Melbourne Law School

Two Melbourne Law School students are preparing to travel to Washington DC to work at the US Congress as part of the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Programme (UCWIP).

Students Bethany Wellington and Helen Babb have been chosen for the 2012 intake of the program, which aims to foster the relationship between Australia and the United States by offering young Australians a unique insight into how the US legislature operates. It is open to selected university students across Australia and is based on a competitive selection process.

“Melbourne Law School has been involved in this successful internship program since 2003 and has seen more than 25 of its students participate during this time,” says Dean of Melbourne Law School Professor Carolyn Evans.

“Not only are students privy to crucial discussions and decision making occurring in Congress, but also have the opportunity to network and explore potential career opportunities abroad,” she says.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I congratulate both Bethany and Helen for being selected in 2012.”

As part of the internship, students will undertake a range of tasks including legislative research, writing, and constituent liaison, and will also be required to attend committee hearings and press conferences.

2012 intern Helen Babb says she is extremely excited to complete the two-month internship.

“I hope to become a diplomat and this internship provides unique hands-on exposure to US domestic politics, foreign policy and its relationship with Australia,” she says.

Picture: Students Bethany Wellington (far left) and Helen Babb (fourth from left) with students selected for UCWIP. The group recently travelled to Canberra to meet Prime Minister Julia Gillard.