordinator a Report on the Intern’s Performance (Host Assessment Form).
Contact hours and assessment
There are two Internship subjects, 121-544 International Internship (25 credit points) and 121-523 Internship in Development (12.5 credit points). The Internship subject guides are available from the subject coordinator Dr Violeta Schubert. The International Internship requires a minimum of 150 contact hours in an organisation whilst for the Internship in Development there is 100 contact hours. The subject coordinator's approval is needed for enrolment in either of these subjects.
Comments from host supervisors
Project manager of the coastal Biodiversity Support Project. Fauna and Flora International (Environmental Conservation NGO) - Vietnam
Bridget was unanimously appreciated by the multi-nationality FFI team because of her communication skills, her intelligence and her understanding skills. Her analytical mind and quick understanding within the Vietnamese context was found very good and supportive for the project. In a very short period of time she has been able to understand very well the constraint and assets in the Vietnamese cultural and political context. She was able to understand a lot with short interviews and then showed good autonomy in task accomplishment. She brought her knowledge in project evaluation and field method in an effective manner. Her capacity to bring relevant advice appropriate in a very short period of time was impressive. As a highly organised and motivated person with a strong personal work ethic she has proven a strong commitment to conversation.
In the future, Bridget could be very valuable officer in an integrated conversation and development project or in an environmental education program in South East Asia.
UNESCO, Bangkok Supervisor
Tee Wee has been an excellent person to work with. His grasp of what is required of him was quick, assisted by his healthy level of intellectual interest and curiosity in the topics. He was always an active participant during our discussions on the program rationale and objectives, and the implementation process. He is a very good listener and contributes thoughtfully to all our discussions on the unit's activities. He is well-liked by those in the office he has met and gets on very well with both temporary and permanent staff in our (the Social and Human Sciences) unit. Tee demonstrated a high level of cultural sensitivity and diplomacy of the kind required of an employee working in one of the United Nation's agencies. He works well independently and takes initiative when required. Tee is about the fourth intern from Melbourne University we have had in this office. They have all turned out to be excellent academically and collegially. On this record, this office and this unit in particular (Regional Unit for Social and Human Sciences for Asia and the Pacific) will take interms from your institution anytime - depending on our requirements. We have already hired Tee as a consultant on a junior level to continue the work he has been doing here for us.
Ba Futuru (Post-Conflict Reconstruction / Child Development)
Ms Ujvari demonstrated a heartfelt belief in the need for equality and justice between peoples and among countries. Her choice of career indicates she is willing to back up her beliefs with action. Ms Ujvari's enthusiasm and warmth allowed the TAHRE program to reach the children of Timor-Leste, facilitating a long term positive impact. Ms Ujvari verified that learning can come both through facilitating formal educational activities as well as through the use of artistic expression. The children found Ms Ujvari inspirational, and Ms Ujvari showed an avid interest in expanding her own knowledge, obviously enjoying learning with the children and the other TAHRE program staff. Ms Ujvari's consideration of cultural needs and her sensitivity to the current post-conflict development context of Timor-Leste was appropriate and showed her regard for people's of various backgrounds. Ba Futuru would like to declare our appreciation for the University of Melbourne's Internship program which made possible the assistance of a wonderful intern such as Ms Ujvari.
Emergency Relief Coordinator, Australian Red Cross
Beth has enormous interest and enthusiasm for the development field. Once this is enhanced by in-country field experience, I feel sure Beth will make a great contribution to the area. This particular work environment did not expose Beth to actual cross-cultural contexts. Beth's participation in the general office environment was very active, whether this was 'down time' or entirely work related. The work produced by Beth whilst was at ARC is now being utilised as part of the emergency response system.
Amnesty International Australia Supervisor
Anna is quick to learn new processes and adapts easily to her environment. Her knowledge of development issues is excellent and this is practised in her work. Anna is able to work independently as well as in a team environment. The internship program is a most valuable tool in understanding how development starts and the time and processes involved in a small fundraising event. We would be willing to have interns from the Development Studies Program in the future.
TEAR Australia supervisor (relief and development agency
We have hosted dozens of interns from several tertiary institutions, and Victor is one of the best we have had the pleasure of supervising. He was exceptionally conscientious, and exceptionally quick at understanding key issues and ideas. He is a very good listener, which mean that things only have to be explained once to him. Victor demonstrates the kind of humility and sharp thinking that would make him an asset in a cross-cultural context.
International Needs Australia
Stanley is an outstanding student. He presented well at all times and was a delight to have in our organisation. He was always willing to participate in whatever was asked of him, he used his own initiative and worked well without supervision. In the absence of the Overseas Projects Manager, he was able to address and answer questions from AusAid regarding project reporting. Because of his own national background he had an immediate understanding of cross-cultural issues which were evident in his project design. Our observation of the internship program has only been through Stanley. He will be a great asset to his country working in development and we wish him all the very best for the future! We would consider other students if needed in the future.
Comments by students
I found my Internships in Timor-Leste to be an incredibly valuable experiences, from which I benefited enormously personally and academically. As postgraduate students we are at a critical phase where we have accrued a wealth of academic knowledge, but have limited practical experience applying that in the 'real world'. The Internships are a great opportunity to make the transition from student to professional, in a supported environment which allows for continued learning, opportunities to be innovative, shoe initiative and take some risks and the development of industry contacts and practical expertise.
Danielle Ujvari (Masters of Development Studies 2005)