Work experience
The Research School of Earth Sciences (RSES) at the Australian National University offers secondary school and college students in Canberra the opportunity to experience life in a world-leading research environment.
Work Experience Opportunities at the Research School of Earth Sciences
Work experience placements give students the chance to:
- Explore real scientific research environments
- Learn about careers in science, research, and higher education
- Observe how researchers solve complex real-world problems
- Develop professional communication and workplace skills
- Gain insight into university life and research culture
Students may have the opportunity to engage with academics, research staff, laboratories, field-based activities, data analysis, or scientific discussions, depending on the placement and supervisor availability.
Who Can Apply?
Secondary school and college students in Year 10 or higher who are located in Canberra may request a work experience placement with an RSES academic.
Local, interstate, and international students are invited to apply. However, students outside Canberra must organise and pay for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
Placements are subject to:
- Availability of a suitable academic supervisor
- Approval from the student’s school
- Completion of all required school documentation and agreements
- Workplace safety and supervision requirements
Please note that work experience placements are unpaid.
How the Process Works
RSES receives requests from students, parents, or schools and coordinates the process with interested academics and school administrators.
The process generally includes:
- Submission of a work experience enquiry
- Identification of a suitable academic host
- Coordination between the student, school, and RSES
- Completion of school-provided documentation
- Confirmation of placement details and attendance arrangements
All formal paperwork, agreements, and placement conditions are provided and managed through the student’s school or college.
Supervision and Safety
Student safety and wellbeing are a priority.
All supervisors involved in student work experience placements must hold appropriate background clearances, including a Working With Vulnerable People (WWVP) registration or equivalent background screening requirements.
Students must follow all workplace health and safety instructions while participating in their placement. Students are expected to behave professionally and follow all ANU policies and safety requirements.
How to Request Work Experience
Students or schools interested in arranging a placement should contact the RSES Administration team with:
- The student’s name and school
- Preferred placement dates
- Areas of scientific interest
- Any curriculum or school requirements
Early enquiries are encouraged, as placement opportunities depend on supervisor availability.
Please contact the RSES Administration team at Admin.RSES@anu.edu.au.
Additional Information
Typical work experience placements are usually one week in duration. In some cases, RSES has hosted students for two-week placements or arranged flexible schedules, such as one day per week over a longer period.
Placements may also be possible during school term breaks, depending on supervisor availability.
Please note that placements cannot always be guaranteed, as opportunities depend on the availability and capacity of academic supervisors.
Students are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from campus each day.
Students should wear comfortable and practical clothing suitable for a professional university environment.
For laboratory activities, long pants and closed-toe shoes are required for safety reasons. Casual clothing such as jeans, slacks, t-shirts, and jumpers is generally acceptable. Comfortable walking shoes or joggers are recommended, particularly for days involving extended time in laboratories or around campus.