This program aims to assist our talented young people facing social or financial barriers attain meaningful work experience, develop job-ready skills and build their professional network.
This program connects host organisations with a pipeline of diverse, talented young people in a structured and supported program, enabling growth, engagement and empowerment.
"I had a path in mind, but I didn't know how to get there."
Watch to discover what an internship opportunity meant for young people such as recipients Victoria and Denisa.
Interested in becoming an Intern?
Our Internship Program offers a range of benefits including:
• Access to paid work experience aligned with your career aspirations
• The opportunity to work alongside professionals in your chosen field
• Development of practical skills, industry experience and a professional network
• Increase your employability and set yourself up for future career success
Eligibility
To be eligible for this program, you must be:
• A current Western Chances scholarship recipient or alumni
• Aged 18 years or over
• Either currently undertaking tertiary study OR recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field
• Entitled to work in Australia
• Able to commit to participating in an internship (either full-time or part-time). Internships vary in duration between 4 - 12 weeks, depending on the host organisation requirements.
Application Process
Step 1. Apply online
Review the intern roles and host organisations and submit an online application form – it’s quick and easy!
Step 2. Recruitment and screening
Potential interns are screened and shortlisted. Careful consideration is given to Intern suitability, skills and aspirations, alongside host organisation needs and requirements.
Step 3. Interviews
Host organisations interview their preferred candidates.
Step 4. Offers
Offers are made and placements confirmed.
Internship Dates
Applications Open. Tuesday 12th March 2024
Applications Close. Sunday 31st March 2024 (midnight)
Internship Program Dates. 24th June – 13th September 2024
Interested in hosting an Intern?
Become a partner and host a Western Chances Intern.
This program commitment is capped to 12 weeks, and you may just find great talent and reap the benefits including:
• Accessing a pipeline of talented, motivated and resilient tertiary students, who have the potential for continued employment at the conclusion of the internship
• Demonstrating your commitment to diversity and inclusion by supporting a community of diverse young people facing financial hardship transition from tertiary study to the workforce
• Growing your corporate social responsibility credentials and commitment to the social procurement of skills and talent.
Register your interest below and a Western Chances team member will be in touch shortly.
Case Studies
Jamal
This internship opportunity has reinforced my goal to dream big. It has taught me a lot and raised the ceiling on what I think I can achieve in the future.
I’m currently studying for a double degree – Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce – and working part time as a Teaching Associate at the university.
Through the Western Chances Internship Program, I was matched with Tanarra Capital. In my role as an Investment Intern, I spent time creating equity screens, drawing insights from financial and qualitative company data, creating industry reports and developing decks to convey this information to the team. My technical and communications skills improved, and I gained deep insight into corporate finance and activist equities investing.
The best parts of the internship were being exposed to investment discussions and the connections I made with accomplished investors, founders and operators.
I could not recommend the Western Chances Internship Program enough! It’s given me more than I could ever imagine – professional knowledge, personal growth and an incredibly valuable network of people I can call on to move my career forward.
Patrick
Twelve weeks flew by. This internship was an amazing journey of professional and personal growth, learning and hands-on experience. I’m incredibly grateful to Western Chances for the opportunity.
In 2022 I completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine and in 2023 commenced a Master of Public Health, specialising health policy, systems and practice.
I was fortunate to be offered a paid internship with Homes Victoria as a Project Support Officer in the Social Investment team. This gave me the opportunity explore best-practice social procurement policies across Australia and attend community event initiatives to gain exposure to the internal workings of social procurement and community housing. It was great to be exposed to different work areas and to take on practical work that aligned with my studies and where I want to be in the future.
The internship has been an amazing journey of growth and hands-on experience. It has presented me with many opportunities to build confidence and exposure to corporate processes. Homes Victoria has now offered me a five-month full-time role as a Project Support Officer in the Public Housing Improvement team. I’ll also be completing my Masters part-time.
I’m excited and proud to take the next steps in my career. Without Western Chances, I wouldn’t have this fantastic opportunity.