The UNSW Sydney
Professional Development Program is a workplace experience and professional
skills program for international students. The Program is comprised of 3 days
of career development seminars, followed by a 50 hour workplace experience. The
workplace experience takes place in different offices on the UNSW campus which
has enabled the program to receive widespread support amongst university staff.
Nonetheless,
sourcing hosts for co-operative education and/or WIL can be difficult. In my
previous role in Canada, this was one of my main responsibilities. Therefore,
in building on what I spoke about on the ACEN NSW/ACT Chapter Forum
“Unpacking co-curricular options…,” I have outlined four strategies that I’ve
found to work when sourcing strong host organisations. I welcome other ideas and am curious what has
worked for others!
1. Start Close to Home
“Home” being your university. Whether it be on campus staff, existing partners, local businesses, or alumni, all of these stakeholders have an affiliation with the university and are often more inclined (or feel obligated) to help with co-operative education. In my previous role, 20% of co-op positions came from alumni! Look to utilize you’re existing on campus network to ask for referrals as well. Similar to the job search, a strong network is key.
“Home” being your university. Whether it be on campus staff, existing partners, local businesses, or alumni, all of these stakeholders have an affiliation with the university and are often more inclined (or feel obligated) to help with co-operative education. In my previous role, 20% of co-op positions came from alumni! Look to utilize you’re existing on campus network to ask for referrals as well. Similar to the job search, a strong network is key.
2. What’s in it for me?
I find that sometimes as educators we think that the whole world is like us and shares our passion for education and supporting students. Host organisations, however, often need to know quite clearly how hosting a student will benefit them. As with basic sales, you need to understand their needs before you can tailor your pitch. For example, are they understaffed, do they need help with projects, how do they currently recruit students, could staff benefit from supervisory experience, do they have HR goals to achieve? You of course need to make sure they will be supportive and understand the co-operative model, but I find taking this approach initially can open up the conversation.
I find that sometimes as educators we think that the whole world is like us and shares our passion for education and supporting students. Host organisations, however, often need to know quite clearly how hosting a student will benefit them. As with basic sales, you need to understand their needs before you can tailor your pitch. For example, are they understaffed, do they need help with projects, how do they currently recruit students, could staff benefit from supervisory experience, do they have HR goals to achieve? You of course need to make sure they will be supportive and understand the co-operative model, but I find taking this approach initially can open up the conversation.
3. You’re not alone!
When speaking with host organisations, reassure them that they aren’t alone. Ensure that they can call you for help and provide them with some resources or directions on how to on-board and support their student. A web page, guide, or your direct e-mail, will help put their mind at ease.
When speaking with host organisations, reassure them that they aren’t alone. Ensure that they can call you for help and provide them with some resources or directions on how to on-board and support their student. A web page, guide, or your direct e-mail, will help put their mind at ease.
4. Pick up the Phone
I’ve found a phone call to the host organisation half
way through a student’s experience is appreciated. Even just a voicemail, perhaps followed by an
e-mail can go a long way. It’s important
to support the student, but supporting the organisation helps address any
issues early and help increase the chances that the organisation will host
another student.
Blair
Slater
Senior Careers Consultant (International), Careers
and Employment, Student Life and Learning
UNSW Sydney
