Reasons to start organising your internship
“Never underestimate the power of networking during an internship.” It’s advice that Arts student Maya Thompson learned first-hand when she interned with Football Australia.
Maya found her internship on social media and admits to stepping outside of her comfort zone when presenting herself and her work to industry.
“The process itself consisted of the submission of a resume and a portfolio, followed by an interview. Although the process of putting yourself and your creative work out there is inherently daunting, I am very proud of doing so, as it led me to secure the internship a month or so after the initial submission.”
Maya with the FIFA World Cup Trophy.
During her internship, Maya photographed games at the FIFA World Cup which she describes as a “pinch me” moment.
“As a long-time soccer fan, especially of the women’s game, each opportunity to shoot was a highlight. Being able to capture the athleticism of Australian players like Sam Kerr, Steph Catley, and Mary Fowler was a pinch-me moment. It was also spectacular to take photos of Marta of Brazil in her sixth World Cup, or even rising star of England, Alessia Russo, in Adelaide’s own backyard, Hindmarsh Stadium,” she mentioned.
Now that she’s worked with professional sports photographers and photography outlets, the employment opportunities are clear.
“Going into the internship I thought my imagery would be the thing most improved. I did not imagine the amount of people across the globe that I would relate to through photography.
The group of interns were also great to connect with, as we are all aspiring for a position within sports media. The connections I have made through this internship have already created job opportunities within sports media, for which I am immensely grateful,” she pointed out.
How to get started with an internship
Whether you're in engineering, computer science, arts, or business, each faculty offers unique internship programs and guidance to connect you with a host employer.
Visit the Internships website to find out what your faculty offers within your program of study.
When can I do an internship?
Undergraduate and Coursework students — Most of our programs offer flexible internships that can be taken as an elective subject during semester. Consult your study plan or check in with your Faculty’s Student Success Team to determine if an internship is possible in your studies.
First-year students — undergrads, start looking for an internship in the second half of the year as your elective options may mean you can start an internship next year.
Postgrad students in programs where an internship is in their study plan should do this in the first half of the year, as in most cases, you can undertake an internship after you have successfully completed your first study period.
Second and third-year students — We would recommend seeking and applying for internship opportunities approximately 6 weeks ahead of the start of the study period you intend to undertake an internship course.
Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students — Funding is available for PhD students to undertake a research internship of at least 60 business days over 3 calendar months with an eligible research end-user. If you commenced your candidature as a full-time student, you have 18 calendar months from the PhD start date to secure an internship. Students who commenced their candidature on a part-time basis should organise their internship within the first 36 calendar months of PhD start date. Read more about research internships, the scholarship eligibility criteria and currently available opportunities for HDR students on our Research Internships website. Talk to your supervisor about your internship needs and contact the HDR Internships Team for further assistance via email to hdr_internships@adelaide.edu.au.
Whether you are a coursework or Higher Degree by Research student, if you are keen to undertake an internship, placement or research project with a Defence Industry partner, please contact the Defence Trailblazer - Work Integrated Learning Programs Coordinator, Saba Ashraf by email to saba.ashraf@adelaide.edu.au. You can learn more about the Defence Trailblazer Co-funded Student Placement & Projects Program here.
England's Alessia Russio was photographed by Maya.
What help is available for coursework students?
If you are a coursework student with the Faculty of Health and Medical Science (HMS) the Placements Team will give you advice. Visit the team on level 3 in the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences (AHMS) building on North Terrace, or email cpteam@adelaide.edu.au.
Learn more about clinical placements on the Faculty of HMS website.
If you are an undergraduate Psychological Sciences or Psychology (Advanced) student, elective internships can be undertaken in your degree.
Engineering coursework students can search and apply for internships using CareerHub. To understand the details about engineering internships please read the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology website.
The Internships Team supports students undertaking internships that are electives within their program of study. If you are unsure about your elective options, refer to your study plan by navigating to your faculty website:
You can contact the Internships Team by phoning (08) 8313 0400 or emailing internships@adelaide.edu.au
Mary Fowler from The Matildas (yellow jersey) photographed by Maya
Fast facts about coursework internships
- Most internships are unpaid.
- If you are successful in gaining a vacationship, get in contact with the Internships Team to see if it can be counted as an internship for course credit purposes.
- Internships are available during semester, summer and winter schools, and trimesters for postgraduate students.
- Internships are elective courses and therefore course fees and assessment pieces are also associated with the internship.
- Existing paid employment cannot count toward an internship. If you are successful in getting a short-term contract, contact the Internships Team before commencing to see if it could meet the requirements for course purposes.
Get inspired by our students! Read about engineering student Natasha and her unique internship experience creating prosthetic noses.