I found out about the Aurora Internship Program while searching for internships that would fall in line with my studies and interest me on a personal level. At the time, I was finishing my second year of cultural studies in Bremen, Germany and knew I was heading to Australia for my semester brea
Having recently graduated from a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology, I was interested in doing an Aurora internship to broaden my understanding of the Indigenous sector and to gain practical research skills.
This past winter I undertook an Aurora anthropology internship in my home town Canberra at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
Coming in to the internship with AIDA as an undergraduate student without any professional workplace experience, I was unsure what to expect.
The one expectation I had of my experience as an Aurora intern was to begin to resolve the question that had been raised over my first four years at University regarding the value and legitimacy of Anthropology in relation to Indigenous affairs.
My time at Central Desert Native Title Services
When I applied for the Aurora Internship Program, I had already completed my undergraduate degree and I was awaiting an admission into the Honours program in anthropology. I was at a point in my career where it was necessary to ascertain some guiding principles moving forward.
As I sit down to write this report about my experiences as a participant in the Summer 2017 Aurora Internship program, I realise that I am proud of the year that has been and am excited and grateful for the opportunities that 2018 presents.
Through the Aurora Internship Program I was placed at Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC), based at their Perth office. I was there for 6 weeks throughout November and December 2017. YMAC is a not for profit Native Title Representative Body.