Being an intern at WEHI has broaden my knowledge on both science and lab work.
Gerald Ryder, WEHI
What Indigenous interns say
ALS was the perfect environment for a new intern. I felt that I could be productive but also spend time observing and learning new skills for my own development. It was made very clear that the experience was dependent on what we wanted to get out of it. I liked this approach, as I was able to take on jobs and help out, but there was no pressure from the staff. I also loved that the internship opened up a pathway for me to become involved in the Indigenous sector, which I have long been aspiring to do. I feel incredibly lucky to have had this experience and I can't explain how appreciative I am of the efforts made by the team to make everything manageable for me. I feel like I have had the opportunity to develop my own skills and make connections that I may not have been able to do without the assistance through Aurora.
Holli Backhouse, ALS
I have really enjoyed my time here at AIATSIS. This experience has been a positive one and I'm so glad I spent the winter at AIATSIS.
Lucy Schroeder, AIATSIS
The best aspects of the internship program in general is the opportunity to get real experience working in Indigenous affairs. Also, the networking opportunities are incredible as you are able to meet people within your industry and make positive connections, which are priceless for future employment opportunities. As well as this, being able to get paid for the work is incredibly important. As someone who has carer responsibilities, I would not have been able to participate if I had to work for free. The fact that Aurora funds the internship is so important and really amazing. I wish I had done an internship every year of my degree.
Ashleigh Johnstone, Paradisec
I had a great experience and couldn't recommend it enough. The most rewarding aspects were getting the opportunity to work with mob and give back to the community, as well as getting to use new skills and knowledge. I ended up learning so much I never thought I could get a hang of.
Chenoa Masters, NCIE
My expectations were 100% exceeded. I went from initially asking if i could reduce my internship feeling overwhelmed (after the first day) to not only doing a 6-week internship but am now staying on to do casual work as a paralegal. I saw first-hand what kind of lawyer I aspire to be. Overall, I was proud of myself for stepping up and seeing through my internship, and gaining knowledge and confidence to do tasks. This has positively impacted not only myself but has been beneficial to my studies. I am also thankful for the support the Aurora staff provided.
Ricki-Lee Walley, KCLS
The most rewarding aspects of my placement was researching and being inspired by Indigenous STEM experts, and refining my science communication skills. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Questacon and I look forward to taking the skills I acquired there with me into the future.
Audrey McInnerney, Questacon
It was such a fantastic experience. The people who I worked alongside the entire time I was there, were so generous with their time, treated me like a fellow worker, and allowed me to grow so much over the five and a half weeks. I will definitely be staying in touch with all of them and I'm looking forward to working with them in the future, hopefully on one of my own projects.
Julia Moriarty, Lingo Pictures