Employer eNewsletter
An interview with Third Year Arts Student, Hannah Weir
As part of the Melbourne Curriculum the University of Melbourne aims to provide opportunities for rich, real-world experiences. The University offers a wide range of career support programs and mentorships as well as internship, international exchange, industry participation and volunteering opportunities to complement our rigorous curriculum.
In Semester Two, the Faculty of Arts in conjunction with Careers & Employment launched two exciting new industry based subjects; Arts Internship and Community Volunteering For Change.
One of the subject participants, Hannah Weir shares her experiences undertaking the Arts Internship.
Name: Hannah Weir
Course: Bachelor of Arts (Media & Communications), major in Spanish and Diploma in Modern Languages (German)
Year Level: Third Year
Internship Placement: Victorian Government, Minister Mary Wooldridge’s Office (Minister for Community Services, Mental Health and Women’s Affairs)
What inspired you to undertake the Arts Internship subject?
When I heard about the Arts Internship subject I was really excited because I thought this would be a great opportunity for me to get some real life experience.
Describe a typical day in the Minister’s office?
There are no typical days in the office. Every day is different and that’s what I love about the placement. But usually I will attend at least 1 or 2 events during the day in which the Minister often speaks, so I will record that. The media advisor may then get me to write up a media release (or to fix up one that has already been drafted). Sometimes I get to go along to meetings and I'll often do things like research what the ALP is doing in relation to media releases etc.
What skills have you learnt on the job that you can take with you for your future career?
I am now able to quickly write up press releases. My communications skills have improved and I have gained experience working under pressure and long hours etc.
Has this internship helped you determine what you would like to do after you graduate?
Not determine but definitely has given me a lot of ideas which have been really helpful. I have been introduced to a wide range of positions that I could possibly see myself doing down the track. Working with the media adviser has been really helpful because he has been working in the industry for a long time, so he has given me a lot of advice about choosing my own career path. I have realised that I definitely want to be working with people, in particular in the area of disability and/or mental health services. This has particularly interested me.
What has been your favourite part of working in the Minister’s office?
I've met some amazing people and I've learnt a lot about myself, in particular where I want to head from now. One of my favourite parts has been going to events and hearing the Minister speak because she is a great speaker. Also seeing the hard work that gets put in and knowing that everyone genuinely cares about what they do. I love seeing things happen during the day and going home and seeing it on the news or in the paper - it's so exciting!
If you are interested in finding out more please contact
Arts Internship
Michelle Maes
Manager, Internships & Work Placements
Student Engagement
P: +61 3 8344 6827
E: mmaes@unimelb.edu.au
Community Volunteering for Change
Rita Manessis
Manager - Student Leadership Programs
P: +61 3 8344 4691
E: r.manessis@unimelb.edu.au