INternships @ Bond

Guidelines

The following guidelines have been developed to ensure the internship experience is as rewarding and efficient as possible.

THE PROCESS

Before embarking on any internship, students need to consult with the appropriate subject or Program Co-ordinator in the semester prior to participating in the program and gain written approval before proceeding further with an internship application. This co-ordinator will discuss pre-requisite subject requirements, what is expected in terms of workload undertaken and determine the assessment requirements. Not all students will be deemed suitable for an internship.

ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for consideration, an undergraduate student will be advanced in the program. Ideally, they will be in their fifth or sixth semester and have a GPA of at least 2.5.  The internship application must have the approval of the relevant Program Co-ordinator.

STUDENT OBLIGATIONS

Any Bond University student who has been successful in gaining a workplace internship is a representative of the University at all times. As such, they are expected to uphold a high standard of conduct. This means interns should be punctual, conscientious, reliable and discreet. An acceptable, professional standard of dress is to be worn at all times.

DURATION

The majority of industry placements are taken in a semester block (4 months) in January, May or September semesters of each year. The duration of the internship will vary, however it will be the equivalent of one subject’s full load.  The allocation of this time is dependent upon the requirement of the sponsor organisation.  For example, opportunities may exist to undertake internships for three weeks full-time during semester breaks, or one day per week throughout the semester. Further research is also expected away from the work place environment. In situations where placement is organised interstate or internationally, students will be required to attend 3 full weeks of placement in semester break, or complete the Internship as their last subject requirement at one day per week.

WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

While taking part in the internship the student will be required to undertake a series of related duties for the chosen organisation.  Students will be required to keep a log of all hours and tasks completed. The exact nature of these tasks will be decided upon by the company supervisor and the student’s supervisor, and will vary from organisation to organisation.  It may be difficult to provide specific details of these tasks well in advance.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Interns are required to undertake a set number of hours per week, equivalent in total to any other subject undertaken at the university.  For undergraduate subjects, this is typically around 120-140 hours for the semester’s work. In most cases interns will be required to write a report and a journal reflecting upon their internship experience.  Lecturers may also draw up a specific work contract with the student stating any other assessment requirements.

ATTENDANCE

If at any time a student cannot attend to any of the duties required as part of their internship, they must notify the supervisor at the organisation and the Internship Coordinator as early as possible or they may be severely penalised in the assessment of their performance.

INSURANCE COVER

Bond intern/work experience students are covered by the University’s insurance while in the employer’s workplace.  To ensure this insurance is in place students must complete the Internship Application attached to these guidelines. The form needs to be completed and signed at least one month prior to the internship commencing, so the necessary paperwork can be completed on time.  If a more comprehensive insurance cover is required (i.e. involving overseas or interstate travel) it is the student’s responsibility to complete the necessary details.

CLIENT CONFIDENTIALITY

All interns are required to sign a Confidentiality Agreement, which forms a part of the internship offer process. Client confidentiality is an important requirement of an internship and in most cases Organisations may request that students sign their confidentiality agreements as well.  Please be careful not to discuss privileged information outside the workplace.

PAYMENT

Employers offering work experience opportunities do not usually pay students for their work. Some industrial agreements require them to do so, and so an intern may receive an unexpected bonus of this kind.  Most students should, however, embark upon the internship expecting to earn experience rather than dollars.

REPORTING

The intern’s workplace supervisor will be required to complete an Intern Evaluation Form, noting standards of professionalism shown in the workplace as regards competence, initiative, punctuality and reliability.