International internships make a splash at UQ

Fiona Mew wants you to think long and hard about the bottle of water you probably have sitting
on your desk.

Before you hand over your hard-earned money for yet another plastic-wrapped thirst quencher,
Ms Mew says take the time to be informed about the costs of this modern-day habit.

Ms Mew researched bottled water as part of her semester-long internship with the Women’s
International League for Peace and Freedom while studying for her BA at UQ.

“I investigated two areas for the group that could be possible topics for future campaigns — privatisation of water and bottled water,” she said.

“I encouraged them to pursue bottled water because I saw real potential in promoting the view that people should make an informed choice in this area.”

Ms Mew produced a report for the group as part of the project and presented this to league members at their triennial conference.

While admitting the internship had its challenges, Ms Mew said the life experience and references she gained were valuable assets in her job search.

Dr Andrew Hindmoor has played a key role in the development of the School of Political Science and
International Studies Internship Program. He said the initiative was set up about six years ago and had grown from a parliamentary internship, to a wider undergraduate and postgraduate program.

“For undergraduates, the program comes at the right time when they are thinking about starting
work. They are given credit for the program, as it is a subject,” Dr Hindmoor said.

He said the internship program also made undergraduates “even more employable” by boosting
their skills and experience in a number of areas.

“They have an impact and yet before they start the internship they do not believe that they will — it
gives them real confidence.”

Dr Hindmoor said postgraduate students had an opportunity to enhance skills they already had
through participation in the award-winning program.

“It gives postgraduate students a broader experience and a chance to do some amazing things in
some amazing places that they would never have done otherwise.”

Media: Dr Andrew Hindmoor, telephone 07 3365 3042