Arts Internship: Not for Profit (MULT30020)

This subject will provide an understanding of the community sector and community development through a substantial volunteer experience. The aims of this subject are to enable you to undertake and report on a community-based project, gain significant insight into workplace issues, and further develop your employability skills in communication, planning and organisation, self-management and problem solving.

The subject includes a placement of 80-100 hours with a not-for-profit organisation, offering an opportunity to contribute to a community through project work, research and/or engaging in the key activities of the organisation.

The placement is supplemented by pre- and post-placement classes, including a compulsory induction in Week 2 and compulsory sessions in Weeks 3 & 4, designed to prepare you for your placement, provide a theoretical framework of community development which will provide insight into the evolving needs of the community and the role of not-for-profit organisations in community development. The pre-placement seminars will also include self-assessment, reflexivity and professional skills. Students will have an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired during their course to address issues of significance to a community and to enhance their understanding of approaches in the field of community/social development

Students will be expected to identify potential host organisations for work placement. Student may seek advice from Melbourne Careers Centre who may provide support through seminars and workshops on when and how to approach host organisations http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers/. Students should commence approaching organisations, at least 4 weeks before the placement. More information is available in the subject guide. Placements must be approved by the subject coordinator. Students experiencing problems finding a placement should contact the subject coordinator.

Upon subject completion, students will have completed a community project, gained insight into workplace issues and enhanced their employability skills. They will also have developed a critical understanding of the nature of citizenship and volunteering and the role of not-for-profit organisations in contemporary society. Through enrolment in this subject, students will develop skills as global citizens and leaders in communities and will contribute significantly to the community.