The UNSW Professional Development Program (International Students)
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 2 components:
- A two-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 2009
- Mon 13th Jul Applications Open (O-week)
- Fri 24th Jul, 1-2pm Information Session for International Students (Week 1)
- Mon 17th Aug, 9am Applications Close (Week 5)
- Mon 7th Sept, 9-5pm Day 1 of the Training Program (Mid session break)
- Tue 8th Sept, 9–5:30pm Day 2 of the Training Program (Mid session break)
- Tue 15th Sept Interviews for the Internship Program (Week 8)
- Wed 16th Sept, 4-6:30pm End of Program Function (Week 8)
- Mon 21st Sept Internship Program Starts (Week 9)
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
- 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
- complete the 2-day training program and attend the end of Program function
- complete the 50-hour office internship program if successful with your application
- participate in a mid-internship focus group
- register for and attend a Career Advice Appointment
The Two-Day Training Program
Day 1 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: employer’s expectations
- Business Writing: emails, business letters, agendas and minutes
- Telephone and customer service skills
Day 2 of the training program aims to help international students to excel in the graduate recruitment process:
- Developing achievement statements: The STAR approach and developing an elevator pitch
- Mock interviews
- Mock assessment centre
- Employer and graduate panel
The second day will finish with a Networking Function with the employer panel members and other UNSW staff who will be hosting the 50-hour internship program.
All training program participants will be required to attend the end of program function on Wed 16th September.
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 2-day training program, all participants will be interviewed for the 50-hour Internship. Interviews will be conducted on Tue 15th September.
Successful participants will be matched with a UNSW unit and their placements will be announced during the end of Program function.
For the successful applicants, the internship will start on 21st September. The hours of work and the timetable will be set according to the student’s academic timetable and the availabilities of the various UNSW units. Students are expected to complete the 50 hours by the end of 2009.
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.
Hosting a UNSW intern - Info for 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.
How to Apply
Applications are now open for The UNSW Professional Development Program (International Students). Follow these steps to participate in the program:
Step 1: Attend the Information Session to be held on Fri 24th July, 1-2pm.
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.
Step 2: Download the sample application form here .
Prepare your answers in advance. Check your spelling and grammar carefully.
Step 3: Attend the 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
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.
You must complete Step 2-5 of the application process by 9am, Mon 17th August to be considered for the program.
Contacts
For any further enquiries, please contact: Careers and Employment on +61 2 9385 5429 or email
careers@unsw.edu.au .