'I thought that ANIP would be a great opportunity to network with people and learn how to do research, and in my final years of university be an excellent way to prepare for my entry into the workforce. I also thought it would increase my exposure to international relations and policy and be an excellent foundation for both work and further study, as this is the area I wanted to enter after finishing my degree. 

Through ANIP I have come to know a number of very interesting people and important connections. It has also helped me understand what I want to do career-wise.I think the most surprising thing for me was how easy ANIP was once I actually got into my research, as before that I was just really scared as I hadn’t written anything longer than 4,000 words before and didn’t think I would be able to write an 8,000-word paper! While it was still quite a challenge, it was a lot easier to write it once I started than I thought it would be. I was lucky to have a lot of time to write my research paper, but there were always other events happening and my supervisor was always happy to let me help out or just sit in the audience.

I definitely learned a lot from the experience. I think the main thing is to be very organised and just get stuck into it as soon as possible. But it’s also important to have fun with it; make sure your topic is interesting to you and not just your supervisor because it makes the whole thing a lot easier.'