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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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