Are you seeking a career in the not-for-profit, community, government and non-government sectors, but don't know where to start your journey?

An internship while you are still studying is a fantastic way to take your first steps into your dream job, make a real difference in the community and possibly even secure a permanent position after you graduate.

Established in 2015, UWA's McCusker Centre for Citizenship seeks to mentor socially engaged citizens who actively contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.

For students who are looking to gain hands-on experience while completing their degree, McCusker partners with over 300 organisations, offering structured internship programs where you'll engage in real community-based work, develop valuable and transferable skills, and start to build your professional network.

If you're still not sure if an internship is right for you - don't only take our word for it – here's what some of our previous McCusker interns had to say.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science student Mikayla Hatten secured a permanent role with Patches Australia while undertaking her internship placement.

I cannot believe how many new skills I acquired within my internship placement and how much I enjoyed the work. My advice to anyone would be just to get involved and give it a go. I feel like I have well and truly landed on my feet with Patches.

Mikayla Hatten

Biomedical Engineering Science student Fatema Khalil assisted SAGE lab's research into digital literacy and citizenship in older Australians.

The most rewarding element of my internship was knowing that everything I was working on was going towards a government report which could very likely be acted upon. Knowing that I took part in research that aids the elderly now and in the future is very gratifying.

Fatema Khalil

Criminology student Olivia Adamson interned at Western Australian Council of Social Service where she assisted with the development of communications and advocacy material.

My internship really opened my eyes to just how easy it can be for someone to fall into poverty or difficulty and gave me experience in a professional environment, which can be vital in securing a job after graduating

Olivia Adamson

Law and Gender Studies student Helene Moe completed 100 hours at the Department of Communities, working on a project that seeks to improve both the access and quality of foster care services across WA, meeting with a wide range of community stakeholders to ensure her recommendations properly represented the needs of the people who will receive the services.

The McCusker Centre internship was a really unique opportunity for work experience because your work is about making tangible social change. I worked at the Department of Communities on a project to improve foster care services and I'm very proud to say that the work was informed by the thoughts and opinions of the children and young people who are actually in care. I know that my work contributed to something that will really help those kids and their families.

Helene Moe

If you're interested in getting involved in one of the incredible opportunities offered by the McCusker Centre at UWA, visit our dedicated website and check out the current internships on offer.