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Articles written by Social Science Interns

As part of their obligations Interns are required to submit a report at the completion of their Internships. Here are a few examples from previous interns:

Summer 2009/10
Click here to read an article by Clancy Goslett-King who was placed at NTSCORP in Sydney, NSW.
s Click here to read an article by Stacey Taylor, who was placed at the Cape York Institute (CYI) in Cairns, Qld.
s Click here to read an article (PDF) by Heidi Evans, who was placed at the Cape York Institute (CYI) in Cairns, Qld.

Winter 2009
s Click here to read an article by Jasmine Scibilia who was placed at the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) in Perth WA.
Click here to read an article written by anthropology interns, Margherita Drago and Honey Muir and social science intern, Louise Whitton, who were placed at NTSCORP in Sydney, NSW.

Winter 2008
s Click here to read an article by Clare Ammenhauser who was placed at the Dugalanji Aboriginal Corporation in Camooweal, Qld.

Quotes from Social Science Interns

Winter 2010
arrow “...the organisation puts a lot of trust in your abilities, as the screening has already been undertaken by Aurora. I think this is a very different experience to other internships where, going in 'blind', the organisation may be unsure of the intern's abilities and so start them on more menial tasks. Here, you're literally thrown straight in there!”

Summer 2009/10
arrow “Not only did I gain valuable insight into Indigenous land management issues, and relevant experience, but I have made great friends, taken part in a significant event for the people of Aurukun and contributed to the likelihood of a positive future for a clan group who are fighting to find their way back to country after decades of being away.”
arrow “In my six weeks at NTSCORP I certainly gained a sense of how social science is practiced differently in native title as opposed to the type of social science research/practice we are exposed to during undergrad. I think six weeks was enough to gain an insight into a slice of the native title system as I became familiar with the complexities and nuances of one particular claim. I would certainly consider a career in native title feeling much more informed than I was before the internship.”
arrow “The Aurora Native Title Internship was a wonderful experience and I feel extremely grateful and privileged to have taken part in the program. Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management students should consider undertaking this program in order to understand the various aspects of Indigenous archaeology and social policy issues, as well as to explore where their degree can take them in the future. Until I started the internship, I had no idea how archaeology played a part in Native Title or that work opportunities existed in that field.”
arrow “AIATSIS has been a wonderful place to do some work experience. Everyone is incredibly knowledgeable and you feel as if you are learning new things every day. It has been wonderful to know that the work you are doing might be used in the future. To know that what you are doing is making a difference - that is rewarding in itself”
arrow “... [the internship program] gives anthropological/archeological students a rare opportunity to gain practical fieldwork experience. As most jobs in these fields require you to demonstrate experience in cross-cultutral communication, the opportunities this internship has provided me with have been invaluable.”

Winter 2009
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“The experience on placement at SWALSC provided me with an insight into Indigenous Affairs that will be invaluable in the future. During my placement I learnt a tremendous amount about the history and culture of the Noongar people. I also learnt about how Native Title functions and how Aboriginal land rights will be protected in the future. Furthermore, I learnt about contemporary problems affecting Indigenous health, economic welfare and rights to country. The experience provided me with a terrific professional framework to the passion that I had developed since my childhood.”
e “I have had a fantastic time at Reconciliation Australia over the past six weeks. I am so impressed by the work that RA does and the creativity, kindness and commitment of the staff. I have learnt a lot from the experience, and it’s definitely cemented my desire to continue working in Indigenous affairs.”
e

 “The experience on placement at SWALSC provided me with an insight into Indigenous Affairs that will be invaluable in the future. I feel privileged to have been provided with an opportunity to observe this passionate and well organized committee executing their business.”

e  “Working with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has been a blast … The individuals I am working with have been more than helpful. They have been openly sharing their wisdom with me, and have shown they are very interested in my time with AHRC and wish for me to get the most I can out of it. All in all, my experience in a policy unit was very interesting, and I must say I can definitely see myself going done this line of work.”
e  “AIATSIS is a great place to work. All the people here are really hardworking, approachable and friendly. I haven’t been embarrassed at all about asking them some fairly trivial questions!...It is refreshing to have real legal perspectives on the challenges of gaining native title instead of the condensed version we interns have received at uni.”

Summer 2008/09
e

"My internship at CAEPR has been rewarding, challenging and enjoyable. I applied for a placement to broaden and deepen my knowledge of Indigenous affairs and social policy issues, and gain experience working in this area. I was keen to develop work related skills and experience, as well as expand my knowledge of the institutional landscape and diversity of work involved in this field. Through this internship I learnt new skills, such as writing collaboratively for government, liasing with others, examining a wide variety of publications, writing persuasively and concisely, as well as practical skills such as proof reading and creating an excel spreadsheets. Through my internship at CAEPR I have been able to reflect on my career plans, and identify steps toward building a career in Indigenous affairs. I want to acknowledge their generosity in supporting students making their first steps towards a career in Indigenous affairs.
e "Being involved in the Native Title process, realising its complexities firsthand is better than reading about it all any day. On the job learning is far better training than any qualification you study for.”
e "It was a truly fantastic experience and I feel very lucky to have been able to take part in the program. I definitely think this kind of program is something more anthropology and social science students should be doing while they study because there is little knowledge of what options are available after they have finished their studies. I think a lot of people are apprehensive about working for Native Title Representative Bodies because they are unaware and unprepared for the kind of work it involves and the attitude required. I am very grateful for taking part in the internship and I think Aurora is doing a great job in getting students to know more about the Native Title system and what working in it is like."

Winter 2008
e "These six weeks have given me a space to think about what future direction I want to head in, and being in the office has shown me what interests me in terms of work. This sort of clarity is great for me (especially being 5 years into a degree!) so for that I am grateful for being able to be part of the Aurora Project. Being able to move around at NTSCORP was also incredibly useful in helping me work out what area of study I want to pursue in the future."
e "I found the most rewarding aspect of the placement the interaction with such a diverse array of people. The camp at Dugalanji Aboriginal Corporation was a melting pot of perspectives on native title and cultural heritage management. I would highly recommend the Aurora Native Title Internship Program to anyone with a genuine interest in native title and Indigenous affairs."
e "Going up to MGCorp in Kununurra with few expectations or specific knowledge of what I would be involved with up there, or who I would meet, my expectations were exceeded by how involved I became. From everyone I met there was something new to learn, depending on their area of expertise or life experiences. The best aspects of my internship were being immersed in the work and in a place completely outside of Uni studies, and having to be fully involved. This hands-on approach made learning the practical workings of property and corporations law very clear and approachable. Also, working with an Aboriginal Corporation meant that the community and the corporation were one large group."