Work integrated learning - University of Wollongong

GWP 900: International Workplace Practice

GWP 900: International Workplace Practice is a subject designed to meet the employment aspirations of international students to undertake work in Australia. This subject crosses boundaries between theory and practice and will maximise the students’ potential to access workplace experiences leading to formal post university employment options. GWP 900 is open as an elective subject for international students undertaking a Master's degree.

Students will acquire and develop work-based learning skill sets; will critically examine the discourses and theories of intercultural competence, as well as develop cultural awareness and business communication skills that are fit-for-purpose regardless of students’ career aspirations.

Industry related projects

Some postgraduate programs provide an option for you to undertake an industry project. This project introduces you to an organisation and together with nominated managers and academic support, provides the opportunity to investigate a real business problem as part of your program of study. Further information will be provided by the Subject Coordinator.

In addition to the above work integrated learning, Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong offers a number of employment skills and job seeker resources outlined below.

Interactive Business Challenges - engaging latest knowhow

Hear how Supply Chain management, Logistics, Project Management students provided 55 Parrots with strategic advice on becoming environmentally and socially conscious in their operational and relationship practices while gaining practical research and consultation experiences.

Discover more about Interactive Business Challenges

I found that there was a gap in the Wollongong area where we had no homeware store that was really concentrating on a sustainable future for homes in this area. For 55 Parrots it’s as part of our mission. It's about being environmentally and socially conscious. So environmentally we've talked about what we use in our products. How we use them. We use products that that are easily grown and recycle products. We don't use any plastics. The first thing I look at is: am I going to be able to work with the supplier, is this relationship going to work? The next thing I would look at is quality and then the next thing I would look at is price.

When I had the opportunity by the university, when they came to me and said would you like to work with us on some students that were doing their Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics and Business Management, I jumped at the chance because I thought it just fitted perfectly with where we want to go.

One of the best parts of working with the University of Wollongong was actually spending the time with the students so they could understand my journey and how I got here. We actually had students come on-site here at the shop and they actually went to all of my shops. They went to my warehouse. They watched a container unpack and from that the students have actually written some very comprehensive reports and I have some actual young uni students that I've just picked up that are working part-time for me and they're actually going to sit down and help me go through those reports.

My name is Mitka and I'm a master's student specializing in Supply Chain Management. The business research project is one of the most practical and challenging subjects of my course. We had this company called 55 Parrots come in and talk about the business and future plans. That's one of the best things about the subject is that your research topic is totally flexible. It's up to you to choose what to focus on. I was interested in sustainability so I chose that as my topic. I had colleagues focusing on Marketing, Procurement, Logistics and so on. So, I liked the fact that I could align my area of interest with my report.

I've done research for assessments in the past but that was all based on the data and findings of other academics. In this I could collect my own data and come up with recommendations based on the information that I obtained. I also found that this subject creates a new holistic view, not just about your topic but also about the entire process of doing research.

I found that there was a gap in the Wollongong area where we had no homeware store that was really concentrating on a sustainable future for homes in this area. For 55 Parrots it’s as part of our mission. It's about being environmentally and socially conscious. So environmentally we've talked about what we use in our products. How we use them. We use products that that are easily grown and recycle products. We don't use any plastics. The first thing I look at is: am I going to be able to work with the supplier, is this relationship going to work? The next thing I would look at is quality and then the next thing I would look at is price.

When I had the opportunity by the university, when they came to me and said would you like to work with us on some students that were doing their Master’s in Supply Chain and Logistics and Business Management, I jumped at the chance because I thought it just fitted perfectly with where we want to go.

One of the best parts of working with the University of Wollongong was actually spending the time with the students so they could understand my journey and how I got here. We actually had students come on-site here at the shop and they actually went to all of my shops. They went to my warehouse. They watched a container unpack and from that the students have actually written some very comprehensive reports and I have some actual young uni students that I've just picked up that are working part-time for me and they're actually going to sit down and help me go through those reports.

My name is Mitka and I'm a master's student specializing in Supply Chain Management. The business research project is one of the most practical and challenging subjects of my course. We had this company called 55 Parrots come in and talk about the business and future plans. That's one of the best things about the subject is that your research topic is totally flexible. It's up to you to choose what to focus on. I was interested in sustainability so I chose that as my topic. I had colleagues focusing on Marketing, Procurement, Logistics and so on. So, I liked the fact that I could align my area of interest with my report.

I've done research for assessments in the past but that was all based on the data and findings of other academics. In this I could collect my own data and come up with recommendations based on the information that I obtained. I also found that this subject creates a new holistic view, not just about your topic but also about the entire process of doing research.

Prepare for employment with Careers Central

Career Consultant

Once you enrol, throughout your study and for two years after you graduate, you will have access to a qualified Careers Consultant who specialises in Business.

Workshops

These one-hour seminars and workshops by Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong help you refine specific employment skills.

Discover more at Careers Central

Part-time work for international students

An international student visa allows you to work 40 hours per fortnight (two weeks) during university session and full-time during session breaks. UOW Careerhub is an online tool that will help you find and apply for jobs during your time here (and after you graduate).

Find out more on CareerHub