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Information For Students

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IBL Information Sessions

Date Time Location
Tuesday 20th August 11.30 – 12.30pm EN307
Tuesday 30th August 12.30 – 1.30pm EN304
Wednesday 15th August 10.30 – 11.30am EN204

Prospective IBL Student Workshops
Date Time Topic Location
Tuesday 19th March 9.30am-10.30am Resumes & cover letter writing skills EN303
Tuesday 30th April 1.30pm-2.30pm Interview techniques EN303
Wednesday 15th May 9.30am-10.30am Voluntary work and networking EN303

Enquiries: lgravina@swin.edu.au , Ph: 9214 5989


Steps to Success/the IBL process

Step 1. Submit an IBL Expression of Interest form
  • Submit and Online Expression of Interest form
  • Eligibility: generally successful completion of 16 units (i.e. 200 credit points) with 4 or more units to be completed, however you are encouraged to register your interest well before you are eligible Note: the optional year of Industry-Based Learning in Australia is not available to international students without permanent resident status
  • Attend an IBL Information Session (usually held in March and August) so you can be informed of placement opportunities
  • Check the IBL placements displayed on the IBL Pre-placement unit via Blackboard once eligibility is approved.
  • Prepare your cover letter and resume using the skills taught in the Careers in the Curriculum unit
  • Inform the Cooperative Education Manager of any prospective host employers. Make an appointment with the Cooperative Education Manager if necessary

Step 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 mid-year 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 two weeks of the closing date, assume you have missed out
  • If you have been successful in obtaining an IBL position, 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 honour 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 units (it is possible to amend this if you obtain an IBL placement later).

Step 3. Start your placement

  • Read and complete any documents forwarded to you. This may be an Employment Contract issued by your Industry Partner, or an IBL Scholarship Agreement. It is 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 unit by completing an Amendment to Enrolment form if you are successful in gaining a placement. Submit this to the Faculty Undergraduate office
  • 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
  • inform your IBL Swinburne academic supervisor throughout the year of your progress

Step 4. Once you have finished an IBL placement

  • Students usually return to study full-time or combine part-time study with employment
  • Add all the 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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