This article is written by La Trobe student, Caroline Xavier, in collaboration with La Trobe University.
Hi, I am Caroline, a Bachelor of Biological Sciences student majoring in microbiology. I have recently completed the Industry Placement Minor, and I’d like to share my adventure with you.
My undergraduate course does not require practical industry experience, meaning most students will graduate without a single placement experience. However, I always believed that experiencing the practical world through an Industry Placement would bring multiple benefits, and with all my modesty, I was not wrong.
Undergoing an Industry Placement Elective Subject supports your career decisions and your transition to join the workforce. Here are a few reasons to start this transformative academic and professional adventure.
- Learning opportunities: You will gain valuable hands-on experience during your industry placement. While you become familiar with the world of work, you will also be exposed to challenges and new projects, which will support the development of employability or transferrable skills, such as time management and effective communication skills.
- Networking and connections: It’s an extraordinary opportunity to start building connections within your industry. Networking can open doors for future opportunities, and you can also get the chance to engage a mentor who can assist you in getting a better understanding of the career you want to pursue.
- Real-world application of knowledge: There will be numerous possibilities for you to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom into a real-world setting. Also, you will develop professional expertise you wouldn’t have gained solely through academic study.
- Personal growth and development: Engaging in an industry placement can have a positive impact on your personal growth and confidence. While the specific outcomes will vary, you can certainly expect to gain a deeper insight into your career goals that will assist you in planning your future career path.
- Career advancement: Undertaking an Industry Placement Minor or even a single elective industry placement subject, can significantly boost your employability. You will not only gain practical skills and knowledge but also enhance your CV with the practical experience. This can increase your confidence during job interviews and improve your chances of securing a dream job in your chosen field.
If you’re open to some advice, I highly recommend acting now and embarking on an Industry Placement.
Start now by visiting the University Sourced Industry Placements webpage to explore the industry placement opportunities available to you for Semester 2 2024, as well as the elective subjects which align with the placement opportunities and their respective teaching periods.
Remember, applications will close on Wednesday 22 May. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the Industry Placements team via email at industryplacements@latrobe.edu.au.
- Find out how to apply
- Come along to an information session – register here
Written by Caroline Xavier