Business & Economics Internship

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

140 hours

Students must receive pemission from the subject coordinator and the relevant program director before they can enrol into the subject. Students must organise their own work placement, which must be approved by the subject coordinator prior to the commencement of the teaching period.

Students must have completed at least 50 points of their degree at the time of application and received approval from their program director and the Deputy Dean (MBS)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject will enable students to undertake professional work experience at an industry partner’s premises and to conduct an individual, client-based project which could involve critical analysis of a topic, research, development and/or the solution of a real business problem. During the period of work experience, students will be introduced to workplace culture and be offered the opportunity to strengthen their employability. Rigorous planning and scheduling of the project, time management, written and verbal technical communication, interpretation of results and team work will be required. The project will involve a mixture of on- and off-campus work. Students may be required to undertake preparatory seminars covering topics that will include professional standards of behaviour and ethical conduct, working in teams, time management and workplace networking.

The Faculty of Business and Economics will work with the industry partner to deliver the subject content. All assignments and grading will be co-ordinated by FBE.

This subject is intended to provide students with the opportunity to apply their business knowledge in an industry setting, under the joint supervision of an industry and academic mentor. Selection into his subject is based on academic merit, demonstrated motivation to benefit from the program (and bring benefit back to the University) and timely submission of application. The subject co-ordinator will have final approval of all selected students. There may be further eligibility criteria as requested by the industry partner.

NOTE: This subject is available in the Master of Entrepreneurship, Master of Enterprise, or Master of Supply Chain Management programs.

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

• Plan and conduct an independent project within an industry setting
• Appreciate how management and business operate
• Demonstrate enhanced ability to undertake independent research
• Have developed improved self-reflection and practical skills for future career pathways and employability
• Demonstrate enhanced communication skills via contributions during the program and delivery of a formal presentation upon return.

• 500 word project plan, due date to be set in consultation with host company and academic supervisor (10%)
• 20 minute presentation to host company and 1000 word report, due date to be set in consultation with host company and academic supervisor (40% - presentation 30% and report 10%)
• 3000 word project report, due date to be set in consultation with host company and academic supervisor (40%)
• 500 word reflective essay, due date to be set in consultation with host company and academic supervisor (10%)

Hurdle requirement:

This subject also has a hurdle requirement of 100% attendance at the pre and post internship workshops run by FBE.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• Verbal and written communication skills through interaction with staff at the host organisation and academics
• Project management skills, including an enhanced capacity for accurate scoping of projects, the development of approaches and timelines to address complex business issues and the execution of the required approaches and tasks within the timelines set
• Research, problem solving and critical thinking
• Documentation preparation and presentation skills through assigned tasks and the practicum exercise
• Interpersonal skills through the project exercise and assigned tasks
• Demonstrate key attributes sought by employers including interpersonal skills, time management, commercial acumen, initiative, and independent learning.