Linking academic learning to the real world
4-October-2002

Pictured from left at the recent graduation ceremony are Chris Patton (General Manager, UniCentre), Leone Sengstock (Office Manager, Newhouse Chartered Accountants) Camtu Pham (SLBD Consultant, UniCentre - MD, CleverLink), Haixin Huang (SLBD graduate) and Tony Elshof (Centre for Student Development Coordinator, UniCentre)

Students are set to get a start in business thanks to a program designed to develop leadership and business skills in the Illawarra.

The Student Leadership & Business Development program (SLBD) is an Unicentre initiative driven by the Centre for Student Development (CDU).

To date 92 students have completed training courses and work experience as part of the program.

CDU coordinator Tony Elshof said he expected the program to remain popular because it provided the necessary links between academic learning and the real world.

"It has been a particularly important component of our international student's program," Mr Elshof said.

"They have eagerly embraced both the training courses and the Australian business experience. This has also provided an unexpected bonus for local employers, who have been given valuable insight into overseas export markets like Malaysia, Indonesia and China."

"Next year holds some exciting new developments as we merge with the Universities Careers Service. We will utilise their online database to facilitate a more efficient and effective employer student placement service. Employers will be able to register their work experience opportunities online by filling out an internship template, and students will be able to browse and select the placement opportunities that interest them. 2003 will see a wider range of training programs offered with targeted student groups being offered selected training options. The SLBD work experience component will be offered out of semester, with summer and mid semesters being utilised. We are also looking at offering international work exchange opportunities with partner universities in Asia, America and Europe. Students will be able to select a six to eight week overseas work placement, as part of their SLBD experience."

"The SLBD program is an integral part of the Wollongong University Experience. For its potential to be reached, we encourage all businesses large and small to embrace a student development philosophy and get involved. Providing work experience opportunities for Wollongong University students is about supporting our future," he said.

For further information contact Tony Elshof on 42218272 or e-mail telshof@uow.edu.au