Sciences Internships
Build your employability skills, professional connections and career-readiness – complete a sciences internship!
The faculty offers undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Science an opportunity to do a professional internship for course credit.
You will spend 20-30 days at a host organisation, immersed in opportunities to use your analytical, problem-solving, collaboration and time management skills, as well as develop your interpersonal skills and build your networks.
Internships are usually based with industry partners, businesses, not-for-profit organisations and government bodies. The opportunities are not typically lab-based.
To be eligible for a science internship, you must meet the following conditions:
- Be a current undergraduate student studying a science degree.
- Have completed 36 units of study by the start of the internship.
- Have a GPA of 4.2 or above (exceptions apply).
- Have attended a resume writing workshop or completed the online module and have an updated, polished resume.
- Have a 3-unit or 6-unit elective available in your program.
- Be available and committed to attending your internship for its duration.
Note: The elective internships are different to the structured industry placements which form part of the following degrees. You should discuss with your program coordinator or a program advisor whether or not your degree also allows you to also enrol into an elective internship course.
Degrees with structured industry placements include:
- Agriculture
- Animal Science
- Animal behaviour
- Food and nutrition science
- Veterinary bioscience/medicine
- Veterinary technology
- Viticulture and oenology
Internships process
What to expect
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Finding an internship
Managed by the University’s Career Services, our online CareerHub enables you to search for paid and unpaid internships, graduate and full-time opportunities, as well as volunteer positions that may count towards your degree's internship requirements.
CareerHub also houses many events such as employer presentations, which provides you with valuable opportunities to meet company representatives on campus.
We strongly encourage all students to register with CareerHub to gain access to the University database of internships and other opportunities.
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How do I join CareerHub?
Use your Student ID and password to register for CareerHub.
You can also subscribe to receive notifications and updates regarding when employers will be on campus, and opportunities that suit you become available.
All approved internship opportunities will be promoted on CareerHub. All internships that have been sourced by the University include (Faculty of SET) in the title. These internships have already been endorsed to complete via course credit. If you are interested in completing an internship for course credit that does not include this in the title, reach out to the Internships Team to see if it would be suitable.
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Can I source my own internship?
If you have been in communications with organisations regarding internships or are currently employed within the field, please contact the internships team at internships@adelaide.edu.au to discuss the potential of using this opportunity towards the internship elective. The Internships Team will review the organisation and internship tasks to ensure it meets the requirements for an internship course. This needs to occur prior to commencing the internship. Internships that have already been completed cannot be attributed for course credit.
Resources on how to source your own internship can be located here.
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Are internships paid or unpaid?
Our internships can be either paid and unpaid.
The CareerHub promotion will feature if the internship is unpaid or if there is renumeration associated with the experience.
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When are internships offered?
Internships are offered year-round in Semester 1, Semester 2, Term 4 and Summer.
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How often will I attend the internship?
Internships have hour requirements that need to be completed within the study period they are undertaken. As a guideline, for semester internships, depending on whether you are undertaking a 3-unit or a 6-unit internship, you will complete:
- 2 days a week for 10 weeks on a 3-unit internship
or
- 3 days a week for 12 weeks on a 6-unit internship.
For Term 4 and Summer based internships, depending on whether you are undertaking a 3-unit or a 6-unit internship, you will complete:
- Full-time** for 4 weeks on a 3-unit internship
or
- Full-time** for 8 weeks on a 6-unit internship.
** Considerations will be made for students who have visa working restrictions.
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Applying for an internship
- The application process for an internship is much the same as you would a job, giving you valuable job-seeking experience. You will apply by submitting your cover letter tailored to the internship opportunity, resume and official transcript, and completing an online interview component.
- Those successful will be shortlisted on the basis of all requirements being met and their application submission.
- Interviews will occur with the host organisation and if you are successful in securing an internship, the university will enrol you into the internship elective and prepare your internship agreement.
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Is there an internship course I should enrol into?
No, the Internships Team will enrol you into the internship elective.
However, do not leave space in your study plan for the internship. You must organise your study plan with an alternate elective in case you are not successful in gaining an internship. If you are successful and need help dropping your alternate elective, please contact the SET Student Success Team.
For undergraduate internships, the relevant internship courses are:
- STEM 3700 Internship (3 units)
- STEM 3710 Internship (6 units)
For postgraduate internships, the relevant internship courses are:
- STEM 7555 Internship (3 units)
- STEM 7111 Internship (6 units)
The internships team will be in contact with you to initiate your internship Agreement.
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How will an internship fit into my study plan?
Our internships are either 3 units or 6 units and will take the place of an equivalent number of elective units you are already enrolled into.
The Faculty will ensure internship confirmations are completed prior to census date to avoid complications to your enrolments and study plan.
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Study plan tips
While you are going through the internship application process, you must have an alternate elective that you are enrolled into in case you are not successful in securing an internship.
For help organising your study plan, please talk to the SET Student Success Team.
Where can I get help with my application documents?
Before applying, we highly encourage you to book into a Resume and Interview skills workshop run by our own Career Services.
Additionally, there are some fantastic Career Tool resources for you to utilise and practice your interview skills.
I have been selected for an interview – how do I prepare?
The iInternships Tteam will provide you notice on your interview.
When preparing for your interview, we encourage you utilise the Career Advice and Planning Guides to prepare for your interview.
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Interview tips
We encourage you have your portfolio prepared and ready for your interview; industry love to see the work you have developed in your own time or during your University studies!
What if I am not successful in gaining an internship?
If you are not successful, you are welcome to apply for a different internship. If you are not successful in gaining an internship, you should continue with your alternate enrolled elective.
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During your internship
Throughout your experience, we will periodically check in with you over the course of your internship, with communications sent near the beginning, middle and end of your internship (depending on duration).
During your internship, you are required to submit assessments to MyUni reflecting on your experience. Please refer to your Course Outline and MyUni page for your assessments.
If during your internship you have any questions or concerns, contact the Internships team and they will either help you themselves, or refer you to the appropriate support service as required.
Unfair treatment, bullying and harassment
Ensuring your safety and wellbeing is of paramount concern for both the faculty and University.
If you’re subjected to behaviour or placed in a situation that causes distress, the host company should provide avenues to address your concerns. This can range from mediation to immediate removal from the situation.
Regardless, please contact the Internships Team immediately to report or discuss.
You can contact us confidentially via email, phone or in person. The University provides several avenues of support, and we’ll work with you to determine the most appropriate.
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How to apply
You should monitor CareerHub for available internships and lodge an application for each opportunity of interest.