Q+A: Hear from our 2026 interns!

Each year, Embrace hosts two paid internship placements, giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a research institute across 100 hours. 

Hear straight from our 2026 interns Erin and Kaitlyn in the Q+A below.

Join the pool to hear about future internship opportunities here. 

Erin Williams supported the Youth Mental Health team's Trans Pathways 2 during the 2026 Embrace Student Internship Program.

Tell us about your internship placement. What have you been working on?

It's honestly been a trajectory-changing experience. Before coming to The Kids, I was unsure about my next steps and whether there was a space for me within research, but working within the team, directly seeing the impact of my work on the ethics application, as well as associated forms and recruitment materials, has solidified that this is where I want to be headed. 

What are some of your key learnings or skills you’ve developed?

Throughout my time at The Kids, I've had the honour of being exposed to how vast the research environment is. One skill that has been particularly valuable to me is facilitation, as I've had the opportunity to explain aspects of research and gain guidance from a governance group. It highlighted the importance of ongoing community consultation throughout every stage of research, ensuring representation of diverse experiences and lived experiences. 

Can you tell us about the team you’ve worked with, and the learning support you’ve received?

I've worked within the Youth Mental Health team, gratefully being supported by the wide network at The Kids. I'd love to particularly highlight the ongoing support I receive from Jacinta (Freeman), who has invested in me and my passions, enabling me to attend trainings, seminars, and network with researchers across the institution. I'd also love to highlight the mentorship I receive from Shakara (Liddelow-Hunt), whose knowledge and expertise they've shared have directly shaped my future study direction.

What are the next steps for you after your internship in terms of studies or career plans?

After completing my Embrace internship, I feel more strongly aligned with my intention to start my Honours next year, hopefully within an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people's health equity project. Long-term, I would love to use my skills to advocate for and design services to achieve better outcomes for regional and remote communities, working towards a better future and opportunities for all young people.

Kaitlyn Mann (left) did an internship alongside Shenaz (right) with the CliniSibs team - see her responses below.

Tell us about your internship placement. What have you been working on?

Alongside fellow intern Shenaz, I have been working on improving the existing CliniSibs manual. I have created new activities and respective resources consulting new literature and the current program facilitator's recommendations. Furthermore, I have utilised my own insight in reshaping these sessions, aiming to make activities more memorable and practical. Supporting the updated sessions, Shenaz and I redesigned the PowerPoint presentations that accompany each session, making them fresher and more cohesive. Currently, I am working on structuring, designing, and writing up an early prototype of online parent modules designed as accessible alternatives to the in-person CliniSibs program. These will be five modules designed to inform and assist parents in educating and supporting the non-autistic siblings of the family. These modules will include advice, activities, recommendations, and more. I am honoured and excited to be working on this accessible version of the CliniSibs program, as I believe accessible resources are crucially important.

What are some of your key learnings or skills you’ve developed?

I've learnt about office-life and working with other knowledgeable people with a variety of knowledge and experiences. I've sharpened my research, design, and communication skills throughout my projects, and practiced discussing and presenting my work. Collaborating with Shenaz has reinforced my belief that the product of many is often time greater. Together we have made something I/ we are incredibly proud of.

Can you tell us about the team you’ve worked with and the learning support you’ve received?

I have worked alongside fellow intern Shenaz under the guidance of Gail Alvares, and had to privilege of getting to know many other members of staff at the institute. Chatting with staff has helped me think about potential future career directions. Everyone has been friendly and I've enjoyed getting to know them!

What are the next steps for you after your internship in terms of studies or career plans?

After this internship I will be continuing into my second semester of my psychology honour's year with the subsequent goal of studying a Masters of Clinical Neuropsychology. I'm not entirely certain of my career trajectory at this stage, however, I overall intend to end up in a space where I am helping those struggling. Whether that be through research, designing support programs and interventions, or in a client-facing setting, providing hands-on support.