ANIP: A Gateway to Networking, Purpose, and Unexpected Opportunities

The Australian National Internships Program (ANIP) is open to all undergraduate and postgraduate students from all academic disciplines. It is flexible and offers a broad scope of opportunities to students at all different stages of their studies.

ANIP is the only university program that offers Commonwealth Parliamentary Internships to students from across the nation. Interns are based in the offices of MPs and Senators where they are able to engage with a range of activities that shape national policy making. Placements are for one, two or four days per week, and the ANIP course includes workshops on policy research and professional skills.

ANIP research reports have been used in parliamentary debates and committee enquiries, presented as briefings or scoping studies, incorporated into larger reports by government departments and Non-Government Organisations, and published as peer-reviewed academic research articles.

Students also have the opportunity to be placed right here at the College of Arts and Social Sciences' very own Centre for European Studies (ANUCES). A vibrant research hub, the Centre offers students the chance to connect with academics and fellow interns from around the world.

ANIP alumni and visiting students have gone on to complete further study or paid work at leading institutions in the field. Just recently, the Centre for European Studies hosted three international students, one of whom is a German Rechtsreferendar (‘trainee lawyer’). Another student, a graduate student from the Netherlands, completed his internship in person in 2022, and in 2021, the Centre hosted a student from the Netherlands virtually, due to the pandemic lock down. Over the summer, a former ANIP intern undertook a paid position with Prime Minister and Cabinet and has been invited to stay until she leaves to take up a position in a graduate programme at Science Politique in Paris in August-September. Whilst another former intern and ANU graduate is now a judge’s associate on the NSW Supreme Court. These interns had the opportunity to work with academic members of the Centre for European Studies, contributing to publications and gaining valuable experience in their respective fields.

Caitlin Johstone, a current domestic ANIP intern and student of International Relations at ANU shares her experience, “it’s a selective program where applicants are asked about their research interests and areas of study.” Adding, “I’ve been placed with a host that aligns well with my focus on Europe and interests in international diplomacy and organisations and so this worked out for me really, really well. It's very aligned with my interests.”

Also interning at ANUCES as a domestic student, Quin McKeown initially aspired to secure a position in an embassy. However, now feels fortunate to have been assignedat the Centre, "I've actually been very lucky to be placed here [ANUCES] as initially I wanted to go to elsewhere, but I am definitely benefitting more from being here." She remarks, “The ANIP convenors undoubtedly know the partners better than I do and could place me somewhere more relevant to my interests.”

Meanwhile, this week a student led exhibition, ‘Unissued Diplomas’ has commenced, running until 2 April, honouring the memory of Ukrainian students whose lives have been taken in the Russian invasion.

Caitlin appreciates the number of ad hoc events to which she is invited as part of the program, “I've been able to get involved in a few different events at the Centre. Just last week, we had a visit from the Georgian Ambassador and then Lord Christopher Patten. So, some really interesting foreign dignitaries I've just been able to have conversations with. That's definitely the best part.”

Quin also knows the value in rubbing elbows and forging meaningful connections at these events. “I've definitely enjoyed the opportunities. I get to hear from these very important people, very accomplished, amazing people who can really impact global politics and see how they've gotten to these points in their life."

Since interning at ANIP, Quin has developed a clearer sense of direction. She is currently focusing on her research project, which concentrates on the repatriation of First Nations remains from Europe. She shares, "I've always been interested in museums as a side of international cultural diplomacy but being here has allowed me to pursue my passion and hopefully make a real impact. It's amazing to see that what I do is actually important now."

If you’re pondering the idea of getting involved, Caitlin doesn’t hesitate in urging you to dive right in, because you never know what kind of opportunities might be just around the corner. “The placement that you’re offered depends on what’s available. Wherever you end up, really embrace it and get involved. Make the most of the different projects that you might be able to contribute to.”

Quin wholeheartedly agrees with this advice, adding, “Definitely do your research on potential partners, but don't be too hung up on getting your first choice. Sometimes the unexpected turns out to be for the best. Regardless of where you end up, the skills you'll learn and opportunities you'll receive will be invaluable. So keep an open mind and keep applying."

Quin wittingly reflects, “I am very glad to have the opportunity, even if it is in my fourth year. You’d want to be a later year student anyway with 4,000 words to write at the end of it all.”

Applications for ANIP Internships for Second Semester 2023 are now open until 30 April 2023.