You know industry experience matters. Employers ask for it, graduates talk about it and universities encourage it. But when you’re faced with a list of options – placements, industry projects, university-sourced opportunities, or finding your own host organisation – it can be hard to know where to start.
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.