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 20 May, 12:30-1:30pm – From Ideas to Stories (pitching) 

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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Backed by LaunchVic and delivered by La Trobe University in partnership with Startmate, LaunchPad helps you take your first real steps into the startup world. The program is built with two entry streams that support different stages of the founder journey, before bringing everyone together as one cohort.

Two streams, one cohort

• Stream One: Startmate – for founders with more established startup ideas ready to accelerate
• Stream Two: La Trobe Discovery – for early‑stage founders ready to refine and validate an idea

You can indicate your preferred stream when you apply, but the program team will place you where you’ll get the most value. No matter your stream, you’ll meet weekly for accountability sessions and come together in the final four weeks to sharpen your pitch and prepare for presentations.

Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn how to:

• Validate a real problem worth solving
• Build and test a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Talk to early customers and users
• Develop the confidence and core skills to launch a venture

You’ll also receive hands‑on mentoring, pitch coaching and access to masterclasses covering venture foundations, teams and business models. Midway through the program, you’ll take part in a Pitch Mastery Clinic, before pitching at the LaunchPad Lift‑Off showcase, where $5,000 in prizes is up for grabs.

Successfully completing LaunchPad also earns you 15 microcredential credit points towards La Trobe University’s Global MBA.

Important information

Applications close: Sunday 26 July at 11.59pm
Only 50 places available. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis until the submission deadline – so don’t wait. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 3 August.

The application includes a short video submission and some applicants may be invited to interview. If you need help with your application, support is available.

Cost: Thanks to LaunchVic support, the program fee for Victorian participants (including La Trobe students) is $449 (standard value $2,295).

Location: The program is delivered in a hybrid format. Most sessions are held online, with key in-person events. 

Check eligibility, find out more and apply via the La Trobe LaunchPad website.

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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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If you’re thinking about enrolling in a University WIL subject or project, then An Introduction to WIL webinar will help you understand how WIL works and how to get started with confidence. 
 
This session covers what WIL is, the different options available (including uni‑sourced, self‑sourced and project‑based opportunities) and how to choose the right pathway for you.  
 
You’ll also learn how to prepare for WIL, from checking your course plan with a student advisor to selecting suitable organisations for placements. 
 
Bonus – your attendance at this webinar counts towards the Career Ready Advantage Award!  

Event details 

An Introduction to WIL Webinar 
When: Tuesday 19 May 2026, 12pm-1pm 
Where: Online 

 
Discover more events and opportunities on CareerHub! 

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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

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Join Beat the Bots: Use AI to your advantage in your job application, a practical webinar that shows you how applicant tracking systems (ATS) work and why some applications get filtered out.

In this student-friendly webinar, you’ll also find out how to use AI tools ethically to optimise your applications, prepare for interviews and boost your chances of success.

This event is perfect for students preparing for internships, placements and graduate roles. It also counts towards your Career Ready Advantage Award.

Event details:

Beat the bots: Use AI to your advantage in your job application webinar
When: Thursday 14 May, 12pm-1pm
Where: Online

Discover more events and opportunities on CareerHub!

The post Beat the bots: How to use AI to stand out in your job applications appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

For the first time, students from the University of Melbourne and La Trobe University will come together in one single cohort.

You don’t need the most impressive resumé. What matters is why sustainability matters to you, your willingness to act on what you believe, and your readiness to be genuinely stretched.

What you’ll get

As a Wattle Fellow, you’ll receive:

• Access to workshops, retreats and mentoring
• Up to $2,000 to deliver your own sustainability Action Project
• Coaching to craft a personal Leadership Development Plan and your sustainability Action Project
• Recognition on your academic transcript
• A lifelong community of passionate changemakers

Equity Grants may be available for students experiencing financial barriers, with additional travel support for students based regionally.

Who should apply?

This opportunity is open to all La Trobe students, regardless of discipline. The cohort is intentionally diverse across study areas and backgrounds – something alumni consistently say is the most valuable part of the program.

You must be:

• A current University of Melbourne or La Trobe University undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD student
• In good academic standing (no minimum WAM required)
• Enrolled in a degree at the start of the Fellowship (you can graduate during the program)
• Domestic or international, part-time or full-time

How to apply

Applications include written responses, with shortlisted applicants invited to interviews and group activities. Allow 1.5–2 hours to complete your application so you can answer thoughtfully.

Applications close 24 May.

The post Care about sustainability and leadership? Apply for the Wattle Fellowship appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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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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

Build Your Skills for Study & the Workforce with LinkedIn Learning

Thursday 30 April
1.00pm – 1.30pm (AEST)

Discover how LinkedIn Learning (including its AI‑powered tools) can help you research, study and apply what you’re learning in your coursework. This session will show you how to find relevant learning content, build skills aligned to your degree and make the most of your student access.

Find out more and register

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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What started as a 12-week internship with La Trobe’s AI Accelerator team, has turned into an extended internship opportunity for Nora Zhu.  

Nora recently completed a Master of Information Technology and joined the AI  Accelerator team during Semester 2 last year. Nora said she was excited to be able to continue contributing to AI-driven initiatives across the University. 

The opportunity for an internship with the AI Accelerator team stemmed from Nora’s keen interest  in AI-related subjects and projects. 

“I was particularly interested in how AI can be applied in real-world environments, especially in education and digital transformation. 

“Through conversations with academic staff and industry connections at the University, I was introduced to the AI Accelerator team.”

During the internship, Nora has worked on a range of AI-powered solutions to support student services and digital innovation projects across La Trobe, including:   

• exploring and building AI agents and chatbot solutions 
• working on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) concepts which allow AI to look up information first before generating a response 
• contributing to solution design and technical documentation 
• testing and evaluating  AI tools  
• collaborating with cross-functional teams 

She said the experience was a lot different from the usual university assignments, which encouraged a change in mindset. 

“What made this experience different was the scale and complexity. Instead of working on isolated academic tasks, I had to consider security, governance, stakeholder expectations, system integration and long-term sustainability. 

“One of the biggest shifts for me was moving from a ‘student mindset’ of focusing on completing tasks,  to thinking about how to build solutions that genuinely improve the University’s digital experience.  

“That meant learning how to communicate with different teams, understand priorities and design AI systems that are not just technically functional, but practical and impactful.”

Nora said one of the biggest highlights of her internship was seeing how AI moves from theory into real-world practice.  

“At university, we learn models, algorithms and systems. In the AI Accelerator team, I experienced how those concepts are translated into solutions that impact real users.” 

For Nora another key takeaway was learning how to work in a professional team environment. 

“I learned about  communicating ideas clearly, aligning with stakeholders and working collaboratively. I have also gained confidence in exploring emerging technologies independently and turning ideas into working prototypes.” 

Nora said she looks forward to applying the knowledge she has gained from her internship in her future career. 

At university, we learn models, algorithms and systems. In the AI Accelerator team, I experienced how those concepts are translated into solutions that impact real users

“This opportunity will allow me to apply the knowledge I learned in my course to real-world projects. Through hands-on experience, I can deepen my understanding of technologies such as AI, automation, and cloud platforms.

“It will also help me develop practical skills in problem-solving, system design and collaboration within a professional environment. These experiences will better prepare me for my future career as an AI engineer.”

Nora encouraged other students to consider internships wherever possible. 

“I would strongly encourage other students to take on an AI internship – or any internship opportunity. It is a great way to apply what you learn in class to real-world situations.  

“Through an internship, you can gain practical experience, understand how teams work in professional environments and learn skills that are difficult to develop through coursework alone.

“Even if it feels challenging at first, the experience will help you grow both technically and professionally and it can give you a clearer direction for your future career.” 

About the AI Accelerator program 

The AI Accelerator Program is part of La Trobe University’s AI first strategy. It’s designed to help the University quickly and responsibly embed artificial intelligence across teaching, research, student services and operations. 

The  program focuses on building staff capability and bringing cross functional teams together to develop practical, AI driven solutions to support La Trobe’s strategic priorities. It aims to help La Trobe people and systems become AI ready, while delivering improvements to student and staff experiences through AI powered initiatives. 

Want to know more about how you can connect with industry and get real-world experience while studying at La Trobe? Visit the Work Integrated Learning and Placements page. 

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