13 July 2017: University of Canberra students will gain valuable industry experience and earn credit towards their degrees as part of a new paid internship program at PwC.
Four students studying science, technology, engineering and maths-related degrees have been selected to take part in the new Industry Based Learning program, starting next month.
Working with PwC’s Technology Consulting team, they will each undertake a six-month paid work placement that has been designed to integrate fully with the University’s curriculum.
The program aims to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to build an exciting and inspiring career. Under the supervision of senior PwC staff, they will develop key consulting skills and have the opportunity to apply them in client environments.
Students may also be offered graduate positions on completion of their studies.
The University’s Dean of the Faculty of Business, Government and Law, Professor Lawrence Pratchett, said the program would help produce more effective learning outcomes.
“The University of Canberra is focused on producing industry-ready graduates and we know that work-integrated learning goes a long way to achieving that,” Professor Pratchett said.
“The Industry Based Learning program provides an opportunity for students to be fully immersed in a professional workplace and we know that when students engage with industry throughout their studies, everyone benefits.
“Students learn by applying theories and concepts in the workplace as well as developing essential employability skills, networks and a deeper understanding of their professions, while the organisations they work with benefit from the students' fresh approach and innovation.”
“The University of Canberra welcomes this initiative and is proud to work with PwC to deliver such an innovative program.”
It’s the first time the University and PwC have worked together to enhance students’ learning experience.
PwC Technology Consulting Partner Caitrin Dunn said the program aimed to find the best and brightest undergraduate students in Canberra and give them the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a consulting environment and contribute to solving problems for PwC’s clients and the community.
“We are excited to work with the University of Canberra to help students earn and learn,” Ms Dunn said.
“This program has been specifically developed to help local students gain valuable real-world consulting experience and participate in formal learning and development that will set them up for success.
“Students are awarded full credit points towards their degree at the completion of the program and will enter the graduate market backed with real work experience.”
The students selected for the inaugural program are:
- Manuel Alvarez – Bachelor of Information Technology
- Emily Bui – Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor of Media Arts and Production
- Lauren Firth – Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Business Informatics
- Madison Head – Bachelor of Information Technology / Bachelor Commerce
- Professor Pratchett, Ms Dunn, and the students are available for interview
Contact the University of Canberra media team:
Antony Perry: 0434 795 919
Amanda Jones: 0409 140 415