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Tips and Advice

Finding your own PACE Activity/Internship

Finding your own PACE activity/internship is challenging but can be very rewarding.  Many Macquarie students have done this successfully and organisations tend to take a favourable view of students with the initiative and motivation to find their own internship.

Benefits to finding your own internship:

  • Networking. Conducting your own PACE activity search, you have an opportunity to build relationships with others in your professional field.
  • Future career preparation. The experience of searching for your own activity will prepare you for your future job searches and give you the skills you need to find a great job.
  • Flexibility. Finding an internship on your own means you are more likely to find an employer who matches your preferences. You will have more flexibility and can make your own choices about things like location or company size.
  • Independence. By finding your own internship, you will have a sense of personal satisfaction and achievement.

Please note that all internships are subject to approval by your unit convenor.

Time

Start your search for an internship early. Finding and applying for your own internship can sometimes be a lengthy process of weeks or months. If you haven't started yet, don't wait! The more time you allow for your search, the more successful you will be.

Some organisations may have their own competitive application process with a set recruitment period. Thoroughly read all information and pay particular attention to set timeframes to ensure you complete your application before the deadline. Most organisations do not accept late applications for internship programs.

Research

Before applying for an internship or approaching an organisation you'll need to spend time researching opportunities and organisations in your chosen career field. Make a list of the organisations that interest you. Consider small, medium and large organisations - smaller organisations are often more open to taking interns, may be less likely to have strict recruitment procedures and could potentially offer you a broader internship experience.  

Reflect

Unsure of what type of PACE activity you want or should be looking for? Think of this as your chance to test out an industry sector to see if you like it. No matter what you do for your PACE activity, you'll learn new skills, learn more about yourself and the world of work, including what opportunities are out there for you after you complete your studies.

For clues on a type of employer, role or skill set you could use as a starting point for a PACE activity idea reflect on your degree so far and ask yourself some of the following questions -

  • What topics/aspects of your degree do you enjoy the most?
  • What other interests do you have?
  • How do you spend your free time when you have it?
  • What jobs have you heard other people doing that seemed interesting (even if they seem out of reach)?
  • What skill would you like to say you have?
  • What do others think you're good at?

Here are some links to explore -

Sourcing an internship

Job sites

There are a number of different websites that promote internship opportunities. In the past Macquarie Faculty of Arts students have found the following sites beneficial -

Your own marketing

Remember, you don't have to wait for an internship opportunity to be advertised. You can approach an organisation you'd like to work for directly with a tailored cover letter/resume and follow up with a phone call.

You may already have an organisation in mind or you can use the directories below to help find some suitable companies to contact:

People you know

Think of the people in your current network – your friends, other students you know, lecturers/tutors, neighbours, your family. They could possibly know someone working in an area you are interested in for your PACE activity and could help connect you.

Look on campus

There are a huge number of clinics, museums and research centres and other offices (eg. Equity and Diversity Unit, Sustainability Office) at Macquarie that you could consider approaching for your PACE activity. Some of these are already PACE partners.

For media students, the media team in the Marketing unit on campus sometimes has opportunities and a sports journalist role is also available at times in the year through Campus Life.

Resume and Cover Letter

Before you apply for an internship ensure that you have an up-to-date Resume and Cover letter. It's important to customise your information in both these documents every time you apply for an internship opportunity.

Resume

A high-quality resume helps a potential employer spot your suitability to their position within seconds. Your resume should -

  • be well presented
  • be concise
  • be easy to read
  • show you are suitable for the job

Cover Letter

A cover letter gives you the opportunity to show what you know about the organisation and how you fit into their work culture or environment. Your cover letter should -

  • tell the employer why you want to work for them specifically and why they should want you
  • highlight your most relevant skills and experiences
  • be professional yet personable
  • demonstrate your strong written communication skills

For more information

  • Please see the 'Resumes' and 'Cover Letters' sections of the Macquarie Career and Employment Service.

 

Macquarie University Career and Employment Service

The Career and Employment Service empowers students to develop the skills and knowledge to plan for their future career and successfully transition from student to professional.

Students are encouraged to explore the website or visit the Career and Employment Centre on the ground floor of the Campus Hub building. Walk-ins are welcome, but students should pre-arrange a time to:

  • have your resume and cover letter reviewed
  • attend a workshop
  • attend an employer presentation
  • book a career appointment
  • search for jobs

Contact the Career and Employment Service

Email: careers@mq.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9850 7372