CCCH Internship Program

The CCCH internship program enables senior undergraduate and postgraduate students from Australia and overseas to undertake unpaid placements within a leading and internationally recognized, multi-disciplinary policy and research environment. Interns will have unique opportunities to gain an understanding of the Centre's research, clinical and translation work, gain practical experience and develop a range of essential skills. It is in essence a wonderful opportunity for students to get an inside-view of the world of research and see theory being put into practice in the real-life scenario.

Please note all Internship placements are on an unpaid, voluntary basis for the purpose of work experience, knowledge building and skill development and are not an offer for employment or for the purpose of obtaining specific academic credit as part of a structured course requirement.

What does the program entail?

Interns may become involved in a variety of projects and research tasks, matched where possible to suit their interests and abilities. Tasks usually involve the provision of practical administrative support to research teams and can also include literature reviews; assisting in the drafting of reports; assisting in the design or administration of research instruments (eg surveys, interview schedules); assisting with or observing fieldwork (eg focus groups); data entry; attending meetings, assisting with the design of translational materials; assisting with data collection as a variety of other tasks as required. CCCH interns will also be encouraged to attend other Centre activities such as seminars, presentations and special events.

Who is eligible to apply?

Interns can be:

Senior undergraduate students (at completion stage or final stages of their undergraduate degree)
Postgraduate students
From either Australia or overseas; and
Considering a career in research, science, psychology, social sciences, education, health sciences or social policy research.

Students from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to apply, including (but not limited to) psychology, medicine and health sciences, nursing and social sciences.

When are the placements, and for how long?

Each year the internship program runs from 1 March to 30 November.

There are two annual intakes, and two interns chosen per intake, totaling 4 internship placements per year as follows:

Intake 1 (two placements)

Period from March to June

Intake 2 (two placements)

Period from July to November

Successful candidates will be able to negotiate with CCCH to conduct their placement during a mutually convenient timeframe within their chosen intake period, and on mutually convenient terms. Placements may be undertaken on a full or part time basis depending on the specific requirements of Centre projects and candidate needs.

However, as an absolute minimum, Internship placements must be no less than 12 weeks in duration for a minimum of 7.5 hours per week.

Internship placement opportunities outside of the above defined intake periods (i.e. between December and February) are not standard policy; however placements may become available and/or be considered dependant on specific student circumstances and/or Centre project requirements.

Comments from past CCCH Interns

Maria ~ Intake 1, 2009

As a student of International Health, one who hopes to continue on to medicine, and one who was studying abroad in Melbourne, I began my internship hoping for the chance to have some practical experience in research and to gain a better look into the Australian health system. The CCCH gave me just this. I was able to become an integral member of a research team, observe a number of clinics, and broaden my understanding of public health research. Throughout the course of the internship I learned, among other things, how to conduct interviews, how to use a database, the importance of organizational skills, and the great amount of time and effort that goes on behind-the-scenes during a project. The CCCH staff were always very welcoming, and I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to get to know my co-workers and form great friendships with them. I would highly recommend an internship at the CCCH to anyone interested in working in public health or looking to gain some great experience in the field." ~Maria, International Health major from Georgetown University, USA

Emily ~ Intake 1, 2009

"Working at the CCCH, I was able to gain valuable experience into the workings of a leading pediatric public health research centre. It was exciting to know that the research I was involved with would actually be translated into future public health policy in Victoria." ~ Emily, Nursing Graduate and Masters of Public Health Student

Rebecca ~ Intake 2, 2008

This experience has confirmed that child psychology is my passion and has given me further insight into future careers in these areas. It has taught me about the future studies that I need to do in order to achieve my goals to work in this field. This is fantastic internship. Keep it going. Thanks for everything! ~ Rebecca, Undergraduate Psychology Student-

Alex ~ Intake 2, 2008

‘Studying psychology I never had much of an idea about what a career as a psychologist actually involved. The internship gave me valuable insight in this, and has helped me to determine the direction my career path will take. I really enjoyed my internship within the Centre, and appreciate the opportunity.’ ~ Alex, Psychology Honours Graduate

Stephanie ~ Intake 2, 2008

“Great opportunity for all psychology students and would certainly recommend, in particular for undergraduate students. I would certainly like to continue to work with children in a clinical setting in the future. This internship has certainly strengthened this desire.” ~ Stephanie, Psychology Honours Graduate

How can I apply?

Download and read though CCCH Internship Information Guide
Learn about the Centre for Community Child Health and its many projects by reading through the website Centre for Community Child Health
Download CCCH Internship Application Form
Complete the Application Form and obtain required attachments
Send completed form and attachments to Maria-Jose Sanchez at the Centre for Community Child Health either by post, email or fax
CCCH will contact you to advise you of the outcome of your application once the deadline for the specific intake period has been reached (see CCCH Internship Information Guide for deadline details)

Please note that the outcome of your application will be dependant on the strength of your application, your availability and the projects available at the CCCH during the time period you are applying for.

Application Forms

CCCH Internship Guide
Internship Application form (Word version)

The application form and attachments must be completed and submitted to the CCCH to:

Maria-Jose Sanchez
Program Co-ordinator - CCCH Internship Program
Centre for Community Child Health
Level 6, South East Building
Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road
Parkville Vic 3052

All queries and enquiries should be directed to Maria-Jose Sanchez:
Email maria-jose.sanchez@mcri.edu.au or phone 03 9345 5137.

Last Updated 09-Oct-2009. Authorised by: Frank Oberklaid. Enquiries: Penny Miller.