Internship

Senator Paterson Student Intern Program

 

I am launching a new student internship program in 2020.

 

The program will provide work experience and insight into the operations of a Senator’s office for interested university students.

 

There are three internship periods available in 2020:

 

  1. Commences week beginning 16 March, ends 22 May
  2. Commences week beginning 1 June, ends 7 August
  3. Commences week beginning 17 August, ends 23 October

 

Applications

 

Applications are now open for period 1 & 2, 2020.

Applicants must:

  • Be studying at a Victorian tertiary institute, and have completed at least one year;
  • Have a demonstrable interest in Liberal values; and
  • Be available 9am-5pm one day of the work week (day to be negotiated around study commitments).

 

Program

 

The program will run for ten weeks, one full day per week in the electorate office in South Melbourne. Other duties outside the office will be included, and will work around the interns’ availability.

Details of potential tasks to be undertaken are included in Annex A.

At the conclusion of the successful completion of the program, interns will receive a written reference, subject to performance.

The internship is unpaid and conducted consistent with the rules of the parliament. There should be no expectation that any internship will result in future paid employment.

 

Submission

 

Interested applicants should email a CV of no more than two pages and a one page cover letter addressing the following three criteria:

  • What do Liberal values mean to you?
  • What current policy areas are of most interest to you?
  • What do you hope to achieve from the internship?

Submissions should be made via email to: [email protected]

Submission must be made by midday Friday 14 February, and should specify availability/preference for internship periods 1 and/or 2.

Queries can be made via the above email address, or by phone to the office – 9690 2201.

 

Annex A – Possible tasks for the Senator Paterson Intern Program

 

During the course of the program, you will complete tasks such as:

  1. Experience the daily workings of a Senator’s Electorate Office
  2. Handle general phone calls.
  3. Complete a research project on one of Senator Paterson’s Patron seats.
  4. Complete a research project on one policy issue (topic to be discussed with the Senator).
  5. Assist in the management of constituent issues as directed, including resolving an issue and communicating with the constituent.
  6. Assist in the reviewing of committee reports as directed.
  7. Assist the Senator with research for a media appearance, and attend the recording of a television or radio interview with the Senator.
  8. Attend at least one community event staffing the Senator (note: this may involve work outside 9-5 hours).
  9. Other general duties as required.