Ariarne's experience as an intern at the Ministry of Social Development provided her with real work that makes a difference to policies and peoples outcomes as well as career development opportunities.

Transcript

Kia ora, I’m Ariarne Davy. I have studied a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science majoring in anthropology and Earth Sciences at the University of Auckland. Last summer I undertook the Analytics and Research and Government at the Ministry of Social Development. I joined the ARG internship programme because I wanted to experience work in government and was excited that my work could make real difference to policy and people's outcomes. We had a full day of induction training where we met our intern cohort, learned about the machinery of government and topped it off with a tour of Parliament. After this I was given the mantle of my project and let loose on the on the world.

I worked on a comprehensive review of how the Ministry of Social Development was using the Household Labour Force Survey. This is a critical data product to labour market analysis. It made me realize I was limiting myself when it came to my previous career plans. I realized that there were more things within the government umbrella that I was able to apply for and had the skills for. I really enjoyed that from day one I was treated like a valued member of my team with unique insight to offer. I'd never felt like a burden on senior staff time. They've always had some time to give to me. Yeah I definitely recommend that other students want to take that internship. It was a great introduction to the government environment where you get to have an influence on some real issues.