Delivering real-world readiness in arts and social sciences

Delivering real-world readiness in arts and social sciences

Swinburne’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, which guarantees a work experience for all bachelor degree students, is one of the ways the Swinburne students can begin to explore their future while they are studying.

These immersive, practical placements, internships and industry projects allow students to sharpen their skills, experience industry and build professional networks during their studies.

Placements for students studying a Bachelor of Arts provide distinct opportunities for students to apply their research and analytical skills in professional contexts, exposing them to a taste of the careers they’re building skills towards.

“All of Swinburne's Bachelor of Arts students get the opportunity to work with a partner in our final year capstone WIL unit,” said Professor Ruth Abbey, Chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

This capstone unit is specifically designed to build a bridge between students’ undergraduate studies and the next step into the world of professional employment.

“In tandem with working with a partner organisation, students also engage with a series of classes about soft skills, presentation skills, team work, and giving and receiving feedback in the workplace that sets them up for success after graduation,” said Ruth.

Leveraging a holistic education

Miranda Ahearn is a recent Swinburne graduate, having completed a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Climate and Social Justice. Throughout her studies, Miranda developed a keen interest in intersectional feminism, which perfectly aligned with a WIL experience at the Australian Tigray Alliance, a human rights organisation dedicated to securing a brighter future for Tigray.

“I assisted in the development of a humanitarian aid program that works to provide financial, physical, and mental health support for Tigrayan women who experienced conflict related to sexual and gender-based violence during the genocidal 2020 civil conflict,” said Miranda.

Miranda’s studies at Swinburne provided her with the skills and insights required to thrive in this challenging placement and, in turn, have set her up to flourish in the not-for-profit sector.

“Being able to apply the skills gained from my degree to help develop an innovative grassroots solution to a complex and sensitive issue was an honour. This experience was the first time I was able to witness the meeting of political and social theory with real world situations, which was both humbling and humanising.”

Benefitting students and industry

First Pivot – an Australian company that provides entrepreneurial education programs designed specifically for primary and secondary school students – has hosted two WIL placement students from Swinburne.

First Pivot’s mission is to inspire and educate the next generation of Australian entrepreneurs.

“Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business. It's a way of thinking and creating opportunities in a fast-changing world,” said Jim Schuman, Founder of First Pivot.

“Working with Swinburne and their students has been a great experience. We have benefited from the students’ enthusiasm as well as their latest learnings and eagerness to apply them to real-world scenarios.”

“WIL experiences create significant value for both students and industry through authentic engagement that bridges the gap between theoretical education and practical application.”

“These collaborations often spark creative solutions and can lead to process improvements, because students approach workplace situations without the constraints of ‘how things have always been done’. They create ideal conditions for innovation,” said Jim.