Oladokun Omibiyi

Accounting Award

Sponsored by Lawler Draper Dillon

Oladokun Omibiyi

"Participating in the Work Integrated Learning program during my study gave me a real edge over others within the labour market.

Working as a finance administrator with Crown Melbourne helped me gain my current role as finance officer with Parkroyal Hotels.

This experience has allowed me to build a great network and to develop essential skills for the accounting profession."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Accounting specialisation.

Banking & Finance Award

Konstantina Tsimiklis

Sponsored by Berkley Capital Partners

Konstantina Tsimiklis

"During my WIL program at the Corporate Financial Services division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, I gained valuable insight into the fast-paced life of a corporate banker.

My course empowered me to gain broad exposure to the various specialisations within the bank and provided me with considerable exposure to company directors.

The practical experience, support and valuable feedback received from my colleagues and WIL Co-ordinators have further enforced my passion to pursue a career in corporate advisory."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Banking & Finance specialisation.

Event Management Award

Nicole Vaughan

Sponsored by Western Bulldogs Football Club

Nicole Vaughan

"The unique Co-operative Education program provided me with unmatched insight and experience into the world of events management.

The opportunity to implement my theoretical knowledge in a practical workplace setting has enhanced my capabilities while growing many beneficial networks.

In my Co-op role at Destination Event Management (DEM), I travelled interstate and overseas, developing industry knowledge and working onsite at events. I have since gained an ongoing full-time role at DEM."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Event Management specialisation.

Hospitality Management Award

Zoe Gnaden

Sponsored by Crown Towers, Crown Metropol and Crown Promenade Hotel

Zoe Gnaden

"My Co-op placement at Crown Hotels expanded my knowledge of the industry by helping me to understand how hotels operate, applying theory into real-life scenarios.

Crown was extremely supportive and encouraging throughout, and I have built many new networking connections.

Through working at Crown I have developed my skills and I am pleased to continue working there today, with plenty of opportunities to grow."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Hospitality Management specialisation.

Human Resource Management Award

Elias Assaf

Sponsored by Fair Work Ombudsman

Elias Assaf

"As an individual who strives for success the Work Integrated Learning program was the perfect opportunity to showcase the skills and capabilities I had obtained from my degree.

As a member of Hobsons Bay City Council's Youth Voice Committee, I was able to use my academic knowledge in a practical learning environment, while building my understanding of key human resource management theories.

As the central focus of my résumé and the recruitment sessions I attended, the WIL program gave me a competitive advantage when applying for prestigious graduate positions."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Human Resource Management specialisation.

International Trade Award

Andrew Fame

Sponsored by ANL Container Line

Andrew Fame

"Working with ANL for my WIL program allowed me to become intimately involved with macro-level challenges while working in a truly global environment.

I am confident that the knowledge and skills I gained at VU and ANL, where I gained ongoing employment, have been essential in helping me forge my professional career."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business International Trade specialisation.

Law Award

Taha Khan

Sponsored by Robert Stary and Associates

Taha Khan

"The Work Integrated Learning program helped me gain a position at Waller Legal, a personal injury and victims of crime assistance law firm.

I was responsible for managing client files and engaging barristers, and was closely mentored by the principal solicitor.

This experience, combined with the high-level advice provided by my WIL co-ordinator, has been instrumental in producing quality applications for further employment.

I highly recommend the WIL program and making use of the Work Integrated Learning team's support."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Laws degrees at VU.

Marketing Award

Anastasia Keras

Sponsored by Malthouse

Anastasia Keras

"I am confident my WIL marketing experience at Channel Nine has enabled me to grow professionally as well as academically.

Channel Nine allowed me to develop a wide range of relevant skills and take on significant responsibilities; a truly invaluable experience that has benefited me immensely.

Being challenged and dealing with deadlines and stakeholders taught me the importance of communication and organisation.

I am excited about my chosen career path and this experience has made me more determined to learn and be proactive."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Marketing specialisation.

Tourism Management

Megan Walendy

Australian Pacific Touring Award

Megan Walendy

"Having worked at Tourism Victoria for my Co-op year as part of the WIL program, I have gained insightful industry knowledge and grown confident in my ability to perform in a professional environment.

The role gave me the opportunity to network with key tourism industry professionals, develop a business network and gain a competitive advantage for the future."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Tourism Management specialisation.

Music Industry Award

Travis Banko

Sponsored by Valleyarm

Travis Banko

"My WIL program experience with Mushroom Group Promotions, part of the Mushroom Group and home to record labels, music publishing and touring, was a fantastic launching pad for my career in the music industry.

It gave me a taste of the many different facets of the industry. It also assisted me in securing my current position at Lunatic Entertainment – where I'm now dealing with some of the same people.

I'd recommend WIL to all music industry students, as most jobs aren't advertised and you need to start making contacts ASAP."

Find out more about the Bachelor of Business Music Industry specialisation.

2011 WIL Award winners