Some of The University of Queensland’s best and brightest students go straight to the top, gaining work experience on Washington’s Capitol Hill through an internship program co-ordinated through the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences.
The Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program allows students to work in the Congressional Office of a member of the US House of Representatives or US Senate each January and February.
After a rigorous application process, 12 interns from nine Australian universities are accepted into the prestigious program each year. UQ boasts an outstanding record: three UQ students were accepted in 2008, four in 2009, and two in 2010.
SBS Associate Dean (Academic), Associate Professor Julie Duck, said students gained more than just academic experience from the program.
“It’s about the personal experiences they go through and immersing themselves in the reality of a political atmosphere,” Dr Duck said.
“It’s about finding opportunities and creating networks – all of which are absolutely invaluable.”
The students come from a variety of disciplines, including political science, economics, communication, law, social work, engineering and science. They receive credit towards their UQ degree for completing the internship.
“We’re so proud of all the UQ students who have participated in the program,” Dr Duck said.
“One was offered at job at the World Bank in Washington as a direct result of her internship and the contacts she made, another was asked to extend her internship due to her professionalism and work produced, and many others have been highlighted and praised in the US Congressional record.”
2010 intern Naomi Lim, a UQ journalism and law student, said her internship unlocked the doors of Capitol Hill — the current political, economic and cultural epicentre of the western world.
“I couldn’t wait to take up the challenges of working in the office of high-profile US Congressman John Tierney,” Ms Lim said.
“I was exposed to so many academic, professional and cultural opportunities. The experience enriched my theoretical knowledge of government and politics well beyond the pages of my university course textbooks.”
During the eight-week placement, Ms Lim gained an insider’s understanding of the American political system, and developed her analytical and communication skills by attending hearings, briefings and press conferences on and off Capitol Hill, as well as undertaking constituent liaison and legislative research.
She also spent time exploring Washington D.C. and the American history the city holds.
“Visiting the National Archives and Records Administration was amazing,” Ms Lim said.
“Seeing the original Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta was incredible. It’s just mind-boggling trying to comprehend the history contained in that building and that the people who made America actually touched those time-honoured pieces of paper.”
As a result of her Washington experience, Ms Lim was accepted into the 12-week Hansard Scholars Programme in the United Kingdom.
Through that scheme, international students gain academic and practical knowledge of the British political system and current debates in UK public policy.
As a Hansard Scholar, Ms Lim is studying British politics at the London School of Economics and attending seminars with politicians. She will also complete an internship with a government department, a lobbying group, a non-government organisation or in one of the Houses of Parliament.
Ms Lim is thrilled to have been accepted into the Hansard program.
“I am numb in disbelief,” she said. “I struggled with reverse culture shock after returning home from the US and was searching for my next once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“The Coalition Government elected last May will provide an interesting milieu for my immersion into the British political scene.
“At the moment, heated policy debates have permeated discussion at every level of politics.”
Ms Lim began studying in the UK this week.
A video interview with Ms Lim can be viewed here.
Media: Helen Burdon, UQ School of Behavioural and Social Sciences, ph +61 7 3346 9279; or Beth Hensler ph +61 7 3365 8820.
