Hosting a Science intern
The Science internship program gives your organisation access to work with our most talented students.
Placements will differ according to the host organisation and its needs. Some interns will work solely on their project, whilst others may spend time working in labs, or on a mixture of research project and professional skill development.
We will assess the internship on four things:
Project proposal – Outlines the scope of the project at the start of the placement.
Internship report – 5000 word project report outlining the project undertaken, outcomes and conclusions.
Oral presentation – 20-30 minute presentation to professionals and academics describing the internship project and outcomes.
Career development program and reflection – Enhances awareness of transferable industry skills through activities and a reflection.
Regular feedback on the student’s progress will be sought from the Host organisation’s supervisor. The course will be ungraded and all four components of the assessment must be completed to pass the course.
Overview for host organisations
Science Internship guide for host organisations
Contact
Internship Course Convener
- science.internships@anu.edu.au
- +61 2 6125 2601
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of an internship to my organisation?
The purpose of the program is to give our students the opportunity to complete a defined project which is both of real value to your organisation and a valuable learning experience for the student. Students would work approximately 1 – 2 days a week over a 12-week semester or as a more intensive internship over semester and mid-semester breaks. You will receive:
- Engagement with talented and motivated students.
- Enhanced capacity for your organisation.
- Completion of specific, science-related projects.
- Development of your organisation’s future workforce.
- Strengthening of educational and business links with ANU.
- Interns who are insured by the University for personal accidents.
How much does it cost?
There are no costs involved in participating in the internship program, apart from providing the intern with office space, and the facilities and resources they need to complete their work. The host organisation will also need to provide a supervisor who will have general oversight and responsibility for the intern's work.
What are the insurance implications?
Interns will be insured by the University for personal accidents. The Host will ensure proper insurance cover for the intern during the placement, including, but not limited to public liability and professional indemnity insurance policies where applicable.
Are interns guaranteed?
We will try hard to find you the very best student we can, but because we want to ensure the best possible outcome for your organisation we cannot guarantee to find a suitable intern.
How do I join the internship program?
If you would like your organisation to partner with us for an internship, email science.internships@anu.edu.au to discuss your participation further. We will send you our internship agreement for your comment and approval. Once we have finalised this one-off agreement between ANU and your organisation the Internship Convener will work with you to ensure the internship project will add value to your organisation. Every placement will be managed to ensure an optimal experience for both the host organisation and the intern. We are also happy to visit you to explain the program in more detail.
Once the agreement has been signed you can submit a project via the project submission form.
We will then be able to match your project to our high-achieving students (all students must have a distinction average across all science subjects to be eligible for the program). We will send a list of candidates to you to choose from. Once the project has been finalised we will send you an Internship Schedule which is an agreement for an individual internship, and is drawn up to ensure all parties are in agreement as to the internship outcome.
What is the timeline for arranging an internship?
Submit potential projects by the below dates. They are a guide, and we will try to be as flexible as possible to accommodate your particular requirements.
- September for Summer session intake in December/January/February and Semester 1 intake in February
- March for a Semester 2 intake in July and for a Winter Session intake in July/August
Testimonials
Indigo Strudwicke & Stuart Barrow
“We look for individuals with initiative and creativity, an understanding of complex interfaces, the ability to pick things up quickly, and enthusiasm. Hosting an intern brings fresh ideas and perspectives to our team and often helps us to kick-start projects that have been on the ‘to-do’ list for a while. The only drawback can be that interns are usually with us for a short time, so they often work on a part of a bigger project.”