RIAP Internship Program
The Research Institute for Asia and the Pacific (RIAP) Internship Program offers exceptional opportunities for outstanding University of Sydney students who are considering a career that involves an understanding of Asia and the Pacific.
Through a carefully customised internship program, RIAP provides undergraduate and postgraduate students scope to develop their professional skills through short-term on the job experience and exposure to issues relating to the Asia Pacific region.
Internships are available year-round or as a short term holiday program. Students are required to commit to at least
14 hours per week.
An intern's duties may include a combination of research, administrative work, editing and writing, and coordination of projects and events.
Interns will also have the opportunity to interact with experts, scholars, government officials, corporate executives, and current and future policy leaders from Australia and the Asia Pacific region. Working at one of the Asia Pacific’s leading non-profit research and training institutions provides an extraordinary opportunity to gain experience in the field.
RIAP's Internship program is open to
University of Sydney students
Application
The program is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students from the University of Sydney. Applications will be considered from students currently enrolled in other Australian universities, however priority will be given to students from the University of Sydney.
To apply for the RIAP Internship Program students are required to submit a Curriculum Vitae and cover letter outlining their areas of interest, work experiences and accomplishments. Students must also provide at least one academic referee's report. Applications must relate to the student’s area/s of expertise and must be supported by their academic department.
Interns, though unpaid, are treated as full staff members with specific responsibilities. Each intern will be assigned to a senior staff member for supervision/mentorship. The program is highly intensive and competitive.
The job description for interns varies but a program will be designed in consultation with the intern so as to meet his/her area of interest and specialisation.
The program will offer students a range of tasks to complete during the program. Some interns research particular projects while others help design projects or contribute in the Institute's international development and relations programs.
Interns are expected to make significant contributions to the work program of their divisions.
Internship assignments vary in length according to the academic requirements and availability of the intern. Assignments run from anywhere between 4 weeks (full time) to four months (minimum of three days per week).
Enhance your project
coordination skills through
practical training
Objectives
The key objectives of the program are to encourage students to:
- Explore the wider contemporary issues in their area of expertise and as they relate to Australia - Asia Pacific relations;
- Increase and deepen the intern’s ability and skills in Asia Pacific politics, economy and society;
- Build their current knowledge base through a mix of theoretical and practical research and training activities;
- Encourage the experiential learning of best practice models within their responsibility areas;
- Build core leadership and communications skills to engage effectively in the region;
- Provide opportunities for interns to establish professional and career opportunities through networking; and
- Improve cultural understanding.
Preferred qualifications
- Strong analytical skills, demonstrated by academic success and professional achievements;
- Able to commit a minimum of 14 hours per week;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and the World Wide Web;
- Excellent cross-cultural skills;
- Proficiency in a second language and/or international travel preferred but not essential;
- Knowledge of international business and political affairs in the Asia Pacific region.
Benefits to the student
Through this critical work experience opportunity, the successful intern will:
- Gain invaluable professional experience in developing and managing international projects;
- Develop new skills and enhance knowledge and experience in areas relating to the Asia Pacific region;
- Be exposed to important issues facing the Asia Pacific region;
- Be encouraged to write and publish articles for RIAP and the University of Sydney;
- Relate coursework to actual, on-the-job practical and technical applications;
- Network with academics, government and business community in Australia and the region;
- Receive a certificate of internship and a letter of reference from RIAP.
Benefits to RIAP
The benefits to RIAP in offering these opportunities to students are that we:
- Encourage the exchange of information from students who are typically very knowledgeable in particular fields;
- Foster diversity of ideas and experience;
- Create opportunities to develop new areas and opportunities in research and training;
- Collaborate and develop international linkages.
Download an application form