The IEU welcomed law and politics student Dustin Dao for a three-week internsip as part of the Union Winter Program. He shares his experience.
My journey at the IEU was a challenging and rewarding one that has marked a historic moment in my life. The program has broadened my perspective about the union movement in so many ways.
I was fortunate enough to receive mentorship from IEU staff members who provided me with extensive insight into areas such as industrial relations, union organising and media and communications to increase member and community engagement.
Most importantly, I understood the intersection between all these departments, which contributes to the success of the IEU.
As a first-year university student pursuing law and politics at the University of Sydney, the Union Winter Program allowed me to gain practical experience within a bustling workplace environment.
My placement enabled me to apply my newfound knowledge in law, campaigns, politics and more in various tasks. For example, I assisted the IEU industrial officers with a workers compensation review and developed an understanding in areas such as employment law (unfair dismissals) and learnt the significance of previous cases like equal remuneration.