AACC Internship Program
The professional internship program gives students unprecedented access to AACC to work on real-world issues in a business space with a strong focus on event management, business development, marketing, and communications.
Overview of the AACC Internship Program
This is a hands-on role that will suit a self-starter, keen to get involved with what we do, able to communicate effectively, and willing to tackle a range of tasks. Interns will have responsibilities across a broad range of activities requiring a mature attitude and a range of skills. Over the years, we have built strategic relationships in intern recruitment with the University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT University, and the University of Western Australia.
We offer three streams, which sub-divide into different departments at the AACC. Interns will have the option taking on duties in the following:
Business Intelligence
Communications & Marketing
Event Management
The program runs for 12 weeks, consisting of 1-2 work days per week (12-15 hours per week, depending on university course requirements). The role is non-renumerated, with the requirement that we offer the program to students undergoing work-integrated-learning placements or internships for university credit.
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Business Intelligence
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Comms & Marketing
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Event Management
Current Interns
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Prerana Naidu
University of Melbourne
Prerana is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne, building upon her earlier academic endeavours that culminated in a Bachelor's degree in Commerce. Through her previous studies, she explored the intricate realms of international trade, finance, and economics, providing her with a comprehensive foundation for understanding the economic forces at play.
Her focus extends to comprehending the significance of trade in fostering the development of countries. Moreover, she is also keen on exploring sustainability within the mining sector, an area of mutual interest for both Africa and Australia. As part of her involvement with the AACC, she is focused on understanding the dynamics of trade between the continents of Africa and Australia. Apart from her academic pursuits, Prerana finds a creative outlet in writing and believes in the potential of words to convey ideas and establish connections.
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Angie Ge
University of Melbourne
Angie is presently in the final year of her Master of Arts and Culture Management program at the University of Melbourne. Prior to commencing her Master's degree, Angie earned a Bachelor of English and Communication from the University of Liverpool. Her interests led her to engage in cultural communication, which was prompted by her exposure to both Eastern and Western societies.
Having grown up in an environment shaped by business and trade, Angie possesses a distinctive affinity and curiosity for international trade. In her role with AACC, Angie displays a keen interest in establishing business connections across diverse countries and exploring the potential of the African market. Her involvement with AACC has profoundly influenced her aspiration to pursue a career in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the future.
Past Interns
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Luyi Li
Monash University
Luyi is currently undertaking a Master of International Relations at University of Melbourne. She is keenly interested in global trade, politics and government, in particular issues of agribusiness, education and ‘women at work’ in Africa. She has previously interned at European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, where she gained significant insights into the role of international trade in international relations. These experiences have fuelled Luyi’s passion for utilising her experience in transnational trade to deepen the understanding of Africa and contribute to the growth of AACC. She is looking forward to conducting in-depth analysis on the bilateral relations between Australia and Africa and engaging in Australian-based business and organisations.
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Liep Gatwech
Monash University
Liep is currently in his final semester of a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts double degree, he is also concurrently undertaking a Diploma of Languages. With Majors in Internal Relations, Genetics and French Studies, Liep has a passion for people, human rights, global affairs and specifically, affairs concerning the developing world, Africa and the African diaspora. As a first generation Australian and a member of the African diaspora himself, Liep finds the prosperity of both African nations and Australia of utmost priority and is willing to due whatever it takes to achieve this goal. With experience in leadership and a demonstrated history of cross-cultural awareness, Liep is looking forward to applying these attributes and contributing to the meaningful work of the chamber and acting to strengthen bilateral ties between both continents. Liep’s passion for International Relations shines through as he is also a writer for the Young Diplomats Society.
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Millie Swan
Monash University
Millie is currently studying a double degree of Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts at Monash University with a major in International Relations. Millie is particularly interested in foreign policy analysis and comparative politics, and is looking forward to applying these skills to an African context. As a proficient French speaker, Millie is also passionate about the francophone regions of Africa and is excited to explore the potential Australia-Africa trade opportunities that lie within them. With a background in the legal sphere, Millie seeks to use her time at the AACC to broaden her understanding of international trade law, and to contribute as much as she can to the mission of fostering strong relationships between Australia and Africa.
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Yusuf Say
University of Melbourne
Yusuf is currently undertaking a Master of International Relations at the University of Melbourne, following his completion of a Bachelor of Global Studies at La Trobe University. With a focus on comparative politics and foreign policy analysis, Yusuf is eager to apply his existing knowledge in these fields in an African setting. Having a Turkish background, Yusuf is also highly passionate about relations within the African continent, and is eager to gain valuable experience in the field to broaden his understanding of international trade and relations. Yusuf is eager to engage with Australian-based businesses and organisations as well as comprehensive examination of the bilateral ties between Australia and Africa to support the mission and vision of AACC.
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Gursewak Singh
Monash University
Gursewak was in his final semester of a Master of Public Policy at Monash University. Studying international relations and environmental science during his undergraduate degree, and specialising in sustainability during his postgraduate studies, Africa presents many opportunities for putting into practise those learnings. Gursewak is interested in energy and agriculture and understands the potential for Australia-Africa relations in the sustainable development of African countries. Previously working in policy, campaigning, and public-facing roles, Gursewak is looking forward to contributing to the work of building greater and deeper relationships between Australia and Africa, and the peoples of both continents.
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Luca Walsh
Monash University
Luca is currently undertaking a Master of International Relations at Monash University after completing his undergraduate degree at Deakin University, majoring in International Relations and Anthropology with a minor in Criminology. Luca is passionate about diplomacy and human rights and has had hands on experience within various cultures and societies across the globe through his study and subsequent living and travel experience. These experiences have fuelled Luca’s passion for travel and immersing himself in a career where he can truly make a difference. Luca is excited to analyse and learn more about the social, economic and political relations between Australia and Africa and, with his background of Anthropology, further immerse himself in the various cultures of African nations.
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Jeremy Mann
University of Melbourne
Jeremy is studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, majoring in Politics & International Studies and Economics. He is also completing a concurrent Diploma in Italian Studies. Jeremy is particularly interested in the mining and resources sector, particularly with regard to the shared interests between businesses in Australia and Africa within this diverse area. He has previously travelled to Africa and is passionate about the interaction between economic policy and investment outcomes. Jeremy is looking forward to utilising his experience in government and youth diplomacy to facilitate greater connections between Australia and Africa within the realm of international trade and commerce.
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Hamish Sneyd
University of Western Australia
Hamish has recently graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in International Relations and French Studies. He has previously interned at UWA’s Africa Research & Engagement Centre (AfREC), where he obtained invaluable insight into Africa’s international relations from AfREC’s experienced academics. He is looking forward to deepening his understanding of the African continent whilst further contributing to the enhancement of Australia-Africa relations, particularly through agricultural trade and innovation. Having grown up in a diverse rural community, Hamish is interested in the diplomatic potential of diaspora and people-to-people engagement within Australia’s multicultural communities and educational institutions.
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Alexandra Otten
Monash University
Graduating from her Masters Degree in International Development Practice at Monash University in 2021, Alexandra is keenly passionate about global affairs and development. She holds additional degrees in international relations and Spanish from the University of Melbourne, and is also undergoing placement for work in the LGBTQI+ and diversity policy space. While with the AACC, Alexandra is interested in understanding how transnational and transcontinental trade in education and research can shape diversity in connection-building and networking practice. She is also the Vice President of the Monash International Development Practice Association (MIDPA).
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Maddie Balzer
Monash University
After completing a Bachelor of International Studies at the University of Wollongong, Maddie is now in her last semester of studying Master of International Development Practice at Monash University. Maddie is passionate about development studies, in particular issues of food security and disaster resilience in Africa. With a background in the tourism industry, she has seen firsthand the way that mutually beneficial business relations can contribute to development outcomes and has worked on corporate social responsibility projects that promote responsible travel. Maddie is excited to learn more about trade relations between Australia and Africa and how strong agricultural networks can contribute to resilient communities.
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Joshua Fernandez
University of Melbourne
Joshua has an eager desire to understand the links between international relations and trade as seen through his study of a Masters of International Relations at the University of Melbourne. Before beginning his masters, Joshua graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce (International Business) at Swinburne University of Technology. His career then saw him engage in company research on Australian-based organisations. He hopes to join his skills and studies picked up along the years to help grow the AACC and to gain a broader understanding of Africa. He personally hopes to grow links globally, with the belief that global trade helps create good international relations.
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Nigel Huckle
University of Melbourne
Nigel is currently finishing the Master of International Relations at the University of Melbourne. Having always had a keen interest in politics and government, Nigel began his degree after a career in the elite level of the performing arts–which included international tours of Les Misérables and West Side Story–which he considers highly valuable to his focus on diplomacy and public service. After a subject called Politics & Contested Development: Africa, Nigel challenged himself to diversify his understanding of the continent, and heartily embraces the task of invigorating the relationship between Australia and the fifty-four vibrant and diverse countries of the African continent.
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Charan Naidoo
University of Melbourne
Charan is completing his final year of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne with majors in Politics and International Studies and Sociology, and a concurrent Diploma in French. To supplement his studies, Charan is working as a Project Officer for the Honorary Consul of Rwanda, an Electorate Officer for Shadow Attorney-General, Mark Dreyfus QC MP, and a Director of Bendigo Bank Aspendale Gardens-Edithvale. Charan is the son of South African nationals and has visited South Africa several times. He is particularly interested in initiatives that promote inbound tourism into South Africa and Rwanda.
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Alexander Kimpton
Monash University
After graduating from the ANU with a Bachelor of International Relations, Alex has continued study into a dual Master’s program in International Relations (Monash University) and Chinese Politics and Economy (Shanghai Jiao Tong University). To supplement his studies, he is also learning Chinese (Mandarin). With a background that includes political engagement and time in the Army Reserve, Alex’s interests rest in the diverse social, historical, and cultural understandings of states. Africa, as an emerging and less explored region, thus presents as an exciting opportunity to engage Australian business audiences.
Contact Us
If either you have any questions or queries, or perhaps you’d like to submit your CV and a cover email to apply for one or all of our streams, please send an email to our Operations Manager (anna.laursen@australiaafrica.com) .
Internship Periods
Summer (December - February) - 12 weeks - application deadline: mid-November
Semester 1 (March - May) - 12 weeks - application deadline: mid-February
Semester 2 (July - September) - 12 weeks - application deadline: mid-June
Start dates and end for internships can, however, be negotiated to suit the academic requirements of the student. Students are also welcome to extend their placement or negotiate to leave their placement early depending on the circumstances.