The University of New South Wales

Applications now open for Semester 2!

UNSW Professional Development Program Video

About the Program

The UNSW Professional Development Program (International Students) is an initiative to assist UNSW international students with English as a second language to further develop their communication skills in a professional setting and gain practical workplace experience to enhance their career opportunities.

The Program consists of two components:

• A three-day training program on business communication, customer service skills, employer expectations and the recruitment process
• A 50-hour office internship program organised by Careers and Employment and run in various departments at UNSW

The UNSW Professional Development Program (International Students) aims to assist international students in:

• Gaining knowledge of employer expectations in the Australian workplace
• Enhancing business communication, business writing and customer service skills
• Improving interview skills and ability to perform during recruitment activities
• Gaining administration and customer service experience in an office environment
• Developing confidence in professional settings

 

Key Dates for 2012 Semester 2

Key Dates:

• Mon 30th April - Applications Open
• Thurs 3rd May - Information Session
• Mon 4th June, 9am - Applications Close
• Tues 3rd July - Day 1 of the Training Program
• Wed 4th July - Day 2 of the Training Program
• Thurs 5th July - Day 3 of the Training Program
• Fri 6th July - Interviews for Internship Program
• Mon 9th July - Internship Program Starts

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for the program you need to:

• be a current international student at UNSW with English as a second language / from a non-English speaking background (Please note you must be enrolled in courses in Semester 2, 2012 to be eligible for the program)
• be in second or subsequent year of your undergraduate study; or at any stage of your postgraduate degree
• have attended the “Writing a Successful Resume and Cover Letter” and “Ace the Interview” workshops by Careers and Employment in the past 12 months

As part of the program, you will be required to:

• complete the three-day training program
• complete the 50-hour office internship program if successful with your application
• participate in a mid-internship catch-up (1.5 hrs - date and time to be advised)
• register for and attend a Career Advice Appointment
• attend an End of Program Function (date and time to be advised)

 

The Three-Day Training Program

Day 1 & 2 of the training program focuses on developing international students’ business communication and customer service skills. Topics to be covered include:

• Preparing for the Australian workplace: employers' expectations
• Business writing:  emails, business letters, agendas and minutes
• Tips and strategies to be successful in a workplace setting
• Telephone and customer service skills

Day 3 of the training program aims to help international students to excel in the graduate recruitment process. Topics to be covered include:

• Developing achievement statements:  The STAR approach and developing an elevator pitch
• Mock interviews
• Mock assessment centre
• Employer and graduate panel

The third day will finish with a Networking Function with the employer panel members and UNSW staff who will be hosting the 50-hour internship program.

 Semester 1, 2012 Three Day Training Program Photos

 

The 50-hour Internship Program

The Internship Program is hosted by Careers and Employment and other areas within UNSW.  The Program provides an opportunity for international students to practise skills gained through the training program.

In completing the three-day training program, all participants will be interviewed for the 50-hour internship. Interviews will be conducted on Friday 6th July. Successful participants will be matched with a UNSW unit.

For successful applicants, the internship will start on Monday 9th July. The hours of work and the timetable will be set according to each student’s academic timetable and the availabilities of the various UNSW units. Students are expected to complete the 50 hours by the end of Semester 2, 2012.

Throughout the Internship Program, students will work collaboratively with their supervisor in developing and working towards a set of internship goals. Students will receive constructive feedback throughout the program and at the completion.

 

How to Apply

When applications are open for the UNSW Professional Development Program (International Students). Follow these steps to participate in the program:

Step 1:  Attend the Information Session on 3rd May.
You will be able to find out more about the program and have the opportunity to ask questions. Register for this session online via our events timetable here. (This is a session for you to ask any questions you have about the program. It is not compulsory)

Step 2:  Download the sample application form here.
Prepare your answers in advance. Check your spelling and grammar carefully.

Step 3: Attend Careers and Employment workshops
on “Writing a Successful Resume and Cover Letter” and “Ace the Interview” if you haven’t done so in the past 12 months.  View our timetable and register online here.

Step 4: Complete the online application form here.
Copy your prepared answers onto the online form.

Step 5: Email a copy of your latest resume to careers@unsw.edu.au. Use your name as the file name and put “UNSW Professional Development Program - Application" in the subject line. (Note: You are not required to submit a cover letter)

You must complete Step 2-5 of the application process by 9am, Monday 4th June to be considered for the program.

nb. Students are only eligible to attend the PD Program training once. Please do not apply for the program if you have already attended the 3-day training of a previous PD Program.

 

Hosting a UNSW intern - Information for UNSW Supervisors

Various UNSW departments and units are offering internship experience as part of the UNSW Professional Development Program.

Student interns can be involved in tasks such as:

• Meeting and greeting students and visitors in the office
• Assisting with student enquiries
• Answering telephone calls
• Completing specific project work
• Performing various administrative tasks

Students will spend 50 hours in the workplace. Days of the week and times are flexible and are to be decided by the student and supervisor.

Supervisors can be involved in the selection process of their intern(s). All supporting documents such as the internship agreement, confidentiality statement and internship evaluation are provided.

Please complete the internship student request form if you are interested in hosting UNSW interns.

   

Contacts

For any further enquiries, please contact: Careers and Employment on (02) 9385 5429 or email
careers@unsw.edu.au.