Swinburne University of Technology
Internships in Political Research, Semester 2, 2016
Call for Expression of Interest for 2016 Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program
Overview:
Swinburne University of Technology has been invited to participate in the prestigious Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program (VPIP) in semester 2, 2016. Established in 1990, the program has seen over 1,000 interns complete placements with members of the Victorian Parliament. It provides students with an outstanding opportunity to observe and contribute to parliamentary, political and public policy processes and debates and to develop knowledge, skills and networks directly relevant to their post-study employment. A number of former interns, including the current Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews, have gone on to become Members themselves, with many others developing careers as parliamentary officers, journalists, and public and private sector leaders.
What does it involve?
Students who participate in the VPIP are placed in the office of a current member of the Victorian Parliament for one day per week and complete a significant research project jointly supervised by the MP and academic staff from Swinburne. The internship runs across the full semester and is equivalent to a 25-credit point unit (ie. two normal units of study). Students will be required to attend induction and research seminars throughout the semester, to keep a journal, write a 2000 word reflective essay, and submit a 6000 word research report which, after assessment, will be filed in the Victorian Parliamentary Library.
How do I apply?
Entry to the VPIP is highly competitive with eligibility limited to students with a distinction average in Politics, International Studies or Security and Counter Terrorism. Students meeting this criteria who are interested in completing the internship are invited to submit an Expression of Interest to the Unit Convenor comprising a brief cover letter outlining their reasons for undertaking the placement (250 words); a transcript of their grades; and a CV. Applications should be emailed to Dr Damon Alexander at dtalexander@swin.edu.au by 5pm Friday 4 December. Short-listed applicants will then be asked to sit an interview as part of the selection process.
Further information
For further information on the Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program please visit the program’s website at: http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/parliamentary-internship-program
For information on the application process please contact Dr Damon Alexander (Unit Convenor) at dtalexander@swin.edu.au or on (03) 92145798.
Politics & History 