Work experience with a politician might sound like a testing experience but not for Yvonne Oberhollenzer.
Every Wednesday the UQ political science student works a day at the office of the Member for Griffith and Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs Kevin Rudd.
Ms Oberhollenzer is not tied to photocopying or mail duties but instead spends her time researching a report on terrorism in Western Europe.
“It’s a great atmosphere to work in and it’s also a very interesting topic to research particularly because I’m interested in international relations and foreign affairs,” Ms Oberhollenzer said.
She said her internship was practical and rewarding because Mr Rudd’s office would use her report.
“Because the election is coming up it’s so exciting to be able to see what’s happening behind the scenes, what type of calls they get what type of letters.”
Yvonne is one of six student interns from UQ’s School of Political Science and International Studies who spend a semester with state and federal politicians.
Some of the other students’ research topics are anti-smoking and a review of the Dividing Fences Act.
UQ politics lecturer and internship coordinator Dr Rae Wear said about a dozen third-year undergraduate students were matched with politicians of similar interest and experience each year.
Dr Wear said the students worked as political researchers, preparing 6000-word reports on topics usually chosen and used by their member
“We try to match up the parliamentarian, the intern’s experience and the academic supervisor,” Dr Wear said.
“Students use these reports as part of their CVs. I think it’s a good experience for them.”
Ms Oberhollenzer will continue as a political honours student next year before applying for a diplomatic traineeship with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
For more information contact Dr Rae Wear on (phone: 3365 2090, email: r.wear@uq.edu.au) or Miguel Holland at UQ Communications (phone: 3365 2619, email: m.holland@uq.edu.au)
