Internship information for interns
Our Stepping Into program is a paid internship scheme that matches talented university students with disability with roles in leading Australian businesses. It’s a chance for you to gain vital work experience during study during your winter or summer break.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for the Stepping into program you must meet these five criteria:
1. You must have a disability
This program is specifically for students with disability, so you must:
- give us disability information about your disability
- give us information about workplace adjustments or modifications you may need during the program
- either be registered with Disability Services at your university or give us valid medical information.
2. You must be enrolled in the second last or final year of a relevant degree at a recognised tertiary institution
Please note that every employer has their own eligibility and selection criteria. Please read information carefully pursuant to the relevant opportunities. In some cases, a background check may be required as part of the recruitment process.
3. No leave of absence
You mustn’t be on a leave of absence from their studies (e.g. deferred, working full time, etc.)
4. You must be committed and prepared to participate fully in the program me
You must also be available to attend a student briefing conducted by AND before starting the program.
5. You must have full work rights in Australia
If you’re applying for a Government program you must be Australian Citizen.
We’ll give preference to student who haven’t previously applied for or participated in the Stepping Into program.
Please be aware that all Stepping Into internships are paid placements. If you’re registered with Centrelink and receive a Disability Support Pension, you must also report your income.
How to apply
- Check that you’re eligible.
- See what opportunities are available. Note that you don’t apply for an individual position, but you can tell us your preferences in the interview.
- Have the following documents ready to upload: – your Resume – University transcript – Proof of Eligibility (Disability Access Plan or relevant medical documentation). International students with full working rights in Australia may be eligible for non-government positions.
- Complete the application form.
If you have any questions at any time, give us a call on (02) 8270 9200 or send us an email.
What happens next
Once we receive your application we’ll send you an email confirming that we’re reviewing it. We’ll contact you if we believe you meet the requirements for any of the positions being offered.
Relocating for an internship
You’re welcome to relocate interstate for a Stepping Into role, but here are some things you need to know before you apply.
Local candidates have priority
We’ll always offer a role to a local candidate before an interstate candidate, even if the position is remote or work from home. This doesn’t mean you won’t be selected for the role. Also note that if you receive internship there’s no guarantee the organisation will continue to employ you when the inter period ends.
Cost of living
This varies from state to state, so you’ll need to plan and manage your own budget for food, bills, accommodation, medication and transport. Create a budget before you apply, so you know if relocating is right for you.
Look into the local area
Before relocating, decide where you want to live. Look into the local area and work out where all the necessities you will need are, including groceries, shops, pharmacies, doctor’s offices.
Accessible accommodation
Before moving, get all the facts about the accessibility requirements you need to be able to travel, live and work. Contact the reception at your accommodation for details of their accessibility options.
You can look at Facebook Sharehouse Groups, Booking.Com, AirBnb or Flatmates.com to find accommodation, but be aware that not all of these places will have suitable accessibility. And, and host organisations can’t organise flights or accommodation for you.
Accessible transport
Check the distance between your accommodation and workplace, and make sure there’s accessible transport in the area.
Have a plan for your personal support
Consider how you’ll manage your social, medical and professional support. Be aware of what you need to organise, including medical appointments and counselling sessions.
Similarly, look into how you can occupy your hours after work has ended. Consider social events, hobbies or activities that you like and see if you can find any in the area you’re planning to relocate to, so you know you can fill the time outside of work, keep busy and build a personal network in that city.
The Impact of COVID
COVID has affected the way we travel across the nation. Restrictions can change at any moment. There is a risk that travel restrictions may start again for those who are looking to relocate. This could mean you may have to pay quarantine fees out of your pocket, you may be unable to get to another state if borders have closed, or you may have to live within a lockdown.
AND, and host organisations don’t cover the cost of quarantine fees.
FAQs
Can I apply for any of the available positions or is it degree-specific?
The roles are designed to give you hands-on work experience in your area of study, so the internship you apply for must be relevant to your degree (unless otherwise specified). Disciplines are listed next to each position description to help you decide whether your studies are suitable for role.
How do I know what roles and organisations will be available?
Our member organisations nominate roles for each round, so different organisations and roles will be available in each program.
There’s no guarantee that an organisation that previously offered roles will offer have them again (although many do). When applications open you can see all the roles and organisations participating on the Current Opportunities page.
I’m a post-graduate student, can I still apply for Stepping Into?
Yes, if you’re doing a post-graduate degree, you can apply. Review the Current Opportunities for positions relevant to your degree and check that any position you apply for isn’t reserved for undergraduates.
What relevant disability/medical documentation do I have to supply with my application?
Examples of medical/disability documentation include a document from your disability officer at university stating the adjustments the university has in place for you, or medical certificates from your doctor or other health professionals.
Do I need an official academic transcript for the application?
If you can’t get an official transcript, we’ll accept a verified ‘unofficial’ transcript or an academic record from your student portal. Many students have submitted an online print-out of their transcript, and have it stamped by their Student Centre for free.
Do I have to share information about my disability?
No. Sharing information about your disability is always a personal choice.
Before we pass your application to potential employers, we remove the disability Information section. We keep this information so we know of the nature of your disability and can assess the workplace adjustments you might need.
A small number of employees involved in your recruitment will know that you have a disability, but they won’t know any details, only the workplace adjustments you may have recommended.
How long does the internship run for?
A minimum of 152 hours (4 weeks, if working full-time).
Is there a chance of getting a job with the organisation after the internship?
Yes, many employers have extended internships based on work performance, feasibility and demand. Many interns have bene offered a job when they graduate as a result of their Stepping Into internship, and employers encourage interns to ask about recruitment pathways if you’re interested in continuing to work with them.
Can I apply for an internship in a different state to where I live/study?
Yes, but you’ll have to pay any travel and accommodation costs for you to move interstate for the period of the internship. Please consider your capacity to move before applying.
Can I apply for more than one internship?
Yes, if you’re interested in more than one opportunity, you can apply for more than one. As each job is different and different employers are involved, you need to submit a separate application for each job you want to apply for. It’s likely that you’ll only be put forward for one internship initially.
When can I expect to hear about the outcome of my application?
Once we’ve received all applications we’ll invite you to a briefing session in your city or via Skype (depending on availability).
At the briefing session you’ll learn more about the program, find out about the application, short-listing and selection process, and will be able to raise any questions or concerns.
We have to meet all applicants before we’ll put you forward to the participating organisations. After this, if you’re shortlisted, it’s up to the employer to contact you. If you’re unsuccessful, we will get back to you once applications for all internships have closed.
I’m an international student. Can I apply for an internship?
This depends on the internship you’re applying for. Many internships require applicants to have permanent residency or citizenship, but some employers will accept applications from students with international working rights.
You’ll have to provide a current Visa Entitlement Verification Online form when applying. Please check the eligibility criteria for each internship before submitting an application.
Success stories
Recent stories
- NSW’s Department of Customer Service is making the most of Stepping Into
- Stepping into program wins prestigious Zero Project Award
- Your first job is like stepping into the unknown
- 15 years on: Stepping Into Alumni’s full circle moment
- Serena’s story – my experience interning from home
- Stepping Into a decade-long career
- Serena’s Stepping Into story – Invisible but there, not all disabilities can be seen
- Stepping Into broadens horizons for intern and host
- Akshay’s path to graduate success
- DHHS walking their talk
- Tapping into potential through internships at ANZ
- Flexibility to shine at BHP
- DHHS supports career pathways for university students with disability
- A proactive approach to inclusive employment at The University of Sydney
- Realising career goals as a new grad at Victoria Police
- Intern discovers her career potential through work experience at the Department of Social Services
- Internship experience gives Honours student with disability a competitive edge
- Graduates at Telstra gain a crucial head start in life
- Interns to employees at Life Without Barriers
- Cummins taps into talented interns with disability
- Lachlan escapes his comfort zone and reaps the rewards
- Yun discovers more than banking through his internship with Westpac
- Here to stay: How Stepping Into Internships led Bethany to the job she loves
- Sabastian rediscovers his love for engineering
- How an internship helped Sabine regain confidence
- AND programs support Elvin to get his career on track
- Nathan steps closer to career goal after internship with Victoria Police
- Teena’s Stepping Into a new direction
- Georga’s internship delivers dose of confidence
- Jack’s passion for diversity leads to new skills
- Cynthia follows her dream career to New York, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Brendan’s passion for learning supports employment goals, Telstra
- Job’s inclusive internship experience, Telstra
- Chris takes a step closer to employment, Telstra.
Older stories
- Property and investment organisation Stockland’s experience with the Stepping Into internship program.
- Adrian Chau’s internship at PwC, which led to him gaining a position!
- Law graduate Jean-Paul’s experience as a clerk at Herbert Smith Freehills and his journey to securing a graduate role at a major Australian Government department.
- Eight years after Stepping Into – the reflections of intern Joseph Abi-Kattar and supervisor Jason Barker.
- Anne Cosentino’s internship at Department of Education and Communities.
- Holly Williamson’s internship at the Crown Solicitor’s Office.
- Cynthia Sasongko’s internship at Department of Education WA State Office.
