For 22-year-old Otago University management studies student Matt Topp, going inside at Corrections is not the same as doing time. Instead, it’s the opportunity to see what life is like as a public servant, courtesy of the State Services Commission’s summer internship programme.
Matt joined Corrections as a Human Resources (HR) intern in the Strategic Services team for the 2005/06 summer. He joins more than 40 students at 13 government agencies in Auckland and Wellington participating in the programme.
“The State Services Commission (SSC) did a presentation about working as a public servant, I thought it could be interesting and so I applied for the programme,” says Matt.
Applicants must be in their penultimate year of study and planning to complete an honours year or post-graduate degree.
Senior HR Advisor Denise Keay says SSC manage the application process and then provide Corrections with a shortlist of potential candidates for interview.
“We were looking to attract graduates, and this seemed a good way to do it,” she says.
Internship is not a codeword for photocopying. Employers must provide interns with interesting and challenging work, and help them to develop awareness of government systems and processes, report writing, analytical and research skills, and an understanding of the policy process, all in a supportive and encouraging team environment.
A positive experience means an increased likelihood of applying for a job in the Public Service in the future.
“This was an opportunity for us to provide an overview of what it’s like to work in a generalist HR position in a large organisation,” says Denise.
So far, Matt is really enjoying the experience. “It’s been a great opportunity and I’ve learnt a lot working in the challenging SSHR team. The experience I’ve gained will give me a definite advantage when I finish my degree and start looking for a job.”
Interns are paid a standard graduate salary set by the SSC and are teamed with a ‘buddy’ - a staff member with a similar level of experience, who supports them in their work.
In Matt’s case, he was teamed with HR Adviser Matt Waight who joined Corrections almost a year ago as a final year student.
The two Matts have been working together on general HR work, and special projects in areas like training and development, staff statistics, and employment policy.
“It’s been really great for us to have Matt T on the team,” says Denise. “His ability to ferret out information is impressive - he’s used to putting his head down, trawling through documents, and picking out the critical details.”
Strategic Services General Manager Mike Martelli is a big supporter of the programme.
“The internship programme is a great opportunity for us to increase future employees’ awareness of who we are and what we do, and I hope we can do it again next summer,” he says.
Denise says she’s keen for other Corrections groups and services to think about having an intern for the 2006/07 summer. Those interested should contact her for more information now, as prospective employers have to be registered with the SSC by June.
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ISSN 1178-8453