Stepping Into Internship Program

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About the internship

Are you a person with disability who is currently studying or recently graduated from university? If so, you might be interested in our Stepping Into Internship program.

Every year we find university students with disability who are in their second last year, final year or recently graduated and bring them together with employers who are seeking interns in a variety of different sectors.

If you meet the employer’s job description and are successful in your application, they’ll host you as a paid intern either during your winter or summer semester break. You’ll gain practical experience, make professional connections and grow in confidence while in the workplace. Our internship will prepare you to successfully step into a career after graduation.

You’ll do a minimum of 152 hours*, either as a four-week full-time block or flexibly across a longer period.  Working at the organisation’s head office or branch locations to give you a chance to experience a range of tasks and project challenges.

*152 hours is the benchmark timeline for internships, our internships will vary in length depending on the amount of days worked in a week.

A proven record of success

We’ve been bringing employers and students together like this since 2005, and our record stands for itself: our interns are more likely to be employed after they leave university than students without a disability.

Key dates

  • Applications Open: Friday 23rd February 2024
  • Applications Close: Sunday 31st March 2024
  • Internship Period: July 2024 – September 2024

Eligibility

To be eligible:

  • You must have a disability and be registered with disability services at your university, or be able to provide a note from an allied health practitioner, social worker, psychologist, or medical professional. If you are not sure what types of disability are included, please visit our What Is Disability? Any information about your disability will be removed prior to sending your application to the participating employers.
  • You must be enrolled in the second last or final year of a relevant tertiary degree at a recognised tertiary institution, or have graduated from a relevant degree within 36 months (three years) of the application date.
  • Applicants must not be on a leave of absence from their studies.
  • You must have full work rights in Australia (citizenship or a relevant student visa. Each host organisation will have their own citizenship requirements).
  • You will need to be committed and prepared to participate fully in the program.
  • Preference will be given to those applicants who haven’t applied for or participated in the Stepping Into Program previously.
  • If you have questions about whether you are eligible for the Stepping Into program, please contact the Programs team at applications@AusDN.org.au or 02 8270 9200.

How does the Stepping Into Program work?

  • Internship opportunities are advertised in March for the winter semester break and August for the summer semester break.
  • Stepping Into Internships run for a minimum 152 hours (four weeks, if working full time).
  • Please note that due to the strong competitiveness for some roles, it is not guaranteed that you will be shortlisted for one of your preferences. We will take your preferences into consideration where possible.
  • After you apply, you’ll be required to meet with Australian Disability Network to talk about your skills, abilities and interests. You can also discuss any workplace adjustments, and get advice on how to share disability-related information with employers so they can support you to perform at your best.
  • If you are shortlisted for the next stage, you’ll be invited to an interview with the host employer.
  • Successful applicants will have the opportunity to complete a paid work experience. program with one of our participating employers, and receive support and guidance from AND throughout the internship.
  • Employers that you are shortlisted to are responsible for selecting and notifying candidates for interview and offering candidates a position in their program.

Ready to apply? Here are some tips

1. Ensure you complete all fields. Leaving any section blank is an incomplete application.
2. Check for spelling, grammar and language. Get someone to proof-read before submitting.
3. If you use industry-related terms or acronyms, ensure you elaborate, and ask yourself, would the recruiter understand this?

4. All sections of this application form must be completed. Please attach the following information (applications without the following documents attached will not be considered):
• CV.
• Academic transcript (official or unofficial accepted).
• Relevant disability information (such as your Disability Access Plan from Disability Services at your university).

Apply for an internship

To complete your application, you will need to do the following:

  1. Read the information above. 
  2. Be ready to provide evidence and supporting documents.   
  3. Identify at least three preferences from the Current Opportunities where you meet the job description criteria and the role is of interest to you.

Apply for an internship

If you would like an accessible version of the application form please contact applications@AusDN.org.au or call 02 8270 9200.

Hear what some of our interns have to say

We have many amazing stories from our past interns. Learn what it’s really like to experience a Stepping Into internship and why it is different to other programs by watching these videos or reading written stories.

Read case study

Weekly updates

Update as of 27 February 2024

Thank you for your interest in the Stepping Into Program, applications are currently open and we will start reaching out to book in interviews. Please confirm your attendance when you receive the interview invite.

The Current Opportunities page will be updated weekly with new roles.

In the meantime, please register for Information Sessions and Plan for Success Sessions.