Media and Communications internships and placement subjects
The Media and Communications Program assists Enriched Stream students to arrange an unpaid industry placement in their final year, supervised and monitored by the Internship Coordinator. Students are encouraged to nominate their preferences, but the actual placement depends on places available, hosts' special requirements and other students' claims (where there is competition), so achieving top preferences is not guaranteed.
Enriched Stream students in the BA (Media and Communications) do an 80 hour (minimum) placement; and Post-grad Diploma in Arts (Media and Communications) students do 100 hours (minimum).
What happens in the Internship?
Students work on discrete projects and provide assistance to experienced professionals, thus developing skills on the job under the guidance of their mentors, extending their writing and research skills in practical workplace settings.
What skills do the students offer their Internship host?
Final year and graduate students have completed a mix of traditional humanities and social sciences subjects, writing workshops, and studies in media industries and new technologies. They have well developed research and analytical skills, the capacity to "think across media" (rather than being specialists in particular media) and skills in writing.
The BA (Media and Communications) offers students specialisations in new media/website design, marketing, journalism, creative writing, international media, film, TV and cultural studies. Our Interns are keen to take on practical communications projects and gain new skills through assisting experienced professionals in their daily work. Diverse cultural competencies... Our students have diverse cultural backgrounds, and many have travelled widely or lived abroad, so they have direct knowledge of overseas political systems and ways of life. Some of the languages they speak are: Mandarin, Cantonese, Italian, Greek, French, Spanish, German, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Malay, Indonesian and many regional dialects. Students' response to the Internship Our Interns are enthusiastic about their placements, and very keen to get on-the-job experience. A common response is "this has been the most rewarding subject in my degree!"
What fields do they work in?
The fields are as diverse as our students: they include journalism, broadcasting, print media, new media, publicity, marketing and many others.
What organisations are affiliated?
Recent hosts include the ABC, SBS radio and television, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Age, The Herald-Sun, The Leader newspaper group, Roadshow Films, and Channels 7 and 9. Many government agencies are affiliated, as are a growing number of local Councils, community organisations, and Centres and projects of the University of Melbourne.
What commitment do we ask of Internship hosts?
Hosts must have a demonstrated commitment to safe working practices and experienced Media/Communications staff willing to mentor, supervise and evaluate the Intern's development.
What sort of projects do interns do?
Students usually combine project work with assistance on day-to-day work tasks. Some recent projects were: researching and writing feature articles; organising fund-raising events; converting print to online media; producing, scripting and interviewing for radio programs; cataloguing and compiling databases of video material; production of newsletters, brochures and catalogues; and organising events, sports awards and guest speakers.
When do the placements take place?
Early March to late May (first semester): early August to late October (second semester).
What is the deadline for applications?
October 2 for both semesters of the following year. Late applications are only accepted in exceptional circumstances, as lateness greatly reduces the opportunities for placement.
Is health and safety important?
Yes. Participating hosts have a formal OHS plan (or commitment to safe work practices), provide comprehensive student inductions, and will promptly report disagreements, incidents or near accidents to the Internships Co-ordinator. What about Workers' Compensation and Insurance? The internship is unpaid, so Worker's Compensation does not apply. Interns are covered comprehensively against accident or injury under the University's Student Insurance policy.
How are students evaluated?
Mentors complete and return a brief evaluation (on attendance, diligence and outcomes) in consultation with the student, but do not mark or grade interns. The student must receive a satisfactory evaluation to be eligible for assessment in the course.
If you would like to participate in the University of Melbourne's Media and Communications Internship program or discuss possible projects, please get in touch.