December 1, 2014

Internship provides student with an insight into politics

UOW student and politics enthusiast Nathan McMillan recently spent three-months shadowing Member for Kiama, Gareth Ward, gaining a new perspective on the inner workings of state politics and Parliament.

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward and UOW student Nathan McMillan

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics) student sought out the work placement opportunity as part of an intensive and practical subject designed by UOW Careers Central to prepare students to transition into the workforce and to empower students to manage their professional life.

Nathan, who was encouraged to find a placement in-line with his degree and passion, said the experience was rewarding.

“I was able to follow parliamentary proceedings as they occurred, assist with research, try my hand at speech writing and letter writing and gained some experience with correspondents. It was a very satisfying experience that has totally changed my perspective on how our state operates. Mr Ward was very accommodating right throughout the internship,” Nathan said.

Gareth Ward said practical work experiences benefit both the student and the host organisation.

“This has been a very rewarding experience for the team and myself. Nathan has been an amazing contributor and collaborator throughout the placement,” Mr Ward said.

As well as helping students get work experience, the Career Ready Learning and Practice (CRLP) subject aims to prepare undergraduate students for the job hunt by educating them about the labour market and recruitment processes while also improving practical skills such as report writing, negotiating and networking.

Director of Graduate Career Development and Employability, Martin Smith, said the CRLP encourages students to pursue work experience in-line with their career aspirations.

“The CRLP program is one of many ways in which the University and the business community are working together to help students make the transition from a place of study to the workplace.”