Work integrated learning awards

Event Management Award

Sponsored by Western Bulldogs Football Club

Denni Egan, 2017 recipient

"The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) initiative was so beneficial and rewarding. My work with WorldSkills Australia allowed me to work alongside an experienced team to build upon my knowledge and experience within the events industry. I am now employed with WorldSkills as a full-time project coordinator looking after their National Championships.
My WIL experience has been invaluable and opened up opportunities that I didn’t think existed. As a graduate with relevant and practical industry knowledge, I am a far more confident professional."

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 Western Bulldogs Football Club

Emily White, 2017 recipient

"I completed my Co-operative Education at Quest Royal Gardens. My managers encouraged me to make the most of the program and were fantastic in exposing me to a broad range of hotel departments where I gained a more holistic view of the business operations. This has opened up further opportunities for career development as I now have practical experience in accounting, sales and marketing, human resources and management, as well as all things hospitality.
The Co-op program has had a positive impact in determining the direction I wish to take my career, and has empowered me with the skills and experience necessary to achieve my goals."

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

Marketing Award

Sponsored by Malthouse Theatre

Bianca Frachea, 2017 recipient

"I was lucky enough to work in the Marketing team at VU while completing my degree.
By undertaking WIL, I was able to put all of the knowledge I gained as part of my course into practice in the workplace. This deepened my understanding of my course, confirmed I made the right choice in my career path after studying and furthered my passion for marketing."

Business marketing students are employed in various roles ranging from sales to marketing support and analysts, spanning many business sectors. They can promote any product or service and assist organisations with marketing and sales campaigns, publications or market research. They are vibrant and innovative, and able to generate new ideas and concepts for advertising.

Tourism Management Award

Sponsored by Eureka Skydeck

Vanessa Bugeja, 2017 recipient

"I was fortunate to complete my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Sightseeing Tours Australia’s head office, in Melbourne’s CBD. This experience has heightened my confidence and skills and taught me how to communicate and work collaboratively with fellow team members.
During the year I learnt so much about the tourism industry and connected with many tour operators on a day-to-day basis, selling tours right around the country. The WIL program is a proven method for a successful immersion from university life to becoming a confident and capable professional. It has taught me that the world is truly your oyster and the opportunities for graduates are endless."

WIL students are active across all sectors of the tourism industry, working with high profile organisations locally including Visit Victoria, Eureka Skydeck 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.