30 August 2017: Canberra-based students will have a chance to find a match with local businesses for internships or potential jobs through Get Connected @ UC, a speed networking event to be held TOMORROW at the University of Canberra.
The program, which is part of the ACT Government, ACT Student Exchange program, is a partnership between CSIRO-Data61’s student job platform Ribit.net, the University of Canberra and the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN). Its focus is to help university students find good businesses to work with, develop new skills and confidence, while they are studying.
More than 100 local and international students from the University of Canberra, the Australian National University and Canberra Institute of Technology will ‘speed date’ with 40 companies and startups drawn from Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN), Entry29, Engineers Australia and CollabIT.
Students will also get to meet mentors from industry and government in between meetings and explore how they can improve their interview and presentation skills.
“The ACT Student Exchange initiative plays a vital role in providing industry connections for the students who are underpinning Canberra’s $2.7 billion education and research sector,” Glenn Hassett, Senior Manager of ACT Government’s Innovate Canberra, said.
“The Ribit speed dating events are a great way to meet the future talent pipeline and give students a chance to work with businesses. The students participating in Get Connected events are a strong example of the quality, diversity and talent available right here on our doorstep.”
Ribit Founder and Director, Liz Jakubowski said “Nearly 300 Canberra students have signed up for the opportunity to attend tomorrow’s event, which will see 100 of them interview with SMEs, startups and public sector agencies in an action-packed speed-dating for jobs session.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Deep Saini said he was delighted to host the event on campus.
“This is an exciting opportunity for our students to pitch their skills to local startups and industry leaders, gain a potential job and practice what they’ve learned in the classroom.”
Over 150 startups, innovative companies and government agencies have attended events, made connections through the platform and found skilled students, since February 2016, when Ribit started.
CBRIN has been instrumental in fostering these connections within the business community.
CBRIN’s CEO Petr Adamek added that Ribit was a fantastic asset for Canberra entrepreneurs and businesses who are in search of their next superstar intern or employee.
“This event creates a fun and interactive environment for businesses to easily source students in areas of their need,” he said.
- A case study is available upon request.
WHAT: Get Connected @ UC, speed networking event for students and businesses. The event is free to attend.
WHEN: Thursday, 31 August, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
WHERE: Building 24, Ann Harding Conference Centre, University of Canberra, campus map
Speakers:
- Professor Deep Saini, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra
- M.C Liz Jakubowski, Director, Ribit
- Glenn Hasett, Senior Manager, Innovation Team, Innovation, Trade and Investment, Innovate Canberra, ACT Government
- Megan Shellie, Ribit Student Ambassador, currently at EY Graduate Program
Media contacts:
Liz Jakubowski, Director, Ribit M: 0400 110 057
Clare Matuska, Media contact for Ribit M: 0405 251 896
Claudia Doman, Media and Communications Manager, University of Canberra M: 0408 826 362