Industry Cadetship Program
Cadetship Experiences
On this page you will find sample "stories" from previous cadetships. These will give you an idea of what it’s like to do a cadetship, and how each student felt about their placement. There are many wonderful outcomes from this program, and we’ll update the stories regularly.
Michael: Viticultural Science & Wine Production
Cadetship: three weeks in a vineyard.
What I am doing:
I completed a three-week vineyard placement where I had the opportunity to learn about the different climates in which this industry operates. Knowing about different climates is important as it affects vineyard procedures and processes.
What I really enjoyed about the placement:
This cadetship was a great opportunity to gain work experience and to make industry contacts. In addition I had the opportunity to expand on the knowledge gained during my university studies, through hands-on experiences in a large organisational environment.
Where is it leading?
I am currently completing more work experience with the company which is a direct result of my previous placement. I gained a lot more out of the cadetship than I first expected and am extremely grateful for the experience it has given me.
Troy: Engineering (Internet Telecommunications)
Cadetship: three weeks in a software engineering company.
What I did:
I have recently completed a three-week placement with a software engineering company where I had the opportunity to work with various programming languages to perform engineering visualisations. For example I got the chance to see how the computer language Java can be used for industry purposes.
What I really enjoyed about the placement:
More than anything this cadetship has given me the opportunity to finally put theory into practice. I was pleased to see how closely related the course content of my degree was to the duties I was performing during my placement. It was also a great feeling knowing that this experience was not just a learning exercise for me, but a chance to create ideas and software programs that the company can use in the future.
Where is it leading?
The placement has given me the chance to experience a professional work environment and to learn and adopt professional work behaviours. Furthermore, I have made many friends with whom I will keep regular contact on both a social and work level. I see these on going relationships and the skills acquired as quite helpful with future project work.
Michael: Environmental Science
Cadetship: One day a week since January 2003 in an environmental analysis company.
What I did:
During my placement I worked in the area of scientific support, and my main task was to support computer mapping throughout the organisation. The title of my position was GIS data administrator.
What I really enjoyed about the placement:
The exposure to industry and the skills that you learn that aren’t obtainable at university is an element of the placement that I enjoyed. The cadetship definitely complemented the course that I am studying at La Trobe.
Where has it led?
The experience has clarified my definite interest in pursuing a career in this industry. The Industry Cadetship Program has provided me with the opportunity to improve both my work and job application skills.