Arts interns have Cyprus link

Internships

Two Humanities students have snared prized internships with Liberal Party stalwart Alexander Downer within the past 12 months.

Felicity Prance, 22, and Sarah Schmitt, 21, are the first University of Adelaide students to work alongside Professor Downer, a Visiting Professor in the School of History and Politics and Australia's longest-serving Foreign Affairs Minister.

In 2009 while in her 4th year of a Social Sciences and International Studies degree, Felicity was commissioned by Professor Downer to undertake a specific research assignment on Cyprus, the Mediterranean island for which Professor Downer is United Nations Special Envoy.

"The aim of the report was to demonstrate why community engagement is vital for securing sustainable peace in Cyprus," Felicity said.

Felicity's report was presented to the United Nations office in Cyprus, recommending extensive consultation with the Cypriot community to find a solution to the political conflicts with Turkey, which occupies one third of the island.

Professor Downer said he was impressed by Felicity's diligent approach and grasp of the complexities of Cypriot politics.

"This project required an impartial view of the situation there and Felicity provided invaluable intellectual input," he said.

Apart from the project commissioned by Alexander Downer, Felicity has also undertaken internships with the Property Council of Australia, a research consulting firm in Sydney, and is currently undertaking an internship with the University of Adelaide's Institute for International Trade.

"My passion is policy, governance, politics and development, and all these internships have helped diversify and broaden my skill set," she said.

"The internships are invaluable because not only do you gain experience in the workforce but they force you to demonstrate initiative and learn in a different way from university. They also make you realise where your interests and skill sets really lie."

The success of Felicity's project has resulted in Professor Downer taking on another Humanities intern, Sarah Schmitt, who will start working on another Cyprus project on his behalf from this month.

Sarah, who is in her third year of a double degree in Law and Development Studies, said she was looking forward to combining her passions in international relations and law, and applying it to the Cypriot issue.

"It will be fantastic to look at an issue in depth and use what I have learned in my studies to help make a contribution in a meaningful way," she said.

Thanks to the Arts Internship Scheme at the University of Adelaide, nearly 100 students have enjoyed the opportunity to gain real experience in a workplace of their choice since 2008.

Arts Internship coordinator Dr Rob Cover said students were placed in both private and public sector organisations, matching their study interests with specific projects and gaining a range of practical skills and experience.

"These internships give students the opportunity to manage a project, build valuable contacts in the workforce and give them experience which employers really value when it comes to hiring people," Dr Cover said.

About 35 organisations have taken on Humanities interns in the past three years.

For information about the Arts Internship Scheme, call Dr Rob Cover on +61 8 8303 8358 or visit: www.hss.adelaide.edu.au/internships

Story by Candy Gibson

For more information about Arts Internships, visit Open Day Sunday 15 August.