The transition from study to work can feel uncertain and employers are looking for graduates who can confidently demonstrate their skills and experience beyond the classroom. 

That’s where La Trobe’s Career Ready Advantage Award comes in!  

The Career Ready Advantage Award was developed in consultation with employers. Not only does it help you to develop skills that employers are looking for, the program will help you identify and confidently communicate the skills and experience you’re already building through study, work and life.

This means a clearer picture of your career story, stronger applications and interviews and a better understanding of the Australian employment landscape. 

What is the Career Ready Advantage Award? 

The Career Ready Advantage Award is La Trobe’s employability award program. The program fits in with your work, study and life commitments to build your employability. It helps you develop, reflect on and confidently communicate your skills through professional learning, practical experience and a career portfolio. It’s never too early in your degree to join!    

Why join the Career Ready Advantage Award? 

Graduating is a huge achievement, but understanding and being able to explain the skills and experience you build along the way could make all the difference in starting your career. 

Employers consistently tell us they’re looking for graduates who: 

• Have work, volunteering or extracurricular experience. 

• Can confidently articulate their skills in applications and interviews. 

• Have thought about their career direction. 

The Career Ready Advantage Award helps you to reflect on your experiences and turn them into clear, compelling evidence of your employability.  

When you complete each Career Ready Advantage award level, it’s recognised on your official academic transcript. 

This gives you a tangible reminder and evidence of how you have shaped your learning, life and work experiences into valuable employment skills.  

How the program works 

The Career Ready Advantage Award is made up of three key areas: 

• Professional learning 

Build the knowledge and skills you need to succeed at uni and beyond. 
This could include Career Ready webinars and workshops, LinkedIn Learning courses and other professional development opportunities. 
 

• Practical experience 

Gain hands on experience that employers value. 
Examples include part time or casual work, internships or placements, volunteering, mentoring programs, leadership opportunities or networking events. 
 

• Career portfolio 

Create high quality career documents that help you stand out. 
This might include your resume, cover letter, LinkedIn profile or completing a mock interview. 

You can work towards three award levels (Silver, Gold and Platinum), depending on how many activities you complete. You can choose to stop at any level or keep building all the way to Platinum. 

Visit The Career Ready Advantage page for information about how it works. 

How Career Ready Advantage helps you stand out 

There are lots of reasons students participate in the Career Ready Advantage Award. The program: 

• Helps you identify how the study, work (paid and unpaid) and life skills and experience you already have can support your career development. 

• Boosts your confidence in presenting these skills to employers.  

• Builds strong content for your resume and LinkedIn profile and gives you real examples and stories to share in job interviews. 

• Develop and showcase your initiative and commitment to employability. 

• Helps you develop valuable transferable skills.

• Helps you move from graduate to confident, job ready graduate who can clearly articulate your skills and direction 

Ready to get started?  

You can learn more and start building your employability by visiting the Career Ready Advantage webpage and logging into Career Hub , or visit our Career Ready FAQs. 

The post Join the Career Ready Advantage Award and make your experience and skills count appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Your feedback gives us invaluable insights, informing everything from campus facilities to student events, programs and university policies. Wondering how your input makes a difference? Check out You Said, We Did to see the changes we’ve made so far based on student feedback.

Take the survey for your chance to win

Complete the survey and you’ll automatically go into the draw to win one of two prizes:

• First prize: Apple MacBook Air 13″
• Second prize: Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

The survey is open from Monday 13 April – Sunday 10 May. You’ll find the link in your email or on your LMS homepage. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and every response counts.

Don’t miss your chance to have your say – and go in the running to win.

If you have any questions, please reach out to surveys@latrobe.edu.au.

*Terms and Conditions available here

The post Shape your uni experience – and go in the draw to win! 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 weren’t always sure how to get help to feel safe on campus and wanted more options to access on-campus support.

We did: We launched the UniSafe app and our plan to respond to the National Code for Gender Based Violence, including new programs and workshops. 

The UniSafe app launched at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus to help you get around safely after dark. Available between 6pm and 6am, the app lets you book someone from the Security team to accompany you on foot or via vehicle. UniSafe has already supported you with more than 4,800 escorted trips this year! 

You said: You want more opportunities to connect with other students, collaborate in your course and feel part of the La Trobe community.

We did: We expanded opportunities for students to connect and collaborate through initiatives such as the Student Council, student‑led clubs and activities and Student Experience Grants that support peer connection, belonging and student‑led projects. 

In 2025, we launched our Student Experience Grants, awarding more than $25,000 to student‑led projects that improved the student experience. These grants empowered students like you to turn ideas into reality – creating new spaces to belong, practical tools to support learning and events that helped students to connect with each other and industry. Learn more about last year’s recipients and how their projects have made an impact. 

We also continued to support connection through the Student Council and student‑led clubs and activities. There are now 80 affiliated student clubs across our campuses, which helped to organise more than 700 activities over 2025 – creating more ways to meet people, get involved and feel part of the La Trobe community. 

You said: You want access to health, wellbeing and support services that fit around your study and life commitments.

We did: We introduced outside standard hours counselling appointments and expanded ASK La Trobe service hours during busy periods, so that there’s more support available when you need it most. Whether you’re juggling classes, work or personal responsibilities, we know life doesn’t always fit neatly into business hours and we’re here to support you. 

You can now book free counselling appointments outside standard hours, with later sessions and flexible options that let you connect in the way that works best for you.  

We also extended ASK La Trobe service hours during peak times, so help is available when demand is highest – from enrolment and fees to timetables and results, we’re here to help. 

You said: Starting uni and knowing where to find the right information felt overwhelming and confusing. 

We did: We rebuilt the New to La Trobe website and launched the New Student Guide to make starting at La Trobe clearer, simpler and easier to navigate, working closely with students to make sure it covers what matters most when you’re new to La Trobe.  

The New to La Trobe website puts all the essential information in one place, with clear steps, key dates and support options to ensure you feel prepared, connected and ready to make the most of your uni experience. We  

We’ve also created the New Student Guide – your step‑by‑step guide to everything you need to know in your first study period. From Orientation and first classes to exams and final assessments, it’s there to help you start strong and stay on track. Even if you’re not a new student, it’s a handy guide you can come back to whenever you need a reset or reminder. 

The post You Said, We Did – your voice matters appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Services will be unavailable during this time. 

All services will resume on Tuesday 10 March 2026.

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Are you finishing your degree this year and considering a graduate program? Don’t wait as organisations are already opening applications for their 2027 graduate programs.

For a list of opportunities, go to CareerHub > Search jobs > Keywords (graduate role) + Job types (graduate jobs).

Events

*Participation in/at these events and webinars may count towards the Career Ready Advantage.

The post What’s happening in Employability in March appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

La Trobe University’s LaunchPad Pre-Accelerator Program is here to help you take that idea and turn it into something real. The next intake is now open, and closes at 5pm on Sunday, 1 March 2026.

Meet LaunchPad: your startup springboard

Imagine spending 12 weeks immersed in a community of innovators, guided by Australia’s top startup minds? That’s LaunchPad, a hands-on, high-energy program designed to help La Trobe students, alumni and the general community build technology-led startups from scratch.

You’ll work alongside mentors from Startmate, one of Australia’s most respected accelerators, and tap into La Trobe’s own network of experts, founders, and industry leaders. It’s not just theory, it’s real-world startup building.

What will you do?

Over the course of the program, you’ll:

• Validate your idea through customer interviews and market research
• Build your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) — the first version of your solution
• Craft your pitch and learn how to speak to investors
• Explore business models, team building, and company formation
• Connect with mentors, legal and finance experts, and fellow founders

Whether you’re still shaping your idea or ready to take it to market, LaunchPad meets you where you are and helps you grow fast.

Who is it for?

If you’re a:

• Current student (undergrad, postgrad, PhD)
• Academic or researcher
• La Trobe alum
• Community member

… and you’ve got a tech-driven idea or a passion for solving problems, this program is for you.

The cost

The program is heavily subsidised by LaunchVic, so your cost is just $249 AUD.

Key dates

• Applications open: Monday 20 October 2025
• Applications close: Sunday 1 March 2026
• Program starts: Monday 23 March 2026
• Program finish: Friday 19 June 2026

Ready to launch?

Your idea deserves a chance. Apply now and take the first step toward building something extraordinary.

The post From idea to impact: Your startup journey starts here appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Even though we’re winding down for the year, that doesn’t mean all your student support services are also taking a break. Make the most of them during your downtime so you’re ready to hit the ground running in Semester 1, 2026.

La Trobe has a support service to help you out and ensure you’re feeling confident by the time Semester 1 rolls around. And the best part? They’re all FREE!

Support services availability:

Check out more key dates for La Trobe students here.

The post What’s open at La Trobe over the summer break appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

If you are thinking about undertaking a placement in Semester 1 2026, you still have the option to secure your own placement or collaborate on an industry project.

Remember: The process of sourcing and securing an opportunity can be just as valuable as the placement itself!

University WIL Subjects

The University WIL Subjects include options for undergraduate and postgraduate students and for students who want to undertake longer placements of up to 400 hours.

Find out more about the University WIL subjects including Industry Projects.

Key dates

Take the next step

1. Choose your path – Placement or Project
2. Enrol in your chosen subject
3. Submit your application by the above dates using the ‘apply now’ link below.  

Once enrolled, we’ll send you an email outlining the next steps.

Contact us

Want to know more? Reach out via our enquiry form. We’re here to help.

The post Real-world learning that strengthens your career profile appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

1. Re-enrol for 2026

Lock in your subjects early and avoid the last-minute rush. Re-enrolment is open now!

2. Apply for campus accommodation

Thinking of living on campus next year and experiencing the perks of campus life? Applications are open, secure your spot early.

3. Boost your employability

Find casual work, internships or placements to increase your employability. Applications are now open for new elective University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects, starting in Semester 1 2026.

If you are thinking about undertaking a placement in Semester 1 2026, you still have the option to secure your own placement or collaborate on an industry project.

Student-Sourced Applications close: 13 Feb 2026
Project intake closes: 4 February 2026
Uni-Sourced Applications close: Now closed

4. Register for a study hub near you

Studying over the break and needing a quiet place with good Wi-Fi? Or just wanting to set yourself up for the new year? The Northern Study Hub is here to help you succeed. Register today.

5. Join La Trobe’s Student Mentorship Program

Are you a new student at La Trobe starting your course in Semester 1, 2026? Register now to become a mentee. The program starts on 23 February 2026 during Semester 1 Orientation Week. So register now!

6. Enrol in Summer School

Catch up or get ahead with summer subjects. It’s a great way to lighten your 2026 study load.

7. Join Summer Library Workshops

Running 12 January – 27 February 2026, these workshops will help you sharpen your research and study skills. Perfect for students studying over summer or anyone looking to sharpen their skills ready for the new year.

8. Apply for a Student Experience Grant

Got a project that could improve student life? Apply for funding before 31 March 2026.

9. Apply to study abroad

Applications are now closed for both general student exchange and the Yani Global Exchange but read how Amy’s semester in Sweden opened up a world of opportunities for her!

10. Plan your timetable and select your preferred class times

From 9 December 2025 – 19 January 2026, you can start planning your 2026 timetable as part of the Preference Entry Mode. Get in early for your preferred options. If you haven’t submitted your preferences by the time Preference Entry Mode closes, you’ll be automatically allocated to class times.

11. Vote for La Trobe in the Shaping Australia Awards

La Trobe is a finalist in the 2025 Shaping Australia Awards, nominated in the Community Champion category for Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University. Vote by 19 January to show your support!

12. Take time out for yourself

Relax, connect with friends and family and focus on your wellbeing. You’ve earned it A reminder that La Trobe has a range of wellbeing services available to you if you need it. Not sure where to start? Student Wellbeing Connect can help you find the right support, at the right time.

13. Spread the word

Tell a friend about MyLaTrobe and follow us on socials to stay in the loop!

The post 13 things to do over the summer break appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Employability team is running online webinars to help you with essential skills to get career ready. Attendance at any of the below webinars counts towards your Career Ready Advantage Award!

Monday 17 November, 12pm – 1pm
Career Ready Week Webinar 1: Developing targeted resumes and cover letters

Tuesday 18 November, 12pm – 1pm

Career Ready Week Webinar 2 | Interview preparation and using AI to your advantage  

Thursday 20 November, 11am – 12pm

Career Ready Week Webinar 3: Job search strategies  

Thursday 20 November, 1pm – 2pm

Career Ready Week Webinar 4: LinkedIn Essentials & Developing Your Online Presence

Friday 21 November, 12pm – 1pm

Career Ready Week Webinar 5: Transitioning from university to the workforce

The post What’s on during Career Ready Week appeared first on MyLaTrobe.