The most important part of having an international internship opportunity is make the most of it, not only personally but professionally.

When returning to Australia you should think carefully about how to convey on your CV and to employers the skills you have gained. It is not just about the stories you have had broadcast or published, but the fact that you have worked in a cross cultural environment and shown the ability to work independently in a challenging environment.

Importantly upload your work to an Eportfolio.

Personal: Students who have returned from an international experience report that they have grown in maturity and experience and many believe that an international experience is a life changing event.

Professional: It makes a resume stand out from the crowd. For instance, for Journalism interns a real-world, international newsroom experience is invaluable. There is also the opportunity to build contacts and practical skills, and add to their portfolio of published works with something out of the ordinary.

 

Featured Image: flazingo_photos via Visualhunt / CC BY-SA

Published by Alexandra Wake

Alexandra Wake has been a journalist for 30 years. Although initially trained in print, she has adapted to other technologies and now boasts a career spanning radio, television and on-line. Alex has worked in Ireland, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, as well as Australia. Alex worked for three newspapers: The Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, the Mackay Mercury and The Star (Ireland). Alex spent seven years working for the ABC in Queensland. She has spent time training working journalists at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and three years as a journalism educator at Dubai Women’s College in the United Arab Emirates. Alex also spent three years working as a senior media advisor for a Queensland government minister. Alex still tries to work as a broadcast journalist when her academic work allows. Alex completed her PhD at Deakin, MA (Research) at QUT, holds a Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching and Learning from RMIT, and a Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults from Cambridge.

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