The Seminars focus on developing workplace communication and customer service skills helping students prepare for success in the Australian workplace. 

Additionally, seminars will cover tips and tricks for the recruitment process, covering achievement statements, mock interviews and LinkedIn. 

The third day will finish with a Networking Function with an alumni panel and UNSW staff who will host the 50 hour Workplace Experience. 

After completing the three-day Seminar, all participants will be interviewed for the 50 hour Workplace Experience. Upon these interviews, successful participants will be matched with a UNSW supervisor. 

This experience provides an opportunity for international students to practise skills gained through the Seminars and work collaboratively with their supervisor in developing and working towards Workplace Experience goals, receiving constructive feedback throughout. 

The hours will be set according to each student’s academic timetable and the availabilities of UNSW supervisors. Students are expected to complete the 50 hours before the T2 exam period. 

This is an unpaid workplace experience for students to focus on developing their confidence in the Australian workplace. It is part of an  AHEGS  accredited university program, so it will appear as a co-curricular activity on the students’ secondary transcript when they graduate. 

Follow these steps to apply: 

Step 1:  All students are encouraged to have attended the 'Writing a Successful Resume and Cover Letter' and 'Ace the Interview' seminars in the last 12 months. If you have not attended these, please note they are available via Moodle through this website. We recommend you complete these lessons covering Resume, Cover Letter and Interview in order to enhance your application and prepare you for the program.

Step 2:  Update your resume based on what you have learned from the seminars or Moodle lessons

Step 3:  Ensure you have read the  FAQ's  about the Program 

Step 4:  Complete the online application form (Applications open 2 March) 

Note: Numbers for the Professional Development Program are limited, you are not automatically accepted into the Program even if you meet all eligibility requirements, your application will be assessed.  

If I am accepted into the Three-day Seminar, does that guarantee me a 50 hour Workplace Experience? 

No. On the day after the Three-day Seminar, you will undertake an interview for a Workplace Experience. Pending these interviews, some students will get to participate in Workplace Experience.   

How many Workplace Experience placements are available? 

Numbers vary with each term depending on which units/departments request a student. On average we have 60 placements available per term. 

Are the Workplace Experience placements paid? 

The Program is a volunteer placement, which provides an opportunity for international students to practise skills gained through the seminars. Students will get the Workplace Experience recognised on their AHEGS. 

Will I get a Workplace Experience which is relevant to the course I am studying? 

The Workplace Experience component is focused on administration, customer service and developing the key transferable skills that employers are looking for such as communication, interpersonal, teamwork and problem-solving skills. It is not focused on technical, field-based experience. 

It is unlikely that the Workplace Experience will be related to what you are studying, and you should not expect this, however, where possible we will try to match students with relevant units/departments. 

Are there workplace experience placements in external organisations? 

Not at this stage. 

I have class 5 days a week with not many breaks. How will I be able to complete my workplace experience? 

The Workplace Experience hours agreed between the supervisor and the student in the initial meeting. Supervisors understand you have class and will try to be flexible around your class times however you will need to have at least two days where you are available for 4 hours consecutively (between the hours of 9-5, Monday – Friday). 

If you have a heavy study load with not many breaks, you may want to consider doing the PD Program in another term when you have more time.