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Industry-Based Learning

Information For Students

Steps to Success: How to Apply for an Industry-Based Learning Placement

1. Inform yourself

• Attend an IBL Information Session (Why?) usually held in March and August so you can be informed of placement opportunities

• Watch one of our Informative Videos

• Complete an online Expression of Interest form for IBL. If you are interested please contact the Faculty, you are encouraged to register your interest well before you are eligible.

• INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS : Please note that the optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is not available to international students unless you have permanent resident status.

• Check the IBL placements displayed on the IBL Preplacement subject via Blackboard intranet once eligibility for IBL is approved

• Prepare your cover letter and resume, using the skills taught in the Careers in the Curriculum subject. (Check the useful information available on the Careers and Employment, and the University IBL sites). Save your application with an identifier (eg initials, and company such as ab_tax08) and checking your details, such as phone no. and course name are correct. Focus on the experience you will gain, rather than placing a priority on location or payment.

• Inform the IBL Co - ordinator of any prospective host employers; make an appointment with the Cooperative Education Manager, if necessary.

2. Apply for advertised placements

• Apply online for the advertised placement(s) that interests you. Generally placements are advertised from August onwards until University classes recommence, or during the midyear period (limited opportunities).
• Contact should not be made directly with the organisation unless specified. If you do not receive notification of an interview within approx 2 weeks of the closing date, assume you have missed out.
• Remain positive! The experience of preparing for placement, undertaking interviews and reflecting on your career path is worthwhile. If you miss out on a placement, keep applying for positions; help is available from the Cooperative Education office and Careers and Employment staff, and consider other options.
• If you have been successful in obtaining an IBL position, then thank the employer for the offer, and inform the Cooperative Education office. If you are comfortable accepting the placement 'on the spot', please do. Note this is a verbal contract and you are expected to honor your word. If you do not want to make a decision 'on the spot', ask if you can get back to them within a reasonable time (but the employer may wish to withdraw the offer if you do not appear keen at this stage). Think VERY carefully before you decline a placement - if you decline a placement, there is no guarantee that you will be offered another. Please keep the Faculty Cooperative Education Manager informed of your interview progress and success.
• If not yet successful, enrol in your course subjects (it is possible to amend this if you obtain an IBL placement later).

3. Start your placement

• Read and complete any documents forwarded to you. This may be an Employment Contract issued by your host employer, or an IBL Scholarship Agreement. It is especially important that an IBL Scholarship Agreement is signed BEFORE you commence your placement to ensure you are covered under Swinburne student insurance provisions. Be aware of any confidentiality requirements.
• Enrol in the IBL subject by completing an Amendment to Enrolment form if you are successful in gaining a placement. Submit this to the Faculty Undergraduate office - Ground Floor EN Building, Room EN153, 9am - 5pm Mon-Fri.
• Know the name and contact details of your Industry Supervisor within the workplace. You will be informed of your Swinburne Academic Supervisor who will visit the workplace once per semester.
• Get ready to enjoy a new challenge! It may take a little while to adjust, but persevere and keep the communication lines open with your industry supervisor.
• Keep the Cooperative Education Manager informed during the year of your progress - let us know about any great achievements during your placement. Assistance from the IBL Office is available during your placement.
• Reflect on your learning for study and future career directions. During placement, your perspectives may change and this may create benefits as well as challenges.

4. Once you have finished an IBL placement

• Students usually return to study full-time or combine part-time study with employment.
• Advice is available on how to manage some of these new challenges. Swinburne Professional Learning
• Add all the new knowledge and skills you have acquired to your resume, ready to promote yourself for when you are applying for >graduate positions.
• Check out What Can I Do With My Career?

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More Information...

IBL Co-ordinator
Faculty of Engineering & Industrial Sciences
Telephone (+61 3) 9214 5081,
Fax (+61 3) 9214 8484,
email: eisibl@swin.edu.au
Office: Room EN153 Hawthorn Campus

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