What’s an internship?

An internship (also called professional or work experience) is a short-term paid or unpaid placement within an organisation. Internships give you a chance to take what you’ve learnt in the classroom and apply it in a real-world work environment. They prepare you for life after UTS, and give you a taste of some of the career options available to you.

Who should study an internship?

Anyone who’s interested in gaining practical experience in their chosen field should consider an internship. Some FASS courses have a course related internship component, while others offer elective internship subjects. A voluntary internship isn’t part of your formal program of study, but is a professional placement that helps you build workplace skills related to the course you’re studying.

Course-related internships

Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment

The Bachelor of Sustainability and Environment prepares students for careers in the ever-expanding green economy across industry, science, government and NGO sectors, academia and business. An internship is compulsory in this course. As part of 99222 Sustainability Studio, you will complete an internship in an organisation in the field of sustainability and environment.

Bachelor of International Studies

As a student enrolled in the Language, Culture and the Professional World Stream in the Bachelor of International Studies, you will be required to complete an internship as part of 992221 The Global Professional. In a professional setting you will be able to apply skills gained from your second degree and your intercultural competencies gained from the International Studies degree. 

International internships

International Internship (97900/97901) allows UTS students the opportunity to participate in an overseas experience while having it count towards their degree at UTS. This provides you with the opportunity to develop your intercultural awareness and professional competencies. Information about the international internships available and how to apply can be found on the Global Short Programs page.

Voluntary internships

If you’re interested in undertaking a voluntary internship you can access opportunities via CareerHub, see Securing a placement below for more information or you can contact FASS Voluntary Internships if you have questions about a placement.

Securing a placement

You’ll need to secure your own Internship placement. CareerHub – the Universities job board is a great starting point. Log in and view advertisements under the ‘Dashboard’ tab. You can also talk to your course coordinator or work experience coordinator.

Already got an offer? You can arrange an internship with an organisation directly. They’ll need to sign up with CareerHub before you can start your internship. See our taking on a UTS Intern page for more information.

Documentation

Course-related internship documentation

Students in the Sustainability and Environment and International Studies degrees undertaking their internship capstone subjects in their final years will be instructed to manage their internship and related paperwork via UTS CareerHub. This paperwork is essential to obtain full insurance cover for unpaid internships. Students will be instructed in class at the start of semester on how to complete the paperwork. Contact International Studies and Sustainability and Environment) for any questions regarding the internship search or the CareerHub paperwork process. 

Voluntary internship documentation

Voluntary placements are managed via CareerHub. Log in and under the ‘Dashboard’ tab you’ll see a link to FASS Voluntary Internships on the left hand side of the screen. Paperwork must be in place at least 3 working days before the proposed commencement date.

Insurance

You’ll be covered by UTS personal accident and public liability insurance while you’re on your placement ONLY if the internship is approved by the university. This means that all required paperwork is submitted and signed off prior to the commencement of your internship. An insurance certificate can be produced for you to take with you to your host organisation. Speak to your School Office or subject coordinator for more details.