Industry Based Learning

Industry-Based Learning (IBL) is an optional program in which students are placed in paid, supervised employment relevant to their studies as part of their degree.

Industry-Based Learning gives students practical experience to add to their academic studies. This is a proven advantage in the graduate job market.

All Industry-Based Learning placements are subject to availability.

Some photonics IBL experiences:

Stephen McDonald

In 2004 I undertook a 12 month paid work experience placement at the Defence Science & Technology Organisation (DSTO) as part of Swinburne's Industry Based Learning program. At the DSTO I was involved with research into fibre optic sensors for current and next generation fighter aircraft. I assisted in the development and testing of fibre-optic strain, corrosion and temperature sensors which are either bonded to the surface or embedded in the structure of the aircraft. The purpose of this work was to create a smart sensing capability for present and future military aircraft, reducing maintenance costs from structural inspections. My IBL experience gave me a valuable insight into the operation of a real workplace, and I feel that I will have a significant edge over graduates that have not been in such a program.

 

Paul Leung

In 2005-2006 I participated in Swinburne's 12 month IBL program at Xite Telecommunications as part of my B.Sc (Photonics) / B.Eng (Telecommunications and Internet Technology) degree. Xite Telecommunications is a company that builds, commissions and integrates telecommunication infrastructures. At first I was involved in the Optus and Vodafone Mobile 3G rollout, where I was in the field field splicing fibre optics as well as integrating mobile 3G base stations. Being able to apply both of my degrees in such a practical way was for me almost surreal. I was expecting that what I learnt at Swinburne to be more theoretical in nature and wouldn't be used in the "real world" which wasn't the case. This gave me more confidence in what I knew and in just 7 weeks into the program I got promoted to the role of a project coordinator. Xite later on decided to send me up to Brisbane for 4 months to help manage the Telstra 3G project consisting of 130 staff and I continue to work for Xite after IBL. Without the "real world" education I gained at Swinburne, this wouldn't have happened.

 

Kathryn Wenhrynowycz

In 2006, I completed a 12 month IBL placement at Uecomm as part of my B.Sc (Photonics) / B.Eng (Telecommunications and Internet Technology) degree. Uecomm is a company that is at the forefront of future-ready networking, providing the infrastructure, products and solutions necessary to harness the power of fibre broadband. One of my roles during the placement was to help implement new routers into the ever-growing network to allow the capacity to grow. I also was involved in creating diagrams of individual customer networks to assist in troubleshooting and the re-sign of contracts. The IBL program allowed me to experience the engineering work force and to view what is possible once I finish my degree.

 

Quang Tran

Following two years of study, I undertook a twelve month Industry Based Learning placement at the Alfred hospital that commenced in February, 2006. The Alfred Hospital is among one of the hospitals that constitute the Bayside Health network, whose dedication to providing healthcare and educating the community has outreach on a global scale. My 12 month placement was essentially divided into two parts. The first half of the placement involved maintenance of medical equipment and conducting a series of small projects within various departments in the hospital. The knowledge of data modelling techniques and electronic circuit theory gained through my studies greatly contributed to the successful completion of these projects. The second half of the placement involved working as part of the Bayside Health Telecommunications team in infrastructure developments. This role has given me greater insight into the healthcare and telecommunications industries.