Work integrated learning awards

Banking & Finance Award

Sponsored by Berkley Capital Partners

Hayden Eastwood, 2015 recipient

"VU's Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program facilitated my transition from University into the real life business world.

My experience at RetireInvest Financial Planning proved to be invaluable. I was offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build upon my academic knowledge and gain further insights into financial planning. I was given the ability to interact with clientele on a professional level, develop complex client reviews and network with industry experts. My dedication to the program led to attaining a full-time position within the firm upon graduation.

For a student looking to excel and maintain a competitive edge over their peers, I would certainly recommend undertaking this highly advantageous program."

The banking and finance sector offers rewarding and exciting career opportunities in banking, superannuation, financial planning, lending, insurance, stockbroking and investment advice.

Event Management Award

Sponsored by Western Bulldogs Football Club

Jeanine Howton, 2015 recipient

"During the Co-operative Education program I worked full time at Engineers Australia as the events and marketing administrator. In this high volume and exhilarating role, I worked with some inspiring women including two who secured their roles through the same program at VU! It was fiercely motivating to work with and learn from such a relentlessly dedicated team.

Throughout this process I maintained casual work at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and volunteered at various events. Immersing myself in the industry has allowed for a fully integrated working understanding of all facets of this industry. This enthusiasm has gained me the recognition of two industry awards – the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Todd Blake Student Award and the International Congress and Convention Association Student Scholarship."

The events industry offers varied work opportunities in highly diverse environments. Students work at entry-level positions for various corporate, sporting and community events, conventions and meetings in marketing, operations, administration and co-ordination roles.

Hospitality Management Award

Sponsored by Crown Hotels

Francesco (Frank) Bonadio, 2015 recipient

"The Victoria University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program has been an invaluable experience. I was fortunate to be employed by my preferred company, Crown Melbourne. My Co-Operative Education placement exposed me to many business units. I have been able to model myself on many leadership and management styles to form my own management approach. The WIL program opened these doors and made my dream career possible. I am now an assistant restaurant manager at Conservatory, learning from the best, and I couldn't be happier."

Co-op Education students work in a range of hotels in Australia and overseas. Positions range from front-office service to human resources, finance, sales and marketing.

Human Resource Management Award

Sponsored by Fair Work Australia Ombudsman

Annie Stevens, 2015 recipient

"My Work Integrated Learning (WIL) year has enabled me to gain invaluable workplace experience in the human resource sector through working at the Department of Education and Training.

This experience enabled me to apply academic theory to the application of human resource principles including recruitment, employee relations and payroll. After completing the WIL program I was able to secure an ongoing position as a human resource consultant and would highly recommend the WIL program to all business students to give them a competitive advantage as a graduate."

Human resource professionals deal with issues that affect people as employees of an organisation. They are directly involved with recruitment and employment, training and the development of company policies and procedures.

Marketing Award

Sponsored by Malthouse Theatre

Michael McBean, 2015 recipient

"The Work Integrated Learning program was the most rewarding and beneficial part of my university experience. Working as the marketing intern at Destination Melbourne helped me to gain real industry experience and to build on the academic learnings of my Bachelor of Business (Marketing). Within the program I was encouraged to take ownership of my role and to implement change for the benefit of the organisation.

My time at Destination Melbourne opened my eyes to the workings of the Victorian tourism industry, enabled me to build an extensive professional network and led to several employment opportunities."

Business marketing students are employed in various roles ranging from sales to marketing support and analysts, spanning many business sectors. They're vibrant and innovative, and able to generate new ideas and concepts for advertising.

Tourism Management Award

Sponsored by Eureka Skydeck

Sarah McIvor, 2015 recipient

"My year of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Choice Hotels has proven to be invaluable. The skills I developed and the ongoing support by the team at Choice Hotels allowed me to gain a strong understanding of hotel management, online travel agents and the various functions of a hotel franchise.

The WIL experiences provided me with a strong basis for my career in tourism and allowed me to advance into other areas of business. If you want to have the competitive edge and really open doors on completion of your studies at Victoria University the Work Integrated Learning program is the way to do it."

WIL students are active across all sectors of the tourism industry, working with high profile organisations locally including Tourism Victoria and Destination Melbourne, as well at Disney World in Florida, and with attractions, tour operators/wholesalers and travel companies around Australia, the UK and USA.

Previous award recipients

2014 WIL Award winners

2013 WIL Award winners

2012 WIL Award winners

2011 WIL Award winners