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Participants at the business breakfast including (centre front) UOW V... |
Despite economic downturn Commerce Internship Program grows in demand with regional businesses
The University of Wollongong’s new Commerce Internship Program has been embraced at a time of economic downturn and its popularity has grown with regional businesses.
This year, 35 businesses have taken on 80 UOW internship students and the positive industry feedback has been overwhelming. The industry-driven program is academically assessed and has been nominated this year for a Business/Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) award.
“Word of mouth is driving business interest in the program,” according to Dr Mike Clements, Director, Commerce Internship Program.
“Organisations further afield such as CSIRO in Canberra and Sutherland Shire Council are now coming on board.”
Some of the participating businesses include Anglicare, Booth Partners, Catholic Care, Citrine Solutions, DGB Lawyers, Internetrix, DMW Group, Novotel North Beach, PeopleCare, IMB and Wollongong City Council.
Business leaders have been working together with the University of Wollongong for two years to provide students with valuable, real-world experience as part of the new Commerce Internship Program.
At a business breakfast held at the Novotel Northbeach on 22 October, the University thanked businesses for their continued support.
“This is an industry-driven program that is about innovation,” the Dean of Commerce, Professor Shirley Leitch, said.
“It reflects true co-operation between business and education and, significantly, reflects an inherent belief in our students,” she said.
The UOW Commerce Internship Program bridges theory and context by providing second and third year students with paid positions in local organisations. The students earn six-credit points towards their degrees and must complete an e-learning module. Participating businesses, from non-profit to private sector industries, are involved in the selection and interview process to select suitable candidates.
Business/Higher Education Round Table is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in 1990 to strengthen the relationship between business and higher education. The BHERT awards will be presented by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, on Thursday, 5 November at the ANZ Pavilion, The Arts Centre, Melbourne.