Internships 101
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What actually are internships?
An internship is an opportunity to complete short-term work experience in a given field. They can last from a few weeks to a couple of months.
What actually are internships?
Internships are offered by companies to students, to give you a feel for what working in a specific industry is like. They’re meant to help to prepare you for work in a specific industry.
Why should I do one?
Skills
Internships help you build key industry skills in a lower-stakes environment.
They also help you test your fit in a given industry without long-term commitment.
Fit
Why should I do one?
Future Employment
Internships also strengthen future job applications by showing you have experience in your field of choice.
Networking
They’re also a great way to build connections in the industry, which is useful for job-hunting later on.
How do I apply?
Prepare any resources/documentation: resumes, cover letters, proof of working rights
How do I apply?
Find open internship listings. Big companies will advertise positions on their websites. Such companies include
Other companies advertise on sites like Prosple, seek grad and LinkedIn
When should I apply for one?
There’s no “set time” to do an internship. However, internships are a full-time commitment lasting several weeks, so they're best done during semester breaks when you can dedicate yourself to them fully
When should I apply for one?
Bigger companies do rolling intakes for vacation programs in the summer/winter throughout the year.
For winter programs, applications typically open in February - March. For summer programs, applications open in March - June.
When should I apply for one?
For smaller companies, however, application periods are usually much closer to the date, usually 2 - 4 months before commencement.
However, such companies don’t really have advertising power, so you’ll likely need to contact them directly.
What time should I do one in my degree?
Most large-scale companies offer internships specifically to students in their penultimate year. It’s recommended that you complete one at this time, as it’s when you’ve had time to settle in and decide what you’re going to do for your major.
This doesn’t prohibit you from doing internships later on, even after graduation!
Second Year:
Ideal time to do an internship
First Year:
Settle in and explore options
Final Year and Beyond:
Still an option!
What are companies actually looking for?
Passion and Interest
Soft Skills
Willing to Learn
Motivated, hard-working people who want to work
Good teamwork and communication skills
Interested in developing and building your skills
What are companies actually looking for?
Technical Skills and Understanding
People with basic skills and understanding relevant to industry
Realistic Expectations
Make sure you write a strong cover letter so employers know what your character is like.
Understanding that you’re not going to do interesting things all the time.
How do I set myself apart?
Personalise your resume and cover letter! Try to write them yourself and add a personal touch. Make them specific to the internships you’re applying for.
Recruiters want to know about how you apply well to the internship, not a generic list of skills that everyone should have.
How do I set myself apart?
Showcase proof of your skills. Anyone can claim to be "hardworking" or "detail-oriented".
Provide evidence of times where you were hardworking, qualifications you have that demonstrated your skills at a job that lends well to the internship.
What if I don’t have much experience/skills?
That’s ok! Recruiters don't expect a resume full of experience, it's an internship.
So many things can count toward your application: involvement in clubs, volunteering, and extracurricular activities like sport. So many of these develop the skills that recruiters might be looking for.
Where should I apply if I’m stuck?
Start with your passions
Go to the UoM Internships Fair
Runs in early August, giving you the chance to connect with employers and look at internships options.
Start with what you like! Look for companies offering internships in your field(s) of interest.
Where should I apply if I’m stuck?
Students@Work Internships Program
What resources are available to help me?
Chance to chat 1:1 with a careers advisor about all aspects of your career
Online Careers Enquiry form
Quick online form to get broader help without an appointment
What resources are available to help me?
Careers and employability modules on the LMS
What resources are available to help me?
Resume building tool that can help prepare resumes for applications
Online careers board exclusively for UoM students
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
Resume and cover letter writing for internships.
Faculty of Science
science.unimelb.edu.au
Lucinda Mathieson (they/them) | STEM Careers and Programs Coordinator
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Acknowledgement of Country
The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work, learn and live: the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong peoples (Burnley, Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses), the Yorta Yorta Nation (Dookie and Shepparton campuses), and the Dja Dja Wurrung people (Creswick campus).
The University also acknowledges and is grateful to the Traditional Owners, Elders and Knowledge Holders of all Indigenous nations and clans who have been instrumental in our reconciliation journey.
We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands and waterways across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years. We also acknowledge their enduring cultural practices of caring for Country.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and future, and acknowledge the importance of Indigenous knowledge in the Academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional staff and students we are privileged to work and learn every day with Indigenous colleagues and partners.
Always do the following
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Tip! Tailor your resume and cover letter every time you apply for an internship.
Resume sections (common)
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Expertise
Technical skills
Certifications
Education
Profile Statement
Languages
References
Experience
Publications
Memberships
Contact details
Conferences/Presentations
Awards/Grants/Scholarships
Cover letter format
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1. What you are applying for.
2. Why you are applying for/interested in an internship.
3. What you will bring with you to the internship.
4. Why do you want to intern at that organisation.
A cover letter comprises of four sections
What to say if you have academic experience
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What to say if you have other experience
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volunteering
hospitality
customer service
Need further support with your resume and cover letter?
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Book a 1:1 careers appointment with the central careers team.
Upload your resume to Smart Resume.
Explore the central careers LMS community modules.
Upcoming sessions for Faculty of Science
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Book here
Read your Faculty newsletters!
Is there anything you are unsure about?
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Thank you for having me!
Faculty of Science
science.unimelb.edu.au
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Student Experience: Sifan Huang
Sifan has completed two internships:
Questions?
Thanks for coming!