INTERNS'
TESTIMONIALS
"I learned a great deal about Australia through the internship.
I was able to get an insight into the parliamentary system, which few
Americans enjoy. I was also able to learn about many of the subtle trends
of Australian academic and intellectual thought, especially concerning
Australia's relationship with Asia and the United States. I would also
like to say, that I finally learned how to properly tie a tie on this
internship, a skill which I am likely to use a considerable amount in
the future."
[former Intern from America]
"Travelling to Australia has exceeded my expectations in so many
accounts. I have never been so far away from home and have never felt
so independent. I have learned more about myself by working at the Motor
Trades Association of Australia, than I could by taking a university
course. I have always faced the difficulty that I start something at
full length and then, I either grow bored, or tired, or lazy, and regardless
the reason, I do not finish it. Maybe it was because I have grown up,
but I finished stronger than I started and I am happy to say that my
project is one of the best pieces of work I have every brought together.
It was difficult not to be intimidated by men who had spent lifetimes
in an industry where I had only spent four weeks. I am so glad that
I was able to conduct those interviews because they showed me a lot
about how I react in different situations. I will be more prepared in
the future, not just to conduct interviews but also to be able to meet
anyone at any time".
[Former overseas Intern]
"I found it a buzz not only to be in the office of a Senator,
but to be in and around Parliament House, seeing all the people I have
been spending the last two years studying. ... this Program has acted
for me as an introduction to real life politics, as opposed to clinical
study. I wanted to get my hands dirty, I have done that. It has given
me a taste for politics. ... I'll be back".
[former Intern, now Senate staffer]
"I found the internship to be the most exhilarating academic experience
I have had at university. ... I expanded my range of research skills
substantially well beyond the skills required for most academic study.
Most importantly, I relished the possibility of producing a document
that might have a small impact on the public policy process. The process
of devising and defending recommendations was new and exciting".
[former Intern with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, now
a PhD scholar]
"The Interns, themselves, have been the most outstanding feature
of the internship. Never in my life have I been part of such a multi-talented
and intelligent group of diverse and interesting people. I honestly
felt my I.Q. rise about 50 points within the first week due to the amount
of time spent together and the intensity of the conversations. I felt
honoured to be involved with this group of people."
"The experience of the internship has redefined my understanding
of politics, and in a different direction to what I had expected. I
now have more faith rather than less in our political system, I am less
cynical rather than more".
[Former Intern]
"I gained more than I could have ever hoped for from my time as
an Intern at Parliament House. I feel an enormous sense of achievement
after tackling one of the hardest intellectual and personal challenges
I have come up against. I have done my very best and gone beyond what
I had hoped to achieve. I feel more confident about going into the work
force after my degree".
[Former Intern, now a researcher with a Parliamentary Committee]
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I have marvelled (sometimes
in awe) at the political machinery that has operated around me, and
I have 'reached out and touched it'. It has been an incredible experience.
Being in the Government Whip's office, I have been privy to a whole
range of different activities. I am continually impressed at just how
hard the staff in the office work. It is remarkable how they move from
one crisis to another, with time out only to take a breath before the
whole circus ride begins again. More broadly, displaying the vitality
and nature of the parliament, I am constantly amazed at how the Parliament,
as an organic 'being' moves from crisis and a level of constant activity
in sitting weeks, to an almost stultifying silence and emptiness when
it is not sitting."
[Former Intern]
"The ability to make a difference is something that is severely
underrated. I had wanted to do something real, not simply another assignment
written out in space that would never go anywhere. I wanted a chance
to make systemic change".
[Former Intern with a national lobby group]
"In many ways ANIP is the academic equivalent of a corporate fast-track
program. As an intern at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
I gained many first hand insights into the process of foreign policy
which could not be taught in the classroom. For those looking to a career
in government, the public service or the public policy field generally,
the Program is a great opportunity to make contacts for future employment
or research. However, the Program is much more than just work experience.
It's also great Ôpeople experience' - with many opportunities
to make long lasting friendships. And of course, for students coming
from interstate or overseas, the Program is an amazing way to experience
Canberra and probably college life for the first time."
[Former Intern]
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