University of Sydney / Faculty of Arts / Department of Media and Communications / Student Internship FAQ

Student Internship FAQ

Last updated Semester 2, 2009

Student Info

Internships are your transition to professional media careers. In third year you should start exploring the options open to you for your internship study. This will be the core of your final, fourth year of study in Media and Communications and two units MECO3671: Internship and MECO3672 Internship Project.

When can I enrol in MECO 3671 Internship?
You may enrol in MECO3671 Internship in

  • second semester of 3rd Year, or
  • first semester of 4th year.

    • Are there any prerequisite units of study for MECO 3671 Internship?
    MECO 3603 Media Law & Ethics is a prerequisite for MECO 3671 Internship.

    How long is the internship?
    Twenty working days (7 hours per day). Please note that weekends, public holidays, sick leave, study commitments, etc. are not included in these twenty days.

    Can I do the internship full-time or part-time?

    Yes, either is acceptable to us, as long as the host organisation is agreeable and you complete the minimum 20 working days. You may not undertake a full time Internship if it clashed with any of your timetabled classses in any unit of study (MECO or other department). For this reason, full time placements are usually undertaken during holidays.

    Can I do the internship in the Christmas or mid-year break?
    Yes. In the interests of flexibility, we will allow you to complete the internship during the holidays. You would usually be enrolled for the semester which follows. That is, there is no need to enrol in Summer or Winter School.

    When will my internship start?
    Not all internships start at the beginning of semester. Many students will not start until later in the semester. However, everyone gets the same amount of time to complete their written work.

    I'm not sure what I would like to do for my internship. Where can I get some ideas?
    Please begin by undertaking some research into the particular area of the media industry that you would like to complete your Internship ie radio, public relations, magazines.
    You may find some ideas at the University Careers Centre - Mackie Building, across the Parramatta Rd footbridge, or www.careers.usyd.edu.au. They have an extensive resource library concerning career options and organisations.

    Once you have started your own research, feel free to contact Robin Moffat.

    Will I be paid for the internship?
    Not usually. Most Internships are unpaid.

    I have a job in the media or related industry - can I count this towards my internship?
    Yes. If you already have a job that fits the general criteria of a media internship, then after obtain ing permission from the Internship Coordinator, this can be credited towards your internship. If you work in a media organisation, but not necessarily in a media job per se (eg. receptionist), you may be able to negotiate with your employer to take on some relevant media work. You are still welcome to do a placement somewhere else if you wish. Please note that you are not covered by the University's insurance if you are undertaking paid work.

    Will I be covered by Insurance?
    The University of Sydney offers insurance for all students on unpaid work experience or internships. If you are paid, then you are considered an employee and would need to be covered by the employer for workers' compensation and professional liability.

    Are there any pre arranged Internships?
    There are a number of internships that are available every year. It is the Internship Coordinator's job to secure this 'return business'. Interns have an important role to play in this process, by displaying professional behaviour while out on placement. It is also the Internship Coordinator's job to secure new internships year after year. Please look at the 'Current Interns' page regularly for new additions and for closing dates.

    How are these pre arranged internships allocated?
    Students will be shortlisted by either the department OR the host company and then proceed to interview before being offered the position.

    Can I organise my own internship?
    Students may use their own contacts to organise their own internship which must then be approved by the Coordinator.
    In addition to this if you prefer to find your own internship, you are quite welcome to do your own legwork. A letter of support is available from the Internship Coordinator.

    Either way - you must contact Robin to ensure that the placement you are going after meets our criteria. You are also responsible for getting the Internship Offer form filled out and back to Robin.

    Please do NOT contact the ABC SBS 9 or 10 TV News networks before speaking with Robin.

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