Anna's virtual internship story

Overseas internship: Business & Law Internship
Swinburne course: Bachelor of Laws

Anna was awarded a New Colombo Plan Mobility Grant for his virtual internship through Swinburne Abroad.
 

Anna completed her virtual internship with a Malaysia-based law firm without even leaving Australia.

During my virtual internship, I was paired with a wonderful host at a law firm in Malaysia where I was able to work one-on-one with the partner. At first, I was hesitant to do this internship. I felt that I might not have had enough experience to offer, but I soon realised, that was the point!

Hosts join to help encourage and teach students in the given field, and I found my internship to be a great introduction into the legal world outside of university. It provided clarity as to my interests and an opportunity to ask questions to lawyers. I also learned more about actual day-to-day tasks and expectations that could not always be learnt from the classroom.

Despite conducting the internship virtually, I felt part of the team and 'at home' (literally!) working for them. I prepared by having a phone call with my host to determine expectations, highlight my concerns and interests, and be able to get to know each other before working together. This initial call really calmed my nerves and made the first day of work feel familiar already.

I assisted the firm in completing work primarily relating to commercial law, such as researching the duties of an executor under a will, commenting on shareholders' agreements, researching legislation on statutory interpretation, identifying forms of non-disclosure and non-circumvention agreements and more. I learnt a lot – it has prepared me and adjusted my expectations of what working in the field would feel like.

I could not recommend this opportunity more – so many skills can be taken away from these internships and you'll have networks and connections for life! I hope my story is helpful in encouraging others to participate, because I truly found it to be an invaluable experience.