Workplace internships build skills and mutually beneficial networks.
Outstanding participants of the Women's Developmental Leadership Program have the opportunity to undertake tailored internships and professional development with Australian or Pacific organisations through the WLI. Through these internships, participants build leadership and professional skills and forge lasting partnerships and networks to support them into the future.
At the same time, many participants come to the program with significant work experience, including in their countries' public and private sectors. Host organisations therefore gain practical knowledge and professional support from future Pacific leaders, and broaden their networks into Pacific environments.
My placement has provided quite an exposure and learning for me. I have been able to observe the workflow and culture within the perioperative environment ... [I've been] exposed to a variety of specialty areas, all which were lifelong learning experiences. I will proudly take this learning back to Samoa and share it with my colleagues.
What sort of hosts are needed?
We welcome approaches from potential host organisations, including government departments, non-government organisations, research or educational institutions, private sector businesses, peak bodies, or regional agencies, based either in Australia or the Pacific.
Located around Australia and in the Pacific, participants are experienced and interested in a diverse range of sectors, including politics and diplomacy, agriculture, environment, governance, public policy, finance and accounting, public and clinical health, IT, engineering, national security and defence, education, and community development.
Recent workplace internships and professional development opportunities include
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A one-month placement with a national scientific research organisation – based at the organisation’s headquarters, the intern travelled to project sites in Australia and PNG to gain in-depth understanding of daily operations and work contexts.
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A semester-long placement with a secondary school – the intern spent one day a week working across different school departments to develop a broad view of overall operations.
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A three-week full-time placement in a major public hospital – the intern observed day-to-day clinical and operational functions of the hospital's perioperative services department.
What is expected of host organisations?
Host organisations are expected to provide a stimulating and comprehensive internship. Internships should have a clear benefit to the participant, the participating organisation, and the Pacific region, while not taking the place of, or resembling, formal employment.
Where possible, host organisations cost-share internships and at a minimum, hosts work with the intern and WLI to confirm the specific objectives and activities of the placement; provide necessary equipment and space to support the intern for the duration of the placement; provide an orientation program and ongoing guidance and supervision during the placement; and provide formal feedback at completion.
The WLI team provides a range of advice and logistical support to hosts, including host / intern liaison; financial contributions towards internship costs, including travel and living expenses, visa costs and insurances (as applicable); and logistical support such as booking flights and accommodation.
Interested in becoming a host?
If your organisation is interested in hosting a WLI intern, download our brochure to find our more and get in touch with our program team.