Future Leader Initiative
One of the most valuable things we can do at the MRC is to invest in the next generation of leaders through the Future Leader Initiative.
The program has expanded and strengthened to help smart young women and men with something to contribute develop the skills and resilience needed for public life.
Throughout their internship, participants gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the enduring values of Australian Liberalism that guided Sir Robert Menzies and the party he founded.
MRC interns receive mentorship from our executive director and other senior staff while acquiring a variety of skills in research, policy development, writing, event planning and office administration.
Click here for a first-hand account of what it’s like to participate in the program.
We would like to acknowledge and thank our donors, without whose generous support the Future Leader Initiative would not be possible.
Please consider investing in the next generation of leaders by making a tax-deductible donation to the MRC.
Interested in applying?
The Future Leader Initiative is aimed at university undergraduates or school leavers with an interest in public policy and liberalism. For further enquiries or to find out more about the application process please email watercooler@menziesrc.org
current interns
Harry Colquhoun
Harry is a full-time student at Australian National University studying a double degree of Commerce and International Relations. He previously worked as an electorate officer for Senator the Hon Zed Seselja. Having joined the MRC in 2020 Harry is our Fundraising officer working out of the Canberra office giving him a great opportunity to explore his interests in industrial relations and taxation policy. Harry hopes to best utilise his time at the MRC by gaining insight into how effective public policy is created.
Simone Nicolson
Simone graduated with a Master of Public Policy, concentrating on International Relations and National Security, from Pepperdine University in the US. She obtained a Bachelor of Liberal Arts majoring in Philosophy from Christian Heritage College, Brisbane. She joined the MRC in September 2022 as an opportunity to learn more about Australian politics and gain experience in a think tank. Simone is particularly interested in national security, freedom of speech and the current culture wars and conservative movement.
Kieran Zucconi
Kieran is a full-time student attending the University of Sydney currently studying politics, international relations and philosophy. He joined the MRC in May of 2023 with the desire to develop his general knowledge across the various fields related to Australian politics and improve his researching skills. Whilst Kieran has a keen interest in political ideologies, political-economies, social issues and history, his primary interest is in international relations and he hopes to work in this field in the future. Personally, Kieran closely aligns with the MRC’s values and the grounded philosophies of classical liberalism in an increasingly complex postmodern world.
testimonials
-
“When I joined the MRC, I quickly realised it wasn’t a normal political office. There was no inconsequential busywork to be done, no seemingly endless data entry tasks and no reviewing of reports that have already been proofed. Instead, the MRC is a head-first dive into real policy work.
“Whether its seeing your first policy report translate into actual legislative change or meeting historic figures such as John Howard or Tony Abbott, the MRC offers its interns an experienced unmatched by any other political entity.”
-
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time as an intern at the Menzies Research Centre. It provided a unique opportunity to be part of public policy research whilst studying at university. Importantly, this internship allowed me to gain professional experience and an insiders’ understanding of politics from a Liberal perspective.
“Unlike many other internships, the MRC’s program supports and encourages Australian values, whilst also developing professional skills.
“Additionally, you have direct access to some of the most prominent thought-leaders and political commentators in the country. I would strongly recommend this program for anyone interested in public policy or politics.”
-
“Working at the Menzies Research Centre, as part of the Future Leader Initiative, was a fantastic experience. During this time, I engaged in a wide variety of tasks including policy research and analysis, event management, writing, assisting with communications, and all the other day-to-day activities of a think tank. One of the highlights was the opportunity to help write a book on a former Liberal Party leader.
“From these experiences, I developed a deep understanding of the principles and values of Australian Liberalism, which underpins the work of the Menzies Research Centre and the Liberal Party. I highly recommend this program to any young people who may be interested in applying!”
articles by mrc interns
