Placements that pave the way: a Q&A with two VU business students

What made you want to study this course here at VU? 

Tammy: Growing up on an island (one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam) gave me a chance to understand the impact of tourism on a local area, and sparked my interest in the industry. 

VU has a high reputation, and the VU Block Model is impressive, letting students focus on one subject at a time and excel. 

The combination of human resources management and tourism and hospitality management will provide me with flexibility in my career choices. The course also provides networking opportunities with experts in the tourism and hospitality sectors.

Patrick: I’m a big fan of the method of study at VU – the VU Block Model. And, prior to enrolling, I had heard positive reviews of studying business at VU.

 

Tell us about your Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) placement experience – what did you do? 

Tammy: During my work placement, I had a chance to work with the Quality Tourism Framework (QTF) team to assist with online application and membership renewal process. I also supported with collecting potential partners' data and updating members databases. 

Patrick: I worked in an Events Student Volunteer role within VTIC during my work placement. My main day-to-day activity was assisting the event manager in the planning, preparation and operation of VTIC’s variety of events. 
 

What did you enjoy most about your placement and what was most challenging?

Tammy: I had a chance to collaborate with colleagues on various projects and contribute to the success of the team, which let me truly experience the work life of a tourism and hospitality employee and apply what I had learned in a professional environment.

It was quite challenging at first when I had to adapt to a new culture and workplace norms. English is not my first language; sometimes it’s hard for me to understand or express myself effectively. However, due to the friendliness and support of all team members, I was able to complete my work placement successfully.

Patrick: I enjoyed being able to get hands-on experience with events after studying them via my course at VU for the last few years. Whilst theory is important, the experience gained from being on site with events and in the office working on them is invaluable.

 

Have any opportunities come out of your placement?

 

Tammy: I’m so lucky that after my employment at VTIC, I got an offer to be a QTF admin officer with the team for the next three months.

Patrick: Not officially as of yet; however, I am scheduled to have a discussion with the Event Manager I’ve been working with and the CEO in the near future about future employment with VTIC. 

I’ve also had the opportunity to meet a variety of industry professionals which has been a fantastic experience. 
 

What are some of the skills that you developed in your degree (or other experiences) that you found most important in your placement?

Tammy: Collaboration – working with other team members on client renewals. Effective communication – helping create a positive team and reduce mistakes while working together. Critical thinking and decision-making – vital in the workplace to improve performance and productivity.

Patrick: Adaptability has been my most developed skill. Studying through the COVID-19 pandemic forced us as students and professionals to become adaptable with drastic rule changes happening at incredibly short notice. 

This has helped prepare me for a future in the event industry where anything can change at any time.
 

Why do you think industry partnerships, like VU’s partnership with VTIC, are important for students?

Tammy: Industry partnerships provide students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge gained in the classroom to hands-on real-world scenarios, enhancing students’ understanding of industry practices as well as their employability.

They also facilitate networking opportunities for students, who can connect with professionals, attend industry events, and build relationships that may lead to internships and job opportunities.

Patrick: Industry partnerships are important for students as they provide practical application of learnings in a professional environment. 

By having highlighted industry partners, it makes the process of choosing a workplace for your required workplace learning experience a lot easier. 

 

Any advice for students who are seeking placements for 2024? 

Tammy: Begin your search early to increase your chances of finding suitable opportunities. Attending industry events, seminars, and webinars is also a good way to expand your network and learn about potential opportunities (eg. Young Tourism Network events). 

And, stay persistent and maintain a positive attitude during the job search process because rejection is a natural part of it: don’t forget that when one door closes, another door opens.

Patrick: Check your emails! Every week a list of different recommended openings are sent out, and you never know which one may turn out to be a great fit. 

Also, make sure you use the Workplace Learning Department – they are there to support you in the whole process from application to conclusion.
 

What excites you about a future in the tourism and events industry? 

Tammy: I'm excited to experience the continuous changes in tourism and hospitality in the future, especially when the integration of technology, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, is transforming the way people experience tourism and events.

Patrick: The most exciting thing about a future in tourism and events for me is the variety of experiences that can be had – particularly with events. They challenge you to be bigger and better and improve with every rendition. 

The other aspect of it is to be a part of the recovery of the industry post-COVID. The tourism and events industries had some major struggles with travel and transport restrictions, and it’s well on the road to recovery and will only keep on growing. And being a part of that growth will be really special.