Work integrated learning gives USQ students the edge

Students at the University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Springfield campus will be a step ahead of other graduates with the University announcing it has expanded its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program across all undergraduate programs.

USQ Springfield Career Learning Consultant Annissa O'Shea said the WIL program offered USQ Springfield students a wide range of opportunities to gain work related experiences while still at university.

'The job market today is so competitive that experience in the workplace is an invaluable asset to graduates,' Ms O'Shea said.

'WIL provides opportunities for our students to apply the theoretical knowledge they learn in the lecture room to the workplace.

'Through WIL they can develop, practice and consolidate their skills and develop an understanding of their chosen profession.

'Employers today have high expectations of graduates, which is why we have included the opportunity to undertake WIL experiences across all of our undergraduate programs.'

Third year psychology student Lindsay Dale has recently completed a work placement with Better Life Directions psychology practice as part of his Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) program.

The placement saw him shadow two psychologists as they conducted counselling and training sessions in Hervey Bay, Kingaroy and Cherbourg.

Mr Dale said the work placement gave him a wider understanding about the reality of working in a psychology practice.

'I was able to sit in on one on one counselling sessions and attend a group training session for the wives of Vietnam veterans.

'The training sessions were aimed at helping wives better understand what their husbands had been through in Vietnam and gave them some tools to help them cope at home.

'I was able to participate with the group and share in the struggles they faced. It was a great experience.

'Working in Cherbourg helped me to gain a basic understanding of aboriginal culture. Their family structures and terminology are different to those I am used to - for instance an Aunty is a tribal elder rather than your parent's sibling.'

He said through the work placement he learnt about the administrative challenges faced by practicing psychologists.

'There are so many day-to-day administrative limitations they are faced with, such as dealing with Medicare, work cover and third party providers.'

Mr Dale chose to complete his work placement outside of Brisbane and Ipswich as he plans to work as a registered clinical psychologist in a regional area when finished studying.

'I think working in a regional centre where there is less specialisation of psychology would allow me to deal with a broader range of clients.

'It would also be great to live close to where I work and become part of the community rather than commuting into the city.

'One of the reasons I chose to come to USQ to study was the fact I could combine work experiences into my studies, giving me the ability to ground the theory in reality.

'It is very important that students get to see their chosen career from all sides before they finish their studies.'

To find out more about USQ Springfield campus Work Integrated Learning programs visit www.usq.edu.au/springfield/.

Media Contact:  Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979