2011 Washington DC Internship Program

Nineteen undergraduate students from the University of Sydney Business School have returned from the adventure of a lifetime after completing a summer internship program at the University of California Washington Center in the United States.

The nine-week internship experience was made possible through a new partnership between the United States Studies Centre and the University of Sydney Business School.

The US Studies Centre provided $90,000 in scholarships to assist students with the cost of the program. In addition to this, $30,000 in scholarships were donated by The Turnbull Foundation, which was established by US Studies Centre Board Director and former Lord Mayor of Sydney, Mrs Lucy Turnbull AO (LLB '82) and her husband, Federal Member for Wentworth The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP (BA '77 LLB '78).

Chief Executive of the US Studies Centre, Professor Geoffrey Garrett said: "Studying a country like the US from Australia is very worthwhile. But studying while also living and interning in the seat of American power is likely to prove life changing for our students".

Interns in the program were required to complete three units of study at the University of California Washington Center (UCDC), which counted towards their degree at Sydney. They were simultaneously required to complete a professional placement in Washington DC and had the opportunity to network with UCDC students from all over the world.

Acting Dean of the University of Sydney Business School, Professor Tyrone Carlin said he has no doubt that employers look for graduates that have some international experience on their resumes. "These internships have provided students with the opportunity to gain international experience as well as enhancing their knowledge of American business and culture. Most importantly, the professional placement component of the program offered significant networking opportunities with business leaders and government officials."

During the 2011 summer break, students completed internships with companies as diverse as The Asia Foundation - a not-for profit supporting Asian peace initiatives and the International Economic Development Council. Some also spent their time working with high profile US Congressmen and Senators.

T he students who participated described the experience as 'life changing' and, despite the intensity and challenging nature of the program have thrived in the pressure cooker environment. Students were encouraged to give a blow-by-blow description of their experience on a blog recording their adventures. One of the students John Tawadrous studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws said, "Imagine starting at a new university, getting a new job, forming a new social life and moving houses all at the same time – yep, massive adjustment."

Bachelor of Commerce (Liberal Studies) student, Shivaun Sarkis, was awarded one of the Turnbull Foundation Scholarships to support outstanding students with financial need and completed her internship with the Australian Embassy. Shivaun said: "Having lived in Australia my entire life, I was eager to experience life in another country. The Washington DC Internship gave me the opportunity to supplement my studies with a professional placement and will add greatly to my education".

Excerpt taken from Sydney Business Connect, the alumni magazine of the University of Sydney Business School, Issue 14, March 2011

To read first-hand accounts from our students who participated in the Washington DC Internship Program, visit the Washington Internship blog.

Application for 2012 internships have closed. Read more about the program on the Washington DC Internship Program website.

Students receive their scholarships at the program launch in December 2010
with special guests Mrs Lucy Turnbull AO and The Hon Malcolm Turnbull MP

UCDC interns outside the White House

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• Washington DC Internships for Undergraduates