Swapping her family home in Wishart for a Parisian apartment is a dream come true for Juliette Maeji.
The University of Queensland (UQ) student will begin a coveted internship with Austrade in Paris on Monday (2 July 2012).
Juliette Maeji will spend nine weeks working in the Austrade office in Paris, where she will undertake market research for key industry sectors and provide assistance to Australian clients on how to develop and execute market entry strategies into France.
She will also assist with events designed to market and promote Australian industry and capability.
Ms Maeji, who is currently completing a dual program in Arts/Laws at UQ, found out about the opportunity with Austrade last year while she was on exchange in Sweden through the UQ Abroad program.
“I met with a UQ representative who was attending a conference in Stockholm and was speaking with him about my exchange and how keen I was to work someday in Europe. He mentioned the Austrade internship program and I jumped at the opportunity,” she said.
Whilst Ms Maeji is still considering her career options following graduation, she believes that the internship will help to provide further direction and to extend her employment prospects.
“Undertaking this internship will give me a valuable insight into the functions of government and how business works in a French speaking environment, plus there is the added benefit of being able to experience Paris in the summertime,” Ms Maeji said.
“I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the French culture and having the opportunity to speak French with my colleagues.
“On a professional level, I am excited about working on important Australian and French trade issues and learning more about the different facets of international business.”
Ms Maeji received a UQ Advantage Grant from the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) to assist her with her travel costs to France.
“The extensive support that I received from the UQ Office of Undergraduate Education has been invaluable.
“The team provided additional information about the internship program, helped me to complete the application, and gave me a grant to assist with paying for my airfare,” Ms Maeji said.
Acting Director of OUE, Dr Jessica Gallagher said that UQ is committed to supporting students to access international internships and other opportunities which will enhance their student experience and career prospects.
“Juliette will be the first UQ student to undertake a formal internship with Austrade in Paris, and we are very keen to support other students interested in this opportunity,” Dr Gallagher said.
“OUE provides information, advice, and thousands of dollars in funding each year to assist UQ students to participate in volunteering, internships and other professional development activities.”
For more information about the UQ Advantage Grant scheme, internship opportunities, and other programs available to UQ students, visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate.
Media: Dr Jessica Gallagher, (+61 7 3346 7012) or Georgia Mitchell, (georgia.mitchell@uq.edu.au or +61 7 3346 0626)
