What if there's a problem during the internship?
Keep in communication with your university regularly. Where possible, discuss the issue with your supervisor first, in case it’s a misunderstanding.
Will I be assessed on my internship?
Your university can advise whether it requires assessment and the form it should take.
What are my responsibilities?
- Ensuring all safety standards are met
- Behaving professionally and responsibly
- Maintaining confidentiality requirements for information accessed during your internship
- Adhering to workplace policies.
Why haven’t I received offers for internships I’ve applied for?
If you aren’t receiving offers or feedback, examine these areas of your application:
- If you’re applying for internships without researching why you’d like to work with the company, re-think your approach! Spend time learning about company values and cultures and apply for internships you’re genuinely interested in.
- Make sure your application is relevant to the role. Show that you are genuinely interested in the organisation and the role.
- Are you coming across in a professional manner? There are heaps of web resources available on how to craft a cover letter and your CV—take advantage of them! You could also ask for advice from your university careers counsellor.
- Sometimes it’s not what you know but who you know. If you have a professional connection at the organisation, ask if they’d be willing to refer you to the decision-makers.
- The business may also be researching you! Ensure your social media profiles are up to date and professional.
- Remember that organisations may receive hundreds of applications and only shortlist a few. Do everything you can to present yourself as the best applicant for the position!
Will I get paid for my internship?
While the Fair Work Act 2009 doesn’t require paid interns, many are. Check with your university for advice and guidance, and research the requirements at the Fair Work Act 2009.
If your internship is paid, we recommend you have a contract put in place with the organisation.
What are the Australian Competency Standards?
The Stage 1 Competency Standards are guidelines expected for Professional Engineers who on graduation are required to take responsibility for engineering projects and programs in the most far-reaching sense.
The Stage 2 Competency Standards are the profession's expression of the knowledge and skill base, engineering application abilities, and professional skills, values and attitudes that must be demonstrated in order to practise independently or unsupervised.
