Internship: AIIA Victoria

The Australian Institute of International Affairs (AIIA) is an independent, non-profit organisation promoting interest in and understanding of international affairs in Australia. It provides a forum for discussion and debate, but does not seek to formulate its own institutional views. The institute arranges programs of lectures, seminars, workshops, conferences and other discussions, and sponsors research and publications. The AIIA was formed in 1924 and established as a federal body in 1933 and is the only nationwide organisation of its kind in Australia. It is financed by members’ contributions, a small government subvention and tax deductible donations from individuals and businesses.

The International Careers Conference (ICC) is one of AIIA Victoria’s major annual events that aims to facilitate this type of inter-generational sharing. It is designed to give students access to information and advice from leaders in international affairs that will help them build their own international careers.

I was responsible for coordinating a team of six interns (including myself) to prepare and execute the 14th annual International Careers Conference for the Australian Institute of International Affairs Victoria, to be held in August 2018 at The Pavilion (Melbourne Arts Centre). The one-day conference draws approximately 200 delegates to attend panel discussions and workshops designed to explore options for careers in international affairs in government, academia, NGOs and business. My role included researching and coordinating panel speakers and workshop facilitators, event design and management, social media marketing, conference booklet design, writing and publishing, and assisting with the administration and execution of the conference in August.