Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join the La Trobe x Benetas Care Economy Innovation Sprint and work alongside industry experts to develop innovative solutions that will help shape the future of Australia’s aged care sector.

Over two immersive days, collaborate with students from across disciplines, recent La Trobe alumni, and industry from leading aged care provider Benetas,to tackle real-world workforce challenges facing the care economy. Through design thinking, mentoring, and rapid prototyping, you’ll develop ideas that can improve the way aged care careers are experienced, supported, and perceived.

Whether you’re studying or working in health, business, technology, design, social sciences, or another discipline, your perspective could help transform one of Australia’s most important industries.

Program details

• Dates: Thursday 13 August to Friday 14 August 2026
• Time: 8:45am – 5:00pm, each day
• Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus – Bundoora

Applications Close: 11.45pm on Friday 8  (unless filled prior).

The post La Trobe x Benetas Care Economy Innovation Sprint appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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.

The post You Said, We Did – how your voice makes a difference appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Here’s why postgrad at La Trobe might be the next step you’ve been looking for…

1. You can design study to fit around your life

La Trobe’s flexible study model lets you tailor your uni experience to suit you. From on-campus to online study (or a mix of both!), we want postgrad studies to fit around your life – not the other way around.

To help with this, we offer a variety of flexible study modes, research projects and study loads that you can choose from. Living far away from campus or busy working a 9 to 5 job? You might want to explore the 100% online courses offer by La Trobe Online.

2. Your salary could get a serious boost

A postgrad degree under your belt can really help to set you apart from the crowd when you enter the workforce. Diversifying your skill set can open you up to more opportunities with seriously competitive salaries.

 La Trobe is in the top 3 in Victoria for postgraduate employment, and the median salary paid to postgraduate coursework graduates sits at $102,500.¹

3. There are more Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) than ever before!

We want you to focus on studies, not fees. That’s why we currently offer more Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) across our postgraduate courses than ever before, which means the Australian Government pays part of your university fees. 

We also have a range of postgraduate scholarships available to support you during your studies. Plus, if you’re an existing or past La Trobe student, our Alumni Advantage could mean you’re eligible for a 10% reduction on your next course.

4. You can increase your opportunities for full-time employment

If you’re a jobseeker with a postgraduate degree, you’re more likely to get work in your desired field that those with a Bachelor’s degree alone. In fact, La Trobe postgrads are highly employable, with 93.7 per cent² of our domestic graduates finding full-time work.

5. You can diversify or specialise – the choice is yours

With a variety of courses to suit everyone, postgrad is the perfect way to either expand your field of knowledge or specialise in an area you’re passionate about.

Looking for a career change or something different after your undergrad? Postgraduate degrees can help you reskill in a new field, from teaching to health, business or law. Looking to hone your skills in a specific area? An Honours year or Master’s degree is the ideal opportunity to dive deep into your passions and open the door to more advanced roles in your field.

Studying a postgraduate course at La Trobe also gives you the opportunity to participate in work integrated learning – allowing you to rub shoulders with CEOs, STEM scientists, journalists, legal practitioners or anyone else who inspires you!

Ready to take the next step?

With so many good reasons to start your postgraduate degree, now’s the time to look at your options and take your career to the next level…

Want more information? Join one of our live and on-demand webinars or book a one-on-one consultation today.

_References:
^{1. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 2024, 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal}

^{2. Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT), 2024, 2024 Graduate Outcomes Survey – Longitudinal}

The post 5 reasons to dive straight into postgraduate study appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

CareerTrackers is a non-profit, Supply Nation-registered organisation that partners with leading employers to support First Nations students to secure paid, multi‑year internships that align with their degree and career goals.

When you join CareerTrackers, you’ll become part of a strong national community of First Nations students and professionals, while building the skills and experience employers are seeking.

Applications for internships are still open, with registrations for four-week paid internships over winter underway. Get your application in now so that you can register and join in orientation activities!

Why apply?

As a CareerTrackers intern, you’ll receive:

• Paid, multi-year internship opportunities matched to your field of study.
• One-on-one mentoring and ongoing support.
• World-class professional development training.
• Access to Australia’s largest network of First Nations students and professionals.
• Support to transition from intern to full-time employment after graduation.

Who’s eligible?

CareerTrackers supports students across all years of study and a wide range of degrees. You may be eligible if you:

• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Are currently studying in high school or university.
• Are making continuous progress toward completing your studies.

Popular study areas include:

• Agriculture and environment
• Architecture, design and planning
• Arts and social sciences
• Business/commerce
• Engineering and information technologies
• Law
• Science

Register your interest now, or visit the CareerTrackers website for more information!

The post First Nations students: Apply now for paid internship opportunities appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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.

Applications are open now until Sunday 3 May for placements starting between 1 January – 30 April.

Who can apply?

The Industry Placement Bursary is available to all La Trobe students, including international and postgraduate students.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be enrolled as an undergraduate or postgraduate student
• Be a La Trobe student (not enrolled at a partner institution)
• Be enrolled in a placement subject and have, or will undertake a work placement between 1 January – 30 April 2026
• Your placement must commence on or after 1 January, but does not need to be completed by 30 April
• Meet the criteria for financial, medical or educational disadvantage
• Have a confirmed placement listed in InPlace

How do I apply?

Complete the Industry Placement Application Form to apply. For more information and guidance, visit the Industry Placement Bursary page.

When do applications close?

The application form is open all year, however applications are assessed three times a year. For placements starting between 1 January – 30 April, you must submit your application by 11:59pm on Sunday 3 May.

Late applications are not eligible and will not be assessed.

How much are the bursaries worth and when are they paid?

The Industry Placement Bursary is worth $1,100, which is paid in a single payment within 10 business days after applications close.

Travel bursaries are also available if you are required to travel more than 120 km one way to attend your placement and meet the eligibility criteria.

The post Apply for an Industry Placement Bursary appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Students Prue McKenna, Leah Toman and Libby Brown were given the job of investigating Gateway Health’s client intake processes.

The trio explored four key programs and uncovered several challenges affecting efficiency and client flow. Their insights didn’t just impress staff, they’re also shaping the upcoming La Trobe x Gateway Health: Triage Innovation Sprint this April.

This is the first time a La Trobe student WIL project will directly inform an innovation sprint.

It means every sprint participant – students, industry professionals, academics and community partners – will begin the sprint already equipped with crucial context about the needs of Gateway Health’s diverse clients.

“This is the first time we’ve embedded students WIL program insights into an innovation sprint. Their fresh perspective will ensure that a well‑defined problem statement will guide the sprint,” said Shannon Ryan, Manager Innovation and Entrepreneur Program.

La Trobe students from all disciplines are invited to join the Triage Innovation Sprint and help reimagine how clients experience health services. Whether you’re into problem‑solving, design thinking, teamwork or just want to try something new, your ideas could make a real‑world difference.

Find out more about the Triage Innovation Sprint and how to register.

Pictured L-R: Trent Dean (CEO, Gateway Health), students Leah Toman, Libby Brown, Prue McKenna, and Julia Brown (Stakeholder Engagement Advisor, La Trobe University Albury‑Wodonga).

The post Student findings help guide upcoming Innovation Sprint appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Why join La Trobe Leaders?

As a Leader, you’ll help welcome new students, support key campus events and strengthen our community. It’s flexible, hands‑on experience that boosts your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, all while helping fellow students thrive.

About the MyLaTrobe Storyteller role

The Storyteller program is continuing in 2026. It offers three paid, content creation internships, where you’ll help produce authentic student‑led content for MyLaTrobe’s social media channels. As a Storyteller, you’ll connect with other students by sharing real student voices and experiences.

The roles include two Student Storytellers and one Senior Student Storyteller for Semester 1, 2026. The Senior Student Storyteller role is for both Semester 1 and 2, 2026.

What’s in it for you?

• Get paid to create social media content
• Build your portfolio in media, communications or digital content
• Work closely with the MyLaTrobe and Student Communications teams
• Develop industry‑ready creative and storytelling skills
• Help shape the way we share student life at La Trobe

Who can apply?

• Members of the La Trobe Leaders Program (or planning to apply)
• All currently enrolled La Trobe students
• Students from all campuses and all year levels
• Students from any discipline — with a preference for marketing, media, communications or other related fields)

Key selection criteria

• Must be an active member of the La Trobe Leaders’ Program (or apply to join if not already a member)
• Must have a valid WWCC (employee)
• Must agree to adhere to La Trobe’s cultural qualities and staff policies
• Must be available to work 7 hours per week for the duration of the project – 15 weeks (a total of 105 hours)
• Demonstrate good interpersonal skills
• Have strong written communication skills
• Demonstrated initiative and problem-solving abilities
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively
• Demonstrated ability to work to a deadline
• Experience creating content for social media and online platforms a bonus

Key dates

Applications for the MyLaTrobe Storyteller role close at 5pm, Tuesday 3 February 2026. The roles will ideally commence in the week of Monday 16 February 2026.

How to apply

1. Apply for the La Trobe Leaders Program today

2. Then send a written Storyteller application by 3 February to Melia Donk, Manager – Digital Student Media & Campaigns, at M.Donk@latrobe.edu.au. Please include:

• your resume
• a cover letter
• a document addressing the selection criteria listed above

If you’re passionate about community, creativity and making campus life better for others, this is your chance to do it all.

The post Become a La Trobe Leader and apply to be a paid MyLaTrobe Storyteller! 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.