When Bachelor of Business student Lily Weymouth began her studies at La Trobe University, she wasn’t entirely sure where she was headed. She knew she had an interest in business, but it took some time – and a few subject changes – to land on her major: Human Resource Management.
As her degree progressed, Ms Weymouth wanted more than just classroom knowledge. Encouraged by one of her lecturers to pursue hands-on experience, she applied for a placement through La Trobe’s work-integrated learning program. One listing immediately stood out: Melbourne Royal.
Best known for hosting some of Victoria’s most iconic agricultural and community events, Melbourne Royal is a not-for-profit organisation that also celebrates excellence in food, beverage, and primary production. For Ms Weymouth, it felt like the perfect fit. “I was also interested in events, which is part of what Melbourne Royal does,” she says. “And I liked that it felt familiar – doing something completely new can be daunting.”
What started as a practical step towards graduation quickly turned into something more meaningful: real responsibility, tangible outcomes, and an opportunity to contribute in a lasting way.
Driving a project with real outcomes
Ms Weymouth joined the People & Culture team as a HR Assistant in Semester 1, 2025, and was tasked with a major project: enhancing the learning module within Melbourne Royal’s HR information system. Her role involved reviewing and uploading course content, designing user pathways, and building a system to track compliance training and staff certifications, like first aid.
“It was real responsibility,” Ms Weymouth says. “I wasn’t just shadowing someone – I had my own desk, my own tasks, and I was learning how to use the systems myself.”
The timing was ideal. She was enrolled in a subject on HR information systems at the time, which helped her bridge theory with practice. “It really clicked,” she says. “I could see how what I was learning in class applied in a real organisation.”
According to People & Culture Manager Lindsay Alabakis, Ms Weymouth’s contribution made a measurable difference. “She quickly picked up the system and completed high-level system administration work,” Ms Alabakis says. “She had great initiative, asked smart questions, and worked with other stakeholders to find answers and move her work forward.”
The outcome? A critical business project delivered far more quickly than anticipated. “Without Lily’s assistance, the project would have taken additional months to complete and roll out to the business,” she says.
And just as importantly, the placement allowed Ms Alabakis’s team to stay on track while juggling other priorities. “Having Lily on board really made a difference to our team’s ability to deliver.”
Confidence, connection and career growth
The benefits of the placement went both ways. For Melbourne Royal, it was an opportunity to harness emerging talent and accelerate important work. For Ms Weymouth, it was a step change in her confidence and career readiness.
At the end of her placement, Ms Weymouth was offered casual paid work to continue supporting the People & Culture team. The timing aligned with a leadership transition internally, and Ms Weymouth’s familiarity with the systems and proactive approach made her a natural fit to stay on. “It made me feel like the work I was doing had real value,” she says.
She also walked away with something just as valuable – a growing professional network. “The connections you make during a placement are so important,” she adds. “It’s another form of networking – and it’s real experience that gives you confidence when applying for jobs.”
A partnership that builds talent
Melbourne Royal has now hosted several La Trobe students, and Ms Alabakis says the experience continues to prove its worth. “It’s a wonderful initiative that helps students gain practical experience in a supportive environment,” she says. “At the same time, it brings fresh perspectives into our workplace and helps us move projects forward faster than we could alone.”
For organisations considering taking on students, Ms Alabakis recommends approaching it as a genuine two-way partnership. “Students may not have much experience, but they’re there to learn,” she says. “Give them a defined project or clear set of tasks, and with the right support, they’ll bring real value to your team.”
Looking ahead, Ms Weymouth is preparing to graduate and begin her job search, with the added edge of having already proven her value in a professional setting.
To other students considering work placement, she says: “Go for it.”
“It can feel a bit overwhelming at first, and it takes some effort to get started, but it’s so worth it,” Ms Weymouth adds. “You come out feeling more confident – and better connected.”
