Originally published on LinkedIn by David Lt.
When it comes to internships, I'm sure we think we know what to expect. However, drawing on my own experience as a student at UTS, what I was able to be involved in was much more immersive than just a standard work-experience module. I want to share a little on what, perhaps, you aren't expecting around engaging with university students. Below are some thoughts on why integrating student and graduate recruitment practices is key to future-proofing your organisation.
As an employer, mentor or industry advocate, you may have your own experience of interning as part of your career. Whatever your experience, I encourage you to open your perspective to what interns and graduates look like now – dynamic skills developed for a multi-disciplinary environment which is about so much more than knowledge, but encompasses the ‘future of work’.
So why hire students?
A fresh set of eyes
"There's no better place from which to see the future" is a key phrase often used here at UTS. It evokes feelings of excitement and adventure. More than just an emotive phrase, it’s a value that drives the way we operate as a team. Students come to UTS to learn; the bonus is that they also learn how to learn. Students begin to interpret, synthesise and communicate new knowledge to a range of audiences outside of their own experiences. These new learnings bring invaluable ‘fresh eyes’ to companies looking to stay ahead of the curve or are finding themselves stagnant in a world filled with innovation.
Energy to burn
Rachel Yasmineh, UTS Careers Engagement Team Manager, witnesses the drive students bring to the table every day.
"I just love the energy that the students bring into our workspace. We use current students in both paid and voluntary roles to run some of the biggest events in the University calendar. Orientations, Open Days, Festivals... You name it, they're there. We absolutely could not achieve what we've achieved without leaning on the raw energy of the students here. We literally recruit hundreds every year to enable our teams to produce quality experiences."
Relevant and current knowledge
According to UTS Careers Esita Sogotubu, who oversees the UTS Accomplish Award,
"Transdisciplinary skills play a huge role in being prepared for the future workplace.”
"UTS students are not only exposed to diversity in subject matter, but also opportunities to learn methods that, a few years ago, would not have been considered part of a conventional degree."
Learning current and best-practice theory and method is central to the student experience while at UTS; and these are valuable additions to any business with a focus on being current and relevant in the marketplace.
Newer, softer skills
UTS Careers has developed a range of programs, such as ‘Accomplish’, that are underpinned with sound learning and practical experiences - rounding-out academic knowledge with soft skills like professional etiquette, confidence and collaboration.
"Students might arrive at university with particular heuristics; a sense of how work "should be". But very soon they are exposed to a much broader perspective, not only around what’s possible in future employment; but in many other aspects", Esita adds.
"For example, the richness that comes with the myriad of experiences and cultures that converge on a university like ours, the opportunities to learn through experience and collaborate across cultural barriers; there aren't many other places where students can be exposed to so much and bring so much of that value with them to their next role".
So when we hear things like "there's no better place from which to see the future", aside from being inspired about what we get to do, it impresses a sense of conviction. Having been a student here, and now helping to deliver these experiences, I can see that we are absolutely adding value to the industry networks around us through training and facilitating internships and graduate roles. I'm working within a team that looks to make our connections as invaluable to you as they to us, supporting your business and moving towards the ‘future of work’ together.