Government Internships and Vacation Programs

Government Internships and Vacation Programs

The public service is one of the largest employers in Australia, providing jobs to 18% of the nation’s working population. The diversity of departments within Federal and State administration, and the range of government-owned organisations and commissioning bodies, ensure that public service is a viable option to consider for students of all disciplines – from arts and science to business and IT. Those wishing to build their career in government before they graduate, or those simply wanting a taste of what government work is actually like, should consider applying for one of the many internships and vacation programs offered by the government and its various bodies.

Depending on their interest students may gain experience in one of the Federal government’s many departments – working in the Office of the Attorney General or the Prime Minister and Cabinet; or within the departments of Agriculture, Communication, Defence, Education, Environment, Finance, Foreign Affairs & Trade, Health, Immigration & Border Protection, Industry, Infrastructure & Regional Development, Social Services or Treasury. Alternatively they could apply for a position in State Government, (or even seek work experience at their local council).

Vacation Programs

Vacation programs are extended internships (ranging from 4-12 weeks depending on department) offered to students who have completed at least a year of study. Usually these will take place in the summer, during December through February. Successful performance in a summer vacation program means an almost certain placement in a graduate program. Vacation work is relevant, interesting and challenging – students are expected to shoulder real responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the administrative or research role of their department. In addition they may get to travel, network and socialise within their branch.

While there are many perks about working for the government, and getting a vacation placement tends to be easier than for a major company, the downside is that vacation work is location-based, meaning that certain Federal vacation programs may be limited to people living in Canberra (or interstate applicants will have to travel there at their own expense), and certain State Governments will have more opportunities available than others (e.g. the NSW government compared with the Tasmanian government). Also, the amount of positions offered each year depends on the incumbent government’s stance on jobs in the public service.

Although it is sometimes the perception that government vacation programs are inferior experiences to commercial vacation programs, government vacation programs compete with the best of commercial opportunities. In particular, the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development stands out in terms of quality – ranked 9th in the country by Australian interns, according to the AAGE ranking 2014.

For more information on the differences between internships and vacation programs, and for tips on how to successfully apply to these programs, check out our general internships and vacation programs guide.

More information about graduate programs in government and public service can be found here.