Celebrating 21 years of internships in the Nation`s Capital
Transcription
Celebrating 21 years of internships in the Nation`s Capital
T H E A U S T R A L I A N N AT I O N A L INTERNSHIPS PROGRAM Celebrating 21 Years of internships in the Nation’s Capital Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 1 The Australian National Internships Program is coordinated by the School of Politics and International Relations at The Australian National University (ANU). Undergraduate and graduate students from any university in the world can apply following the completion of two full years of tertiary level study in any discipline. 2 The Australian National Internships Program FAST FACTS 1 67 Number of interns from Azerbaijan ANIP interns are female 1542 122 The total number of interns Interns from the United States of America 98 49 Members of the House of Representatives have hosted 193 interns over the last 10 years Senators have hosted 305 interns over the last 10 years % Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 3 DEAN’S WELCOME It gives me great pleasure to celebrate more than 21 years of the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP). With over 1500 students placed in a diverse range of internships, it is clear that ANIP has been a great success. Many of those who have participated in the program have gone on to significant leadership roles across a diverse range of careers. ANIP is one of the premier academic experiences offered by the College of Arts and Social Sciences at ANU. It is an enduring example of the College’s commitment to education innovation and support for alternative course delivery outside of the typical lecture-style format. Since its formation under the leadership of then Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Professor Richard Campbell AM, the program has grown in size and reach, with more internships across more locations. I want to thank all staff involved in the operations of the Program, particularly the academics and the various directors of ANIP over the years. I hope you enjoy reading about the history of ANIP and some of the diverse experiences that students have had during the program’s 21 years. The College looks forward to supporting another 21 years of career defining internships for future university students. Professor Toni Makkai Dean ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences 4 The Australian National Internships Program MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR Internships make a difference. This is especially the case for recent graduates and young professionals on the hunt for an exciting, creative, fulfilling career. Students enrolled in the Australian National Internships Program have a comparative advantage in this regard, as they have a semester-long opportunity to gain ‘hands on’ experience and insight into the reality of Australian politics, public policy-making and international diplomacy. Unlike other internship programs where students source their own placements, ANIP interns are carefully matched with an organisation and assigned their internship placement. This allows interns the opportunity to explore new career avenues with a federal politician or in an organisation that hitherto might not have been on their radar. Interns also acquire life-long skills, such as the importance of networking. This is not only in order to gain inside information on their research project but also to build contacts to help find work and forge a career. Interns are only one half of the ANIP story. Without the dedicated support of an array of host organisations, ANIP would not be celebrating its 21st year. We owe a deep debt of gratitude to our oldest host partners, such as the Commonwealth Parliament and the Embassy of Argentina, and to organisations recently hosting interns for the very first time, such as the Embassy of Timor-Leste, Opera Australia and World Vision. Of course, there have been many more internship hosts in the interim, all of which have played their part in ANIP’s longevity and success. The good news is that our most recent host organisations are as engaged in the ANIP vision as our longest-lasting partners. As US Ambassador Berry said to me recently at the launch of a conservation-themed Arts in Embassies exhibition in Canberra, “It has been absolutely fantastic to have the Australian interns here at the Embassy. If your next batch of interns is anywhere up to their calibre, please send them our way – we want more”. As ANIP comes of age, it is time to look back. I hope you enjoy reading this overview, which is a reflection on what ANIP has achieved in the past and what it can offer in the future. In terms of future interns and host organisations, please send them our way. We do indeed want more! Dr Marshall Clark Director Australian National Internships Program Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 5 W H AT I S T H E A U S T R A L I A N N AT I O N A L I N T E R N S H I P S PROGRAM? Established in 1993, the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP) was created to enable university students from Canberra, Australia and the rest of the world to undertake internships within national institutions across the Australian Capital Territory. During ANIP’s 21 year history, more than 1,500 students have gained entry into some of Australia’s most prestigious government departments, political offices, cultural and heritage institutions, peak industry bodies, embassies, think-tanks and non-government organisations. Interns have gone on to obtain interesting and sought after employment on the back of their ANIP experiences. ANIP Director, Dr Jenny Hutchison meets with interns in 1996 6 The Australian National Internships Program During a placement of 13 weeks, ANIP interns complete a research project for their host institution, earn course-credit and have an unparalleled work-place experience. An initiative of ANU, this elite program provides a foundational experience for the careers of future leaders in government, politics, non-government organisations and the private sector. Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 7 HISTORY In 1993, Professor John Power was appointed by ANU to establish the Australian National Internships Program. Professor Richard Campbell, the Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts at the time said that: “ANIP will make available country-wide, through a genuinely national scheme, the unique experiences attainable only in the national capital.” Laurie W Nichol, Vice-Chancellor 1988–1993 A truly student-focussed initiative, the key aim according to Professor Campbell was to “enhance education in political science and public policy, while improving students’ career opportunities, and Australia’s international relations.” The initial Agreement between ANU and the Presiding Officers of the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia, was to establish a parliamentary internship program. However, in the proceeding twelve months, the ViceChancellor of ANU, Professor Laurie Nichol, envisioned ANIP as a broader internship program. That is, a program which would encompass a Parliamentary Internships Program, an ACT Legislative Assembly Internships Program, and a Public Sector Internships Program. Thus agreements were duly initiated with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory and the Public Service Commission of the Commonwealth of Australia. 8 The Australian National Internships Program DIRECTORS OF ANIP 2013- present Dr Marshall Clark 2012-2013 Dr Andrew Banfield 2011-2012 Associate Professor Neil Hamilton 2001-2011 Associate Professor Robert Campbell 1995-2000 Dr Jenny Hutchison 1993-1994 Professor John Power Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 9 M I R E I L L E K AY E Y E Research topic: The trafficking of women for forced labour in Australia: Missing African voices Intake: Semester 1, 2014 Where: The Office of Senator Claire Moore Arriving at ANU as a postgraduate student in Semester 1 2014, Mireille undertook the program as a component of her Master of Advanced Studies, in which she focusses on politics and gender. “Before coming to ANU I was working as a journalist and producer at a radio station. I also was undertaking my first degree in Communications and Mass Media at Hope Africa University, Bujumbura, Burundi,” Mireille explained. The possibility to combine an internship and a research paper was a big draw card for Mireille. She realised ANIP would allow her to use the research skills she already had from her radio work in Africa, as well as develop an understanding of politics as a profession. “I knew this was the program I was waiting for,” she said. ANIP placed Mireille with Queensland Senator Claire Moore. Together they agreed that Mireille would document the experiences of African women illegally trafficked for labour in Australia. The report’s purpose was to understand the experiences of African women trafficked in Australia so that the Australian Parliament could consider how to tackle the problem. 10 The Australian National Internships Program “I learned a lot about being responsible as a staffer,” says Mireille. “I was an active participant and I met interesting people advocates, policy makers, activists and all interested in women’s rights. The conversations, chats and opinions I forged were the best part of it.” “The thing I’ll remember most is being at Parliament House at 8am, three days per week as one of the staff. You don’t get that professional experience in any other course and it really taught me how to balance different priorities,” Mireille said as she reflected on her internship. “My favourite memory was the time I asked a question in a forum about gender issues and at the end Claire (Moore) came to me and said ‘great question, well done’. It was near the end of the internship and that meant a lot to me after all the time I spent working in her office. It was important personal encouragement for me”. Following her internship, Mireille is focussed on finishing her other courses, rounding out her Masters and heading to the UN to apply some of her learnings from her study abroad experience in Australia. Eventually she wants to enter politics in her home country of Burundi. “I am now confident in my research, how to shape a topic, how to undertake interviews and also how to write down the findings. I will be attending the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations Summer School this year in New York representing Burundi at a full week of workshops at the UN headquarters which is a great opportunity.” Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 11 PA R L I A M E N T Providing internships for students within the Federal Parliament of Australia was the founding motivation for ANIP. Since 1993, this relationship has gone from strength to strength. This success is due to the commitment of the Presiding Officers of the Federal Parliament, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate. Parliamentary internships are some of the most sought-after by ANIP interns, with Parliamentarians of every political persuasion hosting interns. Many Parliamentarians request interns every semester, an acknowledgement of the quality of the students that are placed in their offices. Parliament House 12 The Australian National Internships Program The interns have brought energy and enthusiasm to my office. Either in assisting with research on policy or examining legislation, the students have provided valuable insight and analysis. The research projects that they have undertaken, from youth allowance to free trade agreements, have all contributed to my work in the Parliament. Dan Tehan MP Member for Wannon The Australian Greens have enjoyed a successful relationship with ANU relating to its ANIP program. The quality of interns under the program has been excellent, and they have been engaged in real work that has contributed to the success of our Members of Parliament. Renai LeMay Policy and Parliamentary Business Advisor to Senator Scott Ludlam Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 13 14 The Australian National Internships Program Q&A WITH DARIAN CLARK Why did you decide to apply for the ANIP program? I heard great things about the program from one of my brothers, who did an ANIP almost 20 years ago. I regret not including an ANIP unit in my undergraduate degree, so was keen to make it happen as part of my Masters. Why did you want to work in Parliament? I’ve held various positions in the Australian Public Service for a decade now, and I wanted to gain a better understanding of how the heart of our political system ticks given how much this frames my everyday work. What was the most interesting work you did during your internship? The work was really varied, but one aspect that really engaged me was the preparation of a briefing on pop-up shop initiatives as part of a community revitalisation proposal in Tuggeranong. How did you feel when Gai Brodtmann praised your work during a speech in Parliament? It’s a true testament to Gai, to be honest. She is such a considerate and humble politician - not a description that regularly applies to this vocation! This reflects her remarkable life journey and motivation for politics. Would you recommend the ANIP program to others, and why? ANIP should be mandatory. It’s a great program which captures the essence of ecletic learning – from research methodologies to logistical challenges, i.e. how to mail out 10,000 letters to constituents. What do you want to do following graduation/What are your career aspirations? At this stage I plan to continue my public service career in DFAT. Once I’ve finished my Masters, I hope this opens the door for me to work at the UN or another multilateral institution – it’s one of their selection criteria. Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 15 N AT I O N A L I N S T I T U T I O N S & G O V E R N M E N T D E PA R T M E N T S The National Institutions and Government Departments spread across Canberra provide a natural extension to the original parliament-centric program provided by ANIP. Internships within these institutions not only broaden the opportunities available for students, but also enable high achieving students to have an insight into the cultural institutions, galleries, memorials and museums that they may wish to work in following graduation. Many of the Government Departments where interns are placed have competitive graduate programs and internships at these departments enable students to gain a competitive edge often necessary to enter these programs. Image courtesy of the Australian War Memorial 16 The Australian National Internships Program The Australian War Memorial supports the prestigious Australian National Internships Program (ANIP) which provides undergraduate and postgraduate students from a variety of disciplines an opportunity to be part of an elite program that arranges research-orientated internships. Internships are cornerstone to upcoming talent students who are transitioning into their professional career. The internship experience and research findings provide a range of benefits to both the Memorial and student. The Australian War Memorial The intern has been a breath of fresh air with a lot of good ideas and we’ve really enjoyed having [them] here. Hopefully in the future we might be able to even give [them] a job. Public Transport ACT Government Territory and Municipal Services Directorate Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 17 DR BRENDAN NYHAN BA (HONS), MA, PHD Research topic: Connected Politics: Interest Groups, The Internet and the Future Intake: Semester 2, 1998 Where: Motor Trades Association of Australia In July 1998, Brendan Nyhan was approaching his 20th birthday and midway through his Bachelor of Arts degree at Pennsylvania’s Swarthmore College. After many long hours tapping out essay after essay into his computer, Brendan felt there was something missing in his education. “I wanted to study abroad in Australia and what ANIP offered was compelling. It was the opportunity to work in the political system instead of just reading and talking about it,” he says. Brendan boarded a flight to the other side of the world not knowing quite what was in store. However, he was enthusiastic about meeting a new crowd of people with different political perspectives. “It was wonderful,” he says. “Many Americans who come to study in Australia seem to end up spending most of their time with other American students, but the ANIP program housed me in a dorm at ANU with a group of Australian students who had come from all over the country to participate in the program. Because the Australian students in the program had all come from other universities, they didn’t have an established social circle either so we all hung out together. It was great fun.” Brendan was placed at the Motor Trades Association of Australia (MTAA), the peak industry group for automotive, retail and repair services in Australia. “The director of the MTAA at the time, Michael Delaney, asked me to undertake my project on how the Internet might come to affect Australian politics in general and the MTAA in particular. Looking back now, it was a very forward-thinking project for 1998, when the Internet as we know it was still in its relative infancy.” Reflecting on what his internship ultimately provided his broader education, Brendan summarises the experience as an encounter with a different kind of politics and an excellent basis for comparative discourse. “It made me think more about the differences 18 The Australian National Internships Program between the American and Australian systems, and the way the rise of the Internet as the preeminent communication platform might affect each system differently. It also made me realise how fundamental aspects of politics don’t change even if the most effective means to accomplish them does, which in the case of the MTAA and similar groups means serving the interest of their members and stakeholders.” Shortly after completing his undergraduate studies with honours in Political Science, Brendan used his ANIP report in his applications for graduate school. He has since gone on to complete two further degrees, a Masters in Political Science and PhD in the same discipline, both from Duke University in North Carolina. Although Brendan admits he hasn’t read it recently, he still has a copy of his report and it is still something he is very proud of. “At the time, I had little experience of independent scholarly research – which is now something I’ve since made my life’s work.” Brendan’s report for the MTAA remains the highest graded report in the program 16 years since it was written. Dr Brendan Nyhan is currently Assistant Professor of Government at Dartmouth College, New Hampshire and serves as a media critic at the Columbia Journalism Review. He continues to blog for Upshot, a New York Times website, on US and global politics. Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 19 D I P L O M AT I C C O R P S Many students aspire to a career in the international sphere and ANIP enables students to begin this career early by interning at an embassy in Canberra. ANIP interns are highly valued by foreign officials who appreciate the local knowledge that Australian interns bring to their embassy. Some students are also able to use foreign language skills during their internship. I am pleased to address the Australian National Internships Program … to confirm how useful this program is. This is particularly true for students who are able to gain insight and experience in Embassies. For us, it means that we can exchange information and points of view with someone from a different background and, at the same time, benefit from the skills recently acquired through [ANIP]. His Excelleny Dr Ricardo Javier Varela Fernandez Ambassador of Uruguay 20 The Australian National Internships Program NON-GOVERNMENT O R G A N I S AT I O N S Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) provide an incredibly diverse range of opportunities for ANIP interns. Like many ANIP host partners, NGOs often rely on the research undertaken by the interns to inform the work of the organisation. This provides interns with a passion for research the opportunity to have a real and lasting impact on their assigned organisation. The intern has been a delight to have in the office. We will certainly be using her report in further work with the government and other stakeholders in the area. Ms Julie Morris President of National Council of Women of Australia This is the 5th group of interns we’ve had at the Development Policy Centre and I’ve been involved with them all from the very start. I think that every intake has been equal if not better than the last and so we would definitely be happy to have more in the future. Mr Jonathan Pryke Research Officer, Development Policy Centre Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 21 DR MERRINDAHL ANDREW BA (HONS), PHD Research topic: Women and Part-time Work: Aspects of the relationship between work/family balance issues and labour market change in Australia Intake: Intern Semester 1, 2001 Where: The Office of Cheryl Kernot MP As Australia’s political strategists in Parliament House were beginning to assemble their plans for the 2001 November election, across the lake at ANU, 26 year old Tasmanian student Merrindahl Andrew was studying the intersection of research, politics and policy. “I remember being interested in politics even before coming to Canberra because I remember listening to Paul Keating talking about student funding cut-backs, and I remember that inspiring me to enrol again in tertiary studies,” Merrindahl says of her reasons for returning to study. Merrindahl already had some experience with the political system before starting ANIP. After undertaking undergraduate studies at the University of Tasmania in 1999, she managed a consultative review of the Women’s Electoral Lobby in 2000. She was now looking to understand the political system from inside the halls of power as a parliamentary intern. “I liked the idea of ANIP as part of my policy studies because I’d come to Canberra to be closer to the decision making for the nation… ANIP was a component that allowed you to get experience a little bit closer in,” Merrindahl says. Seeing policy development as a way to change society positively, Merrindahl was placed with then ALP backbencher Cheryl Kernot. Kernot had risen to prominence as leader of the Australian Democrats, before switching allegiances to the ALP in 1997. Merrindahl remembers Kernot being exceedingly respectful of ideas, debate and vision. 22 The Australian National Internships Program “I worked pretty closely with Cheryl to develop the topic, and she gave me a lot of time to do the research. The office was very busy with constituent business, but she did help me develop ideas for my topic and ultimately approved the research I undertook.” Merrindahl says the work at parliament was hard in opposition but gave her a far greater understanding of the system which she would not have experienced otherwise. Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 23 THE FUTURE OF ANIP Overseas and interstate opportunities The third decade of ANIP will see the program expand to include overseas internships, reflecting the increasingly globalised nature of the workforce that ANIP interns will inhabit in their future careers. Interns will be deployed to Singapore, Jakarta, Taiwan and Buenos Aires, completing the ANIP work-experience and research requirements, whilst experiencing all the facets of a new culture. Within Australia, ANIP will also expand from the familiar surrounds of the bush capital by providing opportunities for students to intern in Australia’s other capital cities. ANIP will continue to develop relationships with host institutions nationally and internationally to provide the best possible internship experiences for students. Intern numbers have increased in recent years, and the recruitment of further host organisations to support this is essential. ANIP Board The ANIP Board will be established in 2015. The Board will provide advice in relation to the program, help establish new opportunities and placements for interns through individual networks and assist and advise on fund raising efforts. Establishment of the Board will ensure that ANIP continues to provide first-class internship opportunities for high achieving students. 24 The Australian National Internships Program Celebrating 21 Years of Internships in the Nation’s Capital 25 Contact ANIP Applications for the ANIP program occur twice yearly. Please visit the website or contact the office to find out more information. T +61 2 6125 8540 [email protected] Wanip.anu.edu.au 26 The Australian National Internships Program MO_15013 CRICOS #00120C