CEO Internship program

The Disability Leadership Institute is partnering with several organisations to bring you the

CEO Internship Program

An exciting opportunity for disability leaders with C suite aspirations

The internships are open to current premium and entrepreneurs members of the DLI.

The CEO internship program provides a unique opportunity for a high potential leader with disability, with C suite aspirations, to work alongside the CEO or executive team member of some of Australia’s largest organisations. During this paid internship you will take on some of the work of a CEO. The internship will be personalised to your leadership goals and aspirations or identified skill development and learning outcomes.

Expressions of interest are currently open, closing COB Friday 16 May 2025. Please use the EOI form below (contact us if you are unable to use the form).

We are seeking disability leaders with some executive level experience who are working towards joining the C suite as the next phase of your career.

The internship program will be a co-learning experience. Through this internship the DLI and our partner organisations seek to build on the lessons from the inaugural CEO internship hosted by Yooralla, to further develop our understanding of what is required to design roles that optimise the impact of disabled leaders. Lessons from this project will be shared and can be used in work role design into the future.

Read more about the inaugural internship in this article by Jessica Horner.

In 2025 we are moving to an annual intake process for the program. This is to address the growing demand the program is experiencing. The EOI process will provide a pool of intern candidates that are then matched to suitable placements with host organisations. The duration of each placement will be negotiated with the successful candidate but will require at a minimum of 160 hours of placement to be completed within a 12 month period.

Expressions of interest are currently open, closing COB Friday 16 May 2025. Please use the EOI form below (contact us if you are unable to use the form).

The intern is required to submit a report at the completion of your placement. Your report should inform and promote the expansion of the CEO intern program. It should be no more than 10 pages and include reflections on design of executive level roles for leaders with disability. It might include reflections from the host executive and their organisation and should be suitable for publication.

For further information about becoming an intern please contact DLI Deputy CEO Yenn Purkis.

For further information about becoming a host CEO or organisation please contact DLI Deputy CEO Wendy Hill.

CEO Internship EOI

EOI form for CEO internship program

Your name * Required
Your pronouns * Required
Today's date - must be mm/dd/yyyy format * Required
Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY
Your email address * Required
Repeat your email address * Required
DLI Member? * Required
- Premium Member
- Entrepreneurs Member
- Will become a premium/ Entrepreneurs Member
Only DLI premium and Entrepreneurs Members are eligible for this program. If you are not a current Member you will need to commit to becoming one.
Your phone number * Required
We mainly use email or zoom, but need a phone number in case you are unable to be contacted. Don't forget area code.
7+4 = * Required
So we know you aren't a robot
I am a person with disability * Required
- No
- Yes
What Australian state, and town do you live in? * Required
What executive level experience have you had? * Required
please keep to a short paragraph.
How have you achieved outcomes as an executive leader? * Required
This is about how you have achieved outcomes, not what outcomes you have achieved.
Why have you decided to move into the Executive level? Why does your career path lead to this? * Required
How would you describe your leadership style? How do others describe you? * Required
Are you facing any barriers in becoming a CEO or being appointed to the executive level? * Required
What leadership assessments have you undertaken ? * Required
Please list
What are your leadership goals or outcomes? * Required
Where will your career go in the next 3 to 5 years?
How will this internship progress your career?
short paragraph on why this is the right opportunity for you.
Your commitment * Required
I understand that I am required to: 1. Undertake a minimum of 160 hours of placement with my host organisation within 12 months 2. Abide by confidentiality and fiduciary expectations, and the host organisation's policies and procedures 3. Write a report at the completion of my placement 4. Participate in a qualitative review process at the completion of my placement 5. Engage with the supports provided including DLI membership and mentoring.
- I agree
- I do not agree
*Accessibility requirements
Please note: your disability access requirements do not prevent you from expressing interest. This question is asked only to assist us with communications with you, and to ensure your placement host is prepared for your needs.