The Bundoora Employability Expo on Wednesday 12 August is designed to answer those questions – and put you face-to-face with the people who could shape your future career.

More than 50 employers will be at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus to meet La Trobe students, share opportunities and offer insights into their organisations. Whether you’re looking for a placement, graduate program, casual work or simply exploring what’s out there, the Expo is one of the easiest ways to start building professional connections while you’re still studying.

For all students at all stages

The biggest misconception about careers expos is that they’re only for final-year students looking for a job.

In reality, they’re valuable no matter where you are in your degree.

For first-year students, it’s an opportunity to explore different industries and learn what employers value. Mid-degree students can start building networks, ask about placements and gain insights that will help shape future decisions. Final-year students can have meaningful conversations about graduate opportunities and recruitment timelines.

The earlier you start engaging with employers, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time to apply.

Meet the people behind the job ads

Online job descriptions only tell part of the story.

At the Expo, you’ll have the chance to speak directly with recruiters, hiring managers and industry representatives about what it’s really like to work in their organisation.

Ask about graduate programs. Learn what makes an application stand out. Find out which skills they’re looking for now – and which ones will matter in the future.

These conversations can give you insights that simply aren’t available online.

Hear what employers really want

One of the highlights of this year’s Expo is an employer panel focused on the graduate recruitment process.

Recruitment can seem confusing from the outside, with online applications, assessment centres, interviews and psychometric testing often feeling like unfamiliar territory.

The panel will unpack how employers recruit graduates, explain what they’re looking for at each stage, and share practical advice to help students approach the process with greater confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you click “Apply”, this is your chance to find out.

Refresh your LinkedIn – and your professional image

Your LinkedIn profile is often one of the first places employers will look.

At this year’s Expo, students can receive a free professional LinkedIn headshot, giving their profile an instant upgrade.

Better still, there’s an opportunity to win a LinkedIn Premium membership.

To go into the draw, simply:

• Register for the Employability Expo.
• Have your free LinkedIn headshot taken at the event.
• Complete the Rock My LinkedIn Profile short course by Monday 17 August.

It’s a simple way to strengthen your professional presence – and you might walk away with a valuable career development tool.

More prizes!

As well as a LinkedIn Premium membership, students can also win one of two JB HiFi vouchers valued at $200. To win, attend the expo, speak to employers and submit feedback on your way out. Students who attend the expo could also win one of two La Trobe merchandise packs valued at $120.

Not sure what to say to an employer?

Walking up to an employer you’ve never met can feel intimidating.

That’s why the Careers team is running a pre-Expo webinar to help students prepare before they arrive.

“Making a good impression at the Expo” will cover practical tips for introducing yourself, starting conversations, asking thoughtful questions and making a positive first impression – skills that will help not only at the Expo, but throughout your career.

A little preparation can make the difference between simply collecting brochures and making meaningful professional connections.

Your future starts with showing up

You don’t need a polished resume, years of experience or a clear five-year career plan to benefit from the Employability Expo.

You just need curiosity and a willingness to start the conversation.

The contacts you make, the advice you receive and the confidence you build could shape your next placement, your first graduate role or even your long-term career direction.

Opportunities often begin with a single conversation. The Employability Expo is your chance to have it.

Visit CareerHub to find out more and the register for the Employability Expo.

See also: Why a Professional LinkedIn headshot was the best freebie on campus

Check out more career resources at CareerHub.

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Funded through the VicHealth Vaping Prevention Collective Impact 2.0 Grants program, the Hackathon brings together students from Deakin University, Monash University, La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, Federation University and the University of Melbourne.

Participants will form multidisciplinary teams of six students, with one representative from each university to support cross-institutional collaboration and diverse perspectives. The winning team will receive an intensive two-week internship to bring their idea to life, working with stakeholders to refine, develop and support implementation of their solution across university campuses.

There are 20 places available for La Trobe students from all disciplines, and each selected student will receive a $50 Prezzee gift voucher to help with travel costs to attend the in-person event.

Applications close Thursday 30 July 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible to join this program, you must:

• be a currently enrolled student at La Trobe University
• continue to be a current student during the internship phase, from December 2026 to February 2027
• have the necessary work rights to take part in the full-time internship at the University, if you progress to the internship stage

The program is open to both international and domestic students of all disciplines.

Key dates

Applications

Applications open: Monday 15 June 2026
Applications close: Thursday 30 July 2026

Program dates

Hackathon kick-off event: Wednesday 26 August 2026, 11 am – 1 pm, online
Hackathon Day: Wednesday 23 September 2026, all day, in person at the University of Melbourne, Parkville
Solution design submissions due: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Winning team announcement: Friday 23 October 2026

Internship dates

Internship dates will be confirmed with the winning team and will take place between December 2026 and February 2027.

By participating, you will:

• develop a range of experience and skills while working in a dynamic team
• learn to develop a proposal and pitch your ideas to real industry professionals
• collaborate with students across degrees and disciplines from other universities across Victoria
• gain experience that can go towards your Career Ready Advantage Award

How it works

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or how the program works, email stacey.bracksleyogrady@latrobe.edu.au.

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The good news? There’s no single “best” option. The right choice depends on your goals, your course and the kind of experience you want to gain.

Whether you’re looking to build confidence, expand your professional network or get a clearer picture of your future career, industry experience is one of the most effective ways to boost your employability while you’re still studying.

Why industry experience matters

A qualification tells employers what you’ve learned. Evidence from your industry experience shows them what you can do.

Spending time working with an organisation helps you apply your knowledge in authentic industry settings, develop professional skills and build confidence in the workplace. It also gives you valuable examples to talk about in interviews and strengthens your resume long before you graduate.

Just as importantly, it can help you answer one of the biggest career questions: Is this actually what I want to do?

Many students discover new career paths, industries or specialisations through practical experience that they hadn’t previously considered.

Placements or industry projects – which is right for you?

While both help you develop career-ready skills, they offer different experiences.

Placements immerse you in a workplace over an extended period, giving you the opportunity to become part of a team and experience the day-to-day realities of your profession. They’re ideal if you want hands-on experience, direct supervision and a deeper understanding of how an organisation operates.

Industry projects allow you to work on a real challenge or brief for an organisation, often alongside other students. Rather than being embedded in a workplace, you’ll focus on delivering a project outcome while building skills in collaboration, communication and problem-solving.

If you’re wondering which option will give you the biggest advantage, the answer is simple: both are valuable. Employers care less about the format and more about the skills you’ve developed, the impact you’ve made and how you can communicate those experiences.

Should you source your own opportunity?

Some students are allocated a placement through their course, while others have the option to find their own host organisation.

Finding your own opportunity can give you greater flexibility to target organisations, industries or locations that align with your personal career goals. It can also demonstrate initiative – an attribute employers value.

On the other hand, university-sourced placements remove much of the legwork. Existing partnerships often provide high-quality learning opportunities, and the university manages many of the administrative requirements, helping you focus on preparing for the experience itself.

Neither approach is inherently better. If you’re unsure which pathway suits you, it’s worth talking with the Career Ready team or attending an info session before making a decision.

Make the most of your experience before it begins

Preparing well can make a significant difference to your placement or project.

Understanding employer expectations, refining your resume, practising interviews and learning how to network professionally can all help you feel more confident before your first day.

Fortunately, you don’t have to work it out on your own.

La Trobe offers a range of support to help you prepare, including webinars that explain the placement process, online resources with practical advice and checklists, and Career Ready drop-in sessions where you can ask questions and get personalised guidance.

Whether you’re deciding between different opportunities or getting ready to start one, these services can help you make informed decisions and maximise the value of your experience.

• Career Ready drop-in (every Thursday, online)
• How to find, apply for, and secure a placement (University WIL subjects) (8 September)
• Exploring your career options (1 October)
• University WIL Subjects – undergraduate info session (TBC)
• Explore your WIL options (Placement or Industry Project) (30 July)

Every experience builds your future

It’s easy to focus on finding the “perfect” placement or project. But the reality is that every industry experience helps you build something valuable.

You’ll develop professional skills, gain practical experience, expand your network and leave with stories that demonstrate your capabilities to future employers.

The most important step isn’t choosing the perfect option – it’s choosing an opportunity that helps you learn, grow and take the next step towards your career.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start by exploring the available resources, attend a webinar, or drop into a Career Ready session. Sometimes the best career decisions begin with simply asking the right questions.

The post Work experience that works: Choose the right industry experience for your career appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

You Said, We Did is how we show you that we’re listening and taking real action based on what you’ve told us.

Ready to see your feedback in action? Here are four changes we’ve made recently. You can also head to the You Said, We Did page to see more ways your voice has shaped the La Trobe experience. 

You said: You want better placement support and more ways to build practical experience for your future career.

We did: We increased placement and industry project opportunities embedded in courses and strengthened pre-placement support, so you can access help in the way that works best for you.

This includes the PlaceReady LMS Hub, Welcome Zones and expanded in-person support, as well as the new Start Smart bundle to help international health students prepare before arriving in Australia.

You said: Cost-of-living pressures are impacting your studies and making it harder to manage the costs of food, placement and other study-related costs.

We did: We introduced new financial support, like the Distance Support Bursary that helps with the costs of travelling to placements.

We also made it easier to find and access financial support to help with cost-of-living pressures, including bursaries, financial counselling and food aid through the LTSU Food Bank at Bundoora and the LTSA Student Pantry at the Melbourne (City) and regional campuses.

You said: You want easier access to learning resources, study spaces and support, wherever you’re studying.

We improved access to learning wherever you’re studying through the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, Country Universities Centres and other study hubs across the country.

We also improved the accessibility of resources in the LMS, making it easier to access alt text and video transcripts

You said: You want wellbeing spaces to feel calmer, more welcoming and easier to access.

We did: Supported by SSAF funds, we updated the sensory and physical environment of the Health and Wellbeing Centre to improve its comfort and accessibility, including adjusted lighting, sensory and calming resources, more accessible layouts and accessibility signage.

You said: You weren’t always sure what support is available to help you feel safe at uni, including where to go if you need help.

We launched the UniSafe app at our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, making it easier to get Security support when travelling around campus after dark.

We also launched our plan of how we will respond to the National Code for Gender Based Violence through Respect at La Trobe, including new programs and workshops.

You said: You want Orientation to be easier to access and fit around your schedule.

We did: We made Orientation easier to access in ways that suit you by launching on-demand sessions available online all year, welcoming online students to on-campus activities and combining key events into fewer days to better fit your schedule.

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Career Ready Ambassadors can connect you to all the right information, programs, opportunities and support to get the job or industry experience you’re looking for. Find out all about CareerHub, Career Ready Advantage and more!

Ambassadors will be at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Library on Wednesday 8 July between 10am-2pm and Wednesday 15 July 10am-2pm.

Can’t make it?

Don’t worry, you can join an online drop-in session every Thursday from July 16, for the rest of Semester2!

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The La Trobe Entrepreneurship Drop-In Series is a new, flexible way for students to explore entrepreneurship, build practical skills and connect with others, all in just one hour. 

Held at the Eagleworks Innovation Centre, these sessions are designed to be low-pressure and accessible. There’s no registration, no prerequisites and no need to commit to a full program.  

Just drop in, learn something new and take a step towards turning your ideas into action. 

What to expect 

Each session focuses on a different stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from generating ideas to pitching, prototyping and understanding how to bring a concept to life. 

You’ll take part in interactive activities, learn practical skills and hear real insights that can help you shape your thinking and build confidence. 

Whether you’ve got a side project, a business idea, or you’re just curious about startups, there’s something here for you. 

You don’t need to have a fully formed idea or any experience at all. Sometimes, all it takes is one hour to spark something bigger. 

Upcoming sessions 

Wednesday 15 July, 12:30-1:30pm  – From Concepts to Action (prototyping and validation) 

Wednesday 16 September, 12:30-1:30pm – Making It Real (IP, funding and next steps) 

Where: All sessions will be held in Room 103, Level 1, Eagleworks Innovation Centre – Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus 

No registration is required. You’re welcome to arrive at any time during the session and stay after for an optional 30-minute networking opportunity (bring your own lunch). 

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The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student made the leap back into study after a long career in finance.

“After more than 24-years, I decided to pursue something I’s always been passionate about: sport. Following a redundancy last year, I took the opportunity to make a career change and begin a new chapter.”

At 52, Stuart is embracing the challenge of starting over — inspiring others to do the same.

“Friends and family often say that what stands out most is my willingness to chase a dream at this stage of life.”

Adjusting to university life wasn’t without hurdles, however.

“Balancing a demanding study load with work and life responsibilities took much of my first semester to adjust to. Over time, though, I’ve built a routine and settled into student life. Even though I’m much older than most of my classmates, we all share a common passion and purpose, which has made it easy to connect. Building friendships may not earn you a degree, but it certainly makes the experience richer.”

It helps when you can embrace your new future with such enthusiasm, like Stuart.

“After completing my degree, I hope to move to Europe and work on the DP World Tour. I feel I still have plenty of working life ahead of me and am excited by the prospect of building a meaningful second career.”

His advice for anyone facing a career crossroads that’s considering future study:

“My advice is simple: just go for it. There’s so little to lose and so much to gain.

It can feel daunting at first, but the real question is: what’s the best that could happen? Life is far too short not to take opportunities when they arise. You never know where it might lead.”

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This free and live pitch event is the exciting finale of the 12‑week La Trobe LaunchPad program, where great ideas begin their journey into real‑world ventures.

After months of hands-on workshops, mentoring and idea refinement, the top 10 finalists from the March 2026 cohort will showcase their concepts by pitching live to a panel of industry experts and competing for up to $5,000 in cash prizes.

Lift Off Pitch Night is a celebration of innovation, creativity and the entrepreneurial mindset driving real change across the La Trobe community.

If you are considering applying for the August 2026 LaunchPad intake, this event offers a valuable chance to see the program in action and to find out more. From the types of ideas developed to the skills participants gain, Lift Off Pitch Night provides an insight into what the LaunchPad experience is really like.

Attendees will hear inspiring pitches, vote for the Audience Choice Award, learn more about the LaunchPad program and connect with like‑minded innovators, industry professionals and staff.

LaunchPad Lift Off Pitch Night: Event details

When: Wednesday 17 June, 5.00–8.15 pm
Where: Eagleworks Innovation Centre (Level 2, Jenny Graves Building) on La Trobe’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.
Cost: The event is free and open to all. Complimentary food and refreshments provided.

Interested in applying for LaunchPad?

Visit the La Trobe LaunchPad website for more information, or register for an online info session.

These free, online info sessions are designed for aspiring founders, innovators and entrepreneurial students who are interested in exploring the La Trobe LaunchPad program and learning how to put together a strong application.

LaunchPad info session 1
Tuesday 14 July, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Register here

LaunchPad info session 2
Wednesday 22 July, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Register here

You could also join the Inside Startup Life: LaunchPad Founder & Information Session. This free, online session is an engaging introduction to the LaunchPad program and the entrepreneurial community behind it.
Hear directly from people who have participated in the entrepreneurial program. They’ll share their experiences, lessons learned, challenges they’ve overcome, and the practical insights that helped them move from idea to action. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with LaunchPad program leaders, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of what the program offers and how to get involved.
When: Friday 19 June 2026 12:30 pm-2:00 pm

Find out more

The post LaunchPad Pitch Night: See what it takes to go from idea to lift off appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

These high-quality, online resources can help you grow your employability and build the skills that matter most for your career goals – at a time that suits you.

Whether you’re in your first year or getting ready to graduate, it’s always a good time to start.

We’ve got a great collection of LinkedIn content that’s geared towards student needs and covers:

• Resumes
• Job search strategies
• Informational interviews
• Networking
• Using AI in your job search
• Professional summaries
• And more!

You can use LinkedIn Learning to build employability and career skills and experience, or to work on skills you can add to your resume.

Need some ideas? Why not take a look at some of the LinkedIn resources La Trobe students are working on right now:

• Learning LinkedIn for Students
• Informational Interviewing
• Finding a Job on LinkedIn
• Writing a Resume
• Rock Your LinkedIn Profile (2019)
• Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365)
• Excel Essential Training (Microsoft 365) (2018)
• Ethics in the Age of Generative AI
• Build a Personal Learning Plan and Stick with It

You can also visit our CareerHub to access a mix of on‑demand content, webinars online resources and live events. Explore our on-demand Career Ready Essentials webinars to learn about:

• Creating a career plan
• Resumes and cover letters
• Key selection criteria
• Job interviews
• Elevator pitching
• Navigating online applications
• Exploring industry experience

With so many resources available on demand, it’s easy to fit employability learning into the busiest uni schedule!

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This beginner‑friendly series focuses on getting you set up early so you can use LinkedIn as a tool throughout your study journey. If you’re looking for practical ways to build confidence, skills and digital capability during your studies, the LinkedIn Student Skills Academy is a great place to start.

Across the sessions, you’ll learn how to:

• Use LinkedIn and LinkedIn Learning to support your coursework and assignments
• Build and showcase skills as you develop them
• Understand emerging skills, including AI foundations for graduates

Upcoming sessions

AI Foundations for Graduates

Thursday 14 May
1.00pm – 1.30pm (AEST)

AI skills are quickly becoming a new baseline for graduates. In this session, you’ll learn the AI foundations graduates need and how to start building those skills using LinkedIn Learning. No technical background required.

Find out more and register

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