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Benefits and Challenges of Internal Work-integrated-learning placements: A business school perspective

Tracks
Crystal 1
Monday, July 1, 2024
9:35 AM - 10:00 AM

Presenter

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Dr Thanesvary Subraamanniam
Lecturer
The University Of Western Australia

Benefits and Challenges of Internal Work-integrated-learning placements: A business school perspective

Abstract

Work-integrated learning (WIL) is a process whereby students apply their theoretical knowledge gained in their degree programs to expectations and the experiences of relevant practices and workplaces. Most Australian universities now have WIL programs in place and some university business schools have mandated WIL as part of their curriculum. This paper explores an under-researched area of WIL which is internal WIL otherwise known as on-campus WIL. Internal WIL offerings are WIL experiences that are completed at the university and not at an external stakeholders workplace. In this study we find that there are many benefits of internal WIL including enhancing communication, teamwork, time management, problem solving, networking and leadership skills. Challenges include working individually on a given task rather than in a team and balancing time for the task. Internal WIL can be improved by providing a professional development session for all staff involved in hosting internal WIL students and encouraging more industry-experienced staff to supervise students to provide students with further insights into real world business skills.

Biography

Thanes is a Fellow member of ACCA (UK), member of CPA and AFAANZ. She completed her Master of Accounting (MAcc) and obtained her PhD at The University of Western Australia. Thanes is an Accounting lecturer at the University of Western Australia. She is passionate about Accounting Education. Her forte is in teaching and concentrates on teaching Management Accounting units at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Chair

James Wakefield
Associate Professor
University of Technology Sydney


Discussant

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Belete (BJ) Bobe
Senior Lecturer
Deakin University

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