This checklist will help you work out what you need to do before you apply for your internship, at the start of your journey and after your internship.
- Before you apply for internships
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- Join Engineers Australia if you’re not already a student member.
- It’s free for accredited Engineering courses!
- Develop relationships with industry and your academic contacts. It’s never too soon to begin networking!
- Explore the internships opportunities on Engineers Australia’s Jobs Board.
- Decide which discipline/s you would like to intern in. Examine your options for leadership roles, on and off campus.
- Taking a leadership role can help you to stand out amongst other applications.
- Attend industry networking events, information sessions, and career fairs.
- Schedule an appointment with your careers advisor to polish your CV and cover letter.
- Maintain high academic standards and take courses that help develop the soft skills needed for your desired career path.
- Prepare a list of referees and their contact details.
- At the beginning of the placement
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- Review the your contract, which describes the agreed conditions of employment.
- Provide any paperwork your tertiary institution may require to be completed.
- Complete any required documentation.
- Discuss your proposed work plan, learning goals, interests, and knowledge/skills.
- Ask questions about how the workplace operates.
- Ask your supervisor about the expectations of workplace behaviour and interactions with employers and customers.
- Complete your induction.
- During the placement
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- Participate in discussions about your progress and performance.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
- Research resources that will be useful to you, including other engineers.
- At the end of the placement
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- Discuss your performance with your supervisor.
- Provide and complete any required documentation.
- Thank your supervisor and the organisation for the opportunity, and let them know what you have learned.
