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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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 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

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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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From Bendigo to her hometown of Shepparton, Hannah Freeman has returned to begin the next chapter of her journey — commencing the Doctor of Medicine through the University of Melbourne Rural Pathway.

“I just graduated from La Trobe with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Medical) and have now started my first year of medical school through the University of Melbourne’s Rural Pathway based in my hometown of Shepparton. Eventually, I hope to graduate and work as either a GP or rural generalist and help people in rural areas access the healthcare they deserve.”

For Hannah, the decision to pursue medicine is closely tied to her lived experience and a desire to give back to communities like her own.

“I am the youngest of four daughters, and we lost our mum to early onset dementia in 2017 when we were aged 19, 17, 16 and 13 respectively.

My mum’s diagnosis and death inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, to help other people and their families who may endure similar experiences to what my family went through.

Dementia, in any of its forms, is a truly devastating disease. I think I was too young to fully appreciate just how much of a strain her illness put on the rest of my family, particularly my dad and my mum’s mum, my Nan, who took on full time carer roles for her, as well as continuing to raise and care for my sisters and I. It is a heartbreakingly common disease, identified as Australia’s leading cause of death.”

Hannah says that experience continues to shape both her studies and her outlook on the future of healthcare.

“Being able to study medicine in my hometown, and to be a part of this incredible program training rural doctors, is something I feel incredibly privileged to do. Being able to live at home with my Dad is such a privilege, and one that in the past, just didn’t exist, with all rural students being forced to move to Melbourne to study. I am so excited for the next four years to be out in the community on placements and for all the new experiences that will come along with this chapter.”

Alongside starting medicine, Hannah also continues to prioritise her wellbeing and balance during a demanding year of study.

“Fitness is a bit of a non-negotiable for me, particularly running and weightlifting. As much as I hate waking up early in the morning, I never regret exercising before going to classes. It is amazing for my mental health and stress management.”

This May, Hannah will be lacing up her running shoes amid a demanding start to medical school, training for the 10km Melbourne Memory Walk & Jog to support Australians impacted by dementia — and we wish her all the best as she takes on the challenge while balancing her studies, training, and new beginnings in medicine.

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This event is designed to support women, trans and gender-diverse founders who are underrepresented in the startup ecosystem.

Applications from individuals across these communities are welcome. The pitching component is open to women, trans and gender diverse founders, but all are invited to attend as part of the audience.

What you can expect

The Female Founder Pitch Night offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of changemakers.

Guests will have the opportunity to:

• Network with an ever-growing community of investors, founders, service providers and startup operators.
• Pitch their startup idea, or support four incredible, early-stage founders as they pitch their solutions to global challenges.
• Vote for their favourite pitch of the night.

This event is ideal for students studying business, entrepreneurship, innovation, STEM, communications, design, or anyone who is curious about the startup world. 

Don’t miss out on this evening filled with networking, innovation, and celebration!

Event details

Female Founder Pitch Night

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 6pm to 8:30pm 
Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre within the Jenny Graves Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083. Map Ref: G8. 
Presented by: La Trobe University x The Startup Network 
Cost: From $14.36 (free for pitching founders) 

Female Founder Frontiers – From Ideas to Impact (workshop)

Looking for more? Join us for an immersive one-day workshop designed in collaboration with The Startup Network for La Trobe University female students, alumni staff and community with entrepreneurial ambitions.

Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 10am to 4pm 
Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre within the Jenny Graves Building, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083. Map Ref: G8. 
Presented by: La Trobe University x The Startup Network 
Cost: Free
Join the waitlist

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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. 

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