Meet our July Graduates: Elly Duff

Meet Elly Duff, who has just completed her undergraduate studies at the ANU. As part of her studies, Elly was lucky enough to participate in the Australian National Internships Program (ANIP).

What degree have you just completed?

I have just completed a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (Psychology). I majored in Development Studies in my Arts degree.

How did you choose this degree?

I was interested in both international development and psychology and I couldn’t decide between the two – this double degree let me pursue both areas.

What have you enjoyed most about studying at ANU?

One of the things I enjoyed most about studying at ANU are the opportunities available to students for learning outside the classroom, such as the ANIP.

How did you get involved in ANIP and what kind of work did you do?

I found out about ANIP through a friend who participated in the program. I was placed in Parliament House with Nigel Scullion, the current Shadow Minster for Indigenous Affairs and Senator for the Northern Territory. The majority of my time in my placement was spent working on my research project. I also had the privilege of sitting in on, and contributing to daily meetings between Senator Scullion and indigenous, social and community development interest groups and organisations.

What did you like about the internship experience?

Completing this internship gave me a broad range of experiences I would not have otherwise had. I was lucky enough to travel to Cairns and to Aurukun, a remote indigenous community in Queensland’s Cape York region to undertake research for my report. This was an amazing experience both in terms of research and life experience. Undertaking this internship and the research trip in addition to completing other courses and part time work thoroughly challenged my time management and planning skills.

What do you plan on doing now that you’ve finished your studies?

Now that I have finished my degrees I plan to spend the next few months travelling overseas and possibly pursuing further research.