Executive Internship

This subject is not offered in 2014.

Total of 240 hours

Students are required to apply for this subject during the semester prior to commencement of the internship. Application form: http://www.ssps.unimelb.edu.au/study/internships/postgraduate_application

Public Policy, Sociology or Politics at Undergraduate level

PPMN40003 Executive Internship

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Objectives, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

In this subject students will be placed in an organisation which either has governmental responsibilities or deals with government, where they will work under the supervision and guidance of a senior manager in the organisation. Students will be required to use their own networks to make an initial contact with a potential organisation. Their choice will then need to be ratified by the department. Students will carry out research or analytical exercises of relevance to the organisation that will be involved in high-level and complex policy making. Students will study the structure, culture and policy environment of the organisation and develop advanced analytical, research and report-writing skills as well as negotiating and interpersonal skills. Students completing this course should expect to acquire significant insight into the complexities of policy making and management. During the internship an academic supervisor will advise them.

On completion of this subject students should:

• have an understanding of the organisation in which they are placed and of its policy making responsibilities, approaches and context;
• have well-developed analytic, research, interviewing and report-writing skills;
• have practical skills enabling the provision of consultancy-type research services;
• have high level interpersonal skills developed through interaction with a range of people in and connected with their placement.

A report or professional portfolio of 8000 words (80%) due during the examination period, and a reflective essay of 2000 words (20%) due during the examination period.

Hurdle Requirement: Supervisor's assessment report.

Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should:

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of policy research reports;
• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through report writing, workplace discussion and presentations;
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically through report writing and workplace discussion;
• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, and the completion of policy research reports;
• be able to participate in team work through involvement in workplace placements.