Industry Placement Program - The University of Sydney Business School
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“IPP is definitely worth the time and effort. It is a really rewarding opportunity to learn more about your
career path, gain knowledge of the industry through real experiences, develop connections and grow professionally
and personally.”Adrian Ly Placement: KPMG, Sydney
“The IPP has been an invaluable experience, allowing me to build upon the knowledge gained through
my university studies whilst improving my communication skills and ultimately my confidence in a business environment.”
Anthony Lombardo Placement: Altios, Sydney
"Interning with UN Women NC Australia through the IPP has accelerated my professional development. I received fantastic exposure to the non-profit sector, as well as developed a deeper understanding of how government and businesses can work together to create greater positive social impact. "Madeline GreerPlacement: UN Women NC Australia, Canberra
"My experience in the IPP at EY Shanghai was rewarding and eye opening. Working on real projects reinforced what I have been learning in the classroom, and provided invaluable insight into the auditing industry. The unit assignments alongside the placement challenged me to constantly reflect on the experience. "Harry HuPlacement: EY Shanghai
"The IPP has been a valuable experience, and a great opportunity to apply academic theory in practice, and to work collaboratively with professionals. I have grown personally and professionally. I would highly recommend the IPP."Madeline WuPlacement: Thomson Reuters, Sydney
Contact Details
Student Enquiries:
Local & Regional Programs:
Karla Heese, Industry Placement Program Coordinator
International Programs:
Lisa Hunter-Smith, Industry Placement Program Coordinator
Local & Regional Programs
Maria Luksich, Manager Industry Placement Program, Local
International Programs
Jacqui Liehr, Manager Industry Placement Program, International
Industry Placement Program
We believe that a business degree should include genuine experience of today's business world, so we offer students who are enrolled in a Business School degree an opportunity to work for a leading firm as part of their degree, through our Industry Placement Program (IPP).
Credited towards a Business School degree, IPP offers a work placement for a minimum of 3 days per week for 10 weeks during semester or an equivalent number of hours over the summer vacation programs.
Enrolment into the program or unit of study is selective and only those students who successfully proceed through the selection process are considered for placements. Students from the Bachelor of Commerce & Bachelor of Comme the Masters of C the Masters of HR & IR; the Masters of Professional A the Masters of Logistics Management and the Masters of Transport Management are eligible to apply. The selection criteria on which all assessment tasks are based are Business Acumen, Teamwork and Leadership, Business Communication, and Critical Thinking.
From semester 2 2014 the Industry Placement Program unit of study for both undergraduate and postgraduate students is an elective unit only and cannot count towards a major/specialisation. Students are responsible for their own degree progression and must ensure they have sufficient room in their degree, or permission to overload. Students should contact
for assistance with degree progressions.
students must be able to provide evidence of a credit average or above.
students must be able to provide evidence of a credit average or above.
Please note that you cannot enrol in this unit until you have been successful in the assessment centre and have been offered an industry placement.
Please do not try and enrol through Sydney Student until this time.
The Industry Placement Program falls across various categories, including:
Local - placements with Sydney based firms across most industries e.g. Finance, Accounting, Marketing, HR, etc.
International - placements in Asia, Europe, and the US
Canberra - placements in government and not-for-profit agencies
For more information on each of the placement categories and the relevant application process please select the relevant tab above. To read about students' experiences in our IPP programs, browse our blogs in the .
Local Placements
Placements with local Sydney based firms run over both semesters 1 & 2 and during the summer vacation period. To be eligible as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, you must have completed 2 full semesters by the time the placements commence and have achieved an academic record of credit average or above at the time of application.
To apply, you will need to submit:
an online application
your resume and
a copy of your academic results
All items should be submitted in a single MS Word document.
Short listed students will be invited to attend an assessment centre comprising: a group activity and a written assessment task. Successful students will be accepted into the program and subsequently matched to a suitable host organisation. Please note that students apply for the program, not an individual company.
Once enrolled in the relevant unit of study, students earn six credit points toward their degree, as an elective. The application period for local placements is outlined below (all dates are subject to change).
Industry Placement Program Local Bursaries now available
The Business School is now able to offer a limited number of scholarships to successful students
of the local IPP Program. These scholarships, valued at $2,500, are intended for those who would not otherwise be
able to do IPP due to financial constraints. Scholarships are assessed on equity and students will need to
provide supporting evidence. Applications are now closed for summer 2015-16 and Semester 1 2016 programs.
Summer 2016
Semester 1 2016
Placement Duration
11th January 2016 to
February 2016
14th March to
Hosts confirm participation
September 2015
December 2016
Student Information Session
11th August 2015 5pm-6pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2) & 12th
August 12pm-1pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2)
11th August 2015 5pm-6pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2) & 12th
August 12pm-1pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2)
Student Applications open
9am on 11th August – 5pm on 24th August 2015
9am on 11th August – 5pm on 24th August 2015
Application Workshops
13th August 2015 12pm-1pm (New Law School Annexe SR344) &
18th August 5pm-6pm (New Law School Annexe SR 346)
13th August 2015 12pm-1pm (New Law School Annexe SR344) &
18th August 5pm-6pm (New Law School Annexe SR 346)
Online Application
Applications now closed
Assessment Centres
8th September to 1st October 2015 (including during common week)
8th September to 1st October 2015 (including during common week)
Compulsory Pre-Placement Training
25th, 26th & 27th November 2015
First two weeks of Semester 1 (dates TBC)
International Placements
During the Australian summer vacation the Business School's International Placement Program comprises placements in the United States (Washington DC & Los Angeles) as well as in China (Shanghai & Beijing). The winter program which runs from late June to early August comprises placements in France (Paris) and Chile (Santiago).
United States - Washington DC and Los Angeles
The University of Sydney Business School in conjunction with the United States Study Centre (USSC) has established a partnership with the University of California Washington Centre (UCDC) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to offer Business School undergraduate students an exclusive opportunity to study and work in Washington DC or Los Angeles. As part of these programs students will complete three units of study in addition to undertaking a 9 week professional placement.
During the 2014-15 session more than 40 students worked with organisations such as: Capello Capital, Sony DAC, McCafferty & Co., City of Santa Monica, International Economic Development Council, Capitol Hill, East-West Center, the Institute of International Finance and many more&
Further details about these programs are available on the
Washington DC and LA Program 2016
Placement Duration
4th January to 4th March 2016
Hosts confirm participation
10th October 2015
Student Information Session
5th August, 12-1pm Merewether Lecture Room 5
Student Applications open
9am on 5th August – 5pm on 17th August 2015
Application Workshop
11th August, 1-2pm in Merewether Lecture Room 5
Online Application link
Applications now closed.
Assessment Centres
2nd – 4th September 2015
Compulsory Pre-Placement Training
4 & 25-27 November 2015
Mainland China (Shanghai and Beijing) and Hong Kong
The placements in China are targeted towards students with the required work visas and language skills to allow them to work with International organisations at their offices based in China, as well as with local government organisations.
During the most recent session which ran over the 2014-15 summer vacation over 50 students from the Business School's undergraduate and postgraduate programs travelled and worked in China with organisations such as: PwC, KPMG, the China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), Grant Thornton, BDO, Beijing Advertising Company, Hilti, Henkel and many more&
Students worked with their allocated host organisation from Monday to Friday in addition to completing the relevant assessment tasks associated with the respective unit of study (BUSS2504/BUSS6506) during their non-working hours. Students travelled with a leading academic from the Business School, who taught the BUSS2504/BUSS6506 unit as well as provided supervision during the program.
Applications for the China 2015-16 program will open during semester 2 2015. A credit average and 48 credit points or two completed semesters are required prior to going on placement. Spoken & written Mandarin/Cantonese
skills are essential for this program.
Students will receive 6 credit points towards their degree for successfully completing the program.
China 2015/16
Placement Duration
November 2015 – 8th January 2016 or 4thJanuary – 19th February 2016
(public holidays from 8-15th February)
Hosts confirm participation
10th October 2015
Student Information Session
11th August, 5-6pm in Merewether Lecture Room 2 & 12th
August, 12-1pm in Merewether Lecture Room 2
Student Applications open
9am on 11th August – 5pm on 24th August 2015
Application Workshops
13th August, 12-1pm in New Law Annexe seminar room 344 & 18th
August, 5-6pm in New Law Annexe seminar room 346
Online Application
Applications will open on 11th August 2015.
To apply go to the
page and click on the
&Apply& tab.
Assessment Centres
7th September – 2nd October 2015
Compulsory Pre-Placement Training
– 26th November 2015
France - Paris
provides a unique experience for students to work and study in Paris for six weeks during the winter vacation period - 20th of June to 29th of July 2016.
The six week placement will enable students to live and work in the heart of Paris and attend one of France's top universities ' SciencesPo. In addition to working for six weeks in either a public or private sector organisation students will study in the evenings for four weeks at SciencesPo. The course will focus on the EU and will include French language. Students will receive a total of 12 credit points towards their degree by successfully completing the relevant Business School unit of study in addition to a second unit of study based on French language and European Business studies.
In 2014 and 2015 students worked with various organisations such
as: the OECD, Austrade, Kimberley Wealth Management, Deloitte, Sybille
Accessories, Altios International, Grameen Credit Agricole, Calinaud-David
Legal, Missions Publiques, Azalead, Bloch/Advanced Retail, AXA Group and Nomos
soci&t& d'avocats.
Students will travel with a leading academic from the Business School, who will teach the relevant Business School unit of study as well as provide supervision during the program.
Please go to the
section for more information.
Paris Winter 2016
Placement Duration
20 June to 29 July 2016
Hosts confirm participation
30 April 2016
Student Information Session
Student Applications open
3rd March 9am to 14th March 5pm 2016
Application Workshops
Online Application
Applications will open on 3rd March 2016
Assessment Centres
11 – 15 April 2016
Compulsory Pre-Placement Training
Chile – Santiago
The Chile Placement Program provides an opportunity for students to work and study in Chile for six weeks during the winter vacation period - 22nd of June to 31st of July 2015.
The six week placement will enable students to live and work in the heart of Santiago and attend one of Chile's top universities ' Universidad Adolfo Iba&ez. In addition to working for six weeks in either a public or private sector organisation students will study in the evenings for four weeks at Universidad Adolfo Iba&ez. The course will focus on business and will include Spanish language. Students will receive a total of 12 credit points towards their degree by successfully completing the relevant Business School unit of study in addition to a second unit of study based on Spanish language and business studies.
Students will be supported by an academic from the Business School, who will teach the relevant Business School unit of study as well as provide supervision during the program.
The Business School has been awarded 10 Australian Government scholarships (to the value of $2000 each) through the
Endeavour Mobility Funding Scheme for this program. Please refer to the
page for further
information.
Please go to the
section for more information.
Winter Chile 2015
Placement Duration
20 June – 29 July 2016
Hosts confirm participation
30 April 2016
Student Information Session
Student Applications open
3 - 14 March 2016
Online Application link
Applications open 3 March 2016
Assessment Centres
11 – 15 April 2016
Canberra Placements
From January 2015, students will be able to apply for industry placements in Canberra. Conducted over the summer break for six (6) weeks full time, students have the opportunity to live and work in Australia&s national capital. Placements are in the public and not for profit sector and will be extremely competitive. Accommodation will be arranged by the Business School, but students are responsible for their own transport and daily expenses. For more information on living and working in Canberra see the .
The Canberra placements are offered as an intensive industry placement program that is conducted through the Business Education (BE)
and the Careers and Employability Office (CEO) within the Business School.
It is possible for students to participate in the Canberra placement as well as a local or international placement as part of their degree (depending on degree progression limitations). Once enrolled in the relevant unit of study students earn six credit points toward their degree.
The application period for the Canberra placements are outlined below: (all dates are subject to change)
Canberra 2016
Placement Duration
11th January to 19th February 2016
Student Information Session
11th August 2015 5pm-6pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2) & 12th August 12pm-1pm (Merewether Lecture Room 2)
Student Applications open
To apply go to the
and click on the blue 'Apply' tab.
Application Workshops
13th August 2015 12pm-1pm (New law Annex SR344) & 18th August 5pm-6pm (New Law School Annexe SR 346)
Online Application
11th August 2015
Assessment Centres
8th September to 1st
October 2015(including during common week)
Compulsory Pre-Placement Training
25th, 26th & 27th
November 2015
Applications for the 2016 Local, Canberra, China and Hong Kong Programs now closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Who can apply?
All undergraduate students enrolled in a Business School degree (or combined Business School degree) may apply, with all disciplines being eligible. A minimum credit average and the equivalent of 2 full load semesters completed by the time the program commences are also required. See below for information relating to postgraduate students.
I am a postgraduate student - am I eligible to apply?
Postgraduate students enrolled in the following degrees are eligible to apply for the local program:
Master of Commerce
Master of Logistics Management
Master of Professional Accounting
Master of Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations
Master of Transport Management
Postgraduate students enrolled in a
Master of Commerce or Master of International Business degree are eligible to
apply for the Paris program.
A credit average and the equivalent of 2 full load semesters completed by the time the program commences are also required.
I am enrolled in a Graduate Diploma - am I eligible to apply?
You must be enrolled in a Master level degree at the time the Industry Placement Program commences i.e. if you are currently enrolled in a Grad Dip and intending to upgrade to the Master program prior to starting a placement you may apply. If you are successful in your IPP application your offer to participate will be conditional on your acceptance into the Master degree.
My degree is not listed above but my major sits within the Business School - am I eligible to apply?
Possibly - please check with the
Are there any prerequisites to apply?
You must have completed the equivalent of 2 full load semesters with a minimum credit average, by the time the Industry Placement Program commences. Previous work experience is not compulsory but it is considered favourably.
I am an international student, can I still apply?
Yes, international students are welcome to apply.
I am a first year student, can I apply?
Yes - you need to have completed the equivalent of 2 full load semesters and have a clear direction in terms of your major by the time the IPP program commences. This means if you are currently a first year student in your second semester you are eligible to apply to complete a placement in the following year. This applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
When do application open and close?
Application dates are available on the Local page and will be updated periodically.
Are there fees to participate in this program?
The program is linked to a unit of study which runs concurrently with your placement for which the usual unit of study fees apply. There are no additional fees applicable.
Are only high academic achievers accepted into the program?
No. A sound academic understanding of business reflected by a credit average or higher is only one element of a successful candidate.
To be successful in their application to the program students must also be able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of other attributes including sound business communication skills, critical thinking, teamwork leadership, commercial awareness, a proactive attitude, a willingness to learn and be involved.
To ensure your application conveys the above information we strongly recommend you utilise the resources and knowledge of the Business School
Can I receive credit for previous internships/work experience?
No. The placement component of the program is designed to run concurrently with the unit of study. Both the placement and the unit must be completed at the same time.
Application Process
Are all students who apply successful in obtaining an industry placement?
No, the process is competitive and replicates the experience of applying for a job. Students will be shortlisted based on the selection process which includes a comprehensive application as well as other assessment tasks.
How do I apply?
All applications are accepted online via the Industry Placement Program Apply tab above. Each Industry Placement Program (local/Canberra/international) will have a dedicated page and application link. The closing dates for each program are advised on the webpage.
Do I need to provide an official academic transcript?
Yes, official academic records must be attached to your application. These can be purchased over the counter at the Student Centre on Level 3 of the Jane Foss Russell building. Applications will not be accepted if official academic transcripts are not submitted at the time of application.
Can I apply for more than one program?
Yes - on the application form you are able to select the program you are most interested in as well as a 2nd option for example Summer Vacation 2015-16 and/or Semester 1, 2016. You will be asked for your preference during the selection process and if successful you will be matched to the most appropriate host organisation during the relevant program session.
International programs will have their own information session, webpage and application portals. The links for these will be connected to the IPP webpage as soon as they become available.
Can I participate in more than one Industry Placement Program over the course of my degree?
For undergraduates: Yes. However, you must apply for each program separately and your application will be assessed on its merits relevant to each program.
For example, a student may
participate in a local program and apply subsequently for an international program
later in their degree.
For postgraduates: Please refer to your individual degree requirements.
If my application is unsuccessful can I re-apply in future?
Yes, if your application is unsuccessful we encourage you to re-apply at a later date.
Is there a limit to the number of students who will be accepted?
The number of students accepted into the program is determined by how many places are available in conjunction with suitable matches of student majors/specialisations.
The Unit of Study
How much credit will I receive towards my degree?
Local /Canberra programs: Upon successful completion of the unit of study you will receive 6 credit points towards your degree. This is contingent upon completing all academic requirements and successful completion of the industry placement.
International programs: Upon successful completion of the unit of study you will receive 6 - 18 credit points towards your degree, depending on the program. This is contingent upon completing all academic requirements and successful completion of the industry placement.
How is the unit of study different?
The unit of study is the same as other units you have completed in that you will have a unit of study coordinator, Blackboard site, timetabled classes, assessments etc. The unit of study works in conjunction with your industry placement.
How is my final mark for the unit assessed?
Your final mark is the culmination of all academic assessments completed throughout the unit of study.
Are there assessments in the unit of study?
Yes, the unit of study has assessment tasks to develop your ability to apply theoretical knowledge gained in your degree to a practical business application. Further details on assessment can be found in the unit of study outline.
Can the unit of study contribute towards to my major/specialisation?
From Semester 2, 2014, IPP will be an elective unit only for both undergraduate and postgraduate students and cannot contribute towards a major/specialisation.
Students are responsible for their own degree progression and must have room within their degree to do IPP as an elective. We strongly recommend that you check with the
to assess whether there is scope in your degree for this unit.
Can I enrol myself directly into the unit of study?
No. As this unit requires Faculty approval you will be enrolled by the Business School.
Can I exceed a standard semester full time load in order to participate?
No. The maximum number of concurrent units of study for a successful IPP student is limited to 4 (24 credit points), including the IPP unit of study. It is possible to participate in the summer/winter program intensive unit of study which will be completed prior to semester commencing and then enrol in another 4 units.
Can I overload my degree in order to participate in the Industry Placement Program?
Possibly - check with the
before you apply to find out what overloading restrictions apply to your degree.
Placement and Host Organisations
How is this program different to other internships?
The Industry Placement Program differs from other internships or work experience programs by complementing your placement experience with a unit of study. The unit of study serves to increase your critical thinking about your placement experience and is designed to enhance your other studies both during and beyond your degree.
The development of employability skills gained during this program may put you in a favourable position when applying directly for summer internships, graduate positions etc.
Can I choose who I do my placement with?
No. When you apply you are applying to be accepted into the program as opposed to a specific host organisation. The match between student and host organisation will be made by the Business School and based on considerations such as your major/specialisation, the project brief and the organisational culture.
What organisations are involved?
There are a variety of organisations involved in the Industry Placement Program, including well known corporate enterprises, boutique firms, government agencies and not for profit organisations.A sample list of organisations has been included on the .
Can I undertake a placement without completing the unit of study?
No, it is a condition of participation that all students will undertake the relevant unit of study and complete all academic requirements.
Can I find my own internship and then do the unit of study?
No, all placements are sourced by the Business School.
Will I get paid for my industry placement?
Placements are not paid, however students completing all requirements of the course will receive credit points towards their degree.
What will I be doing during my industry placement?
Tasks will vary from placement to placement. Some placements are project orientated and others offer a broader and more general experience of the organisation. For further information please refer to the student testimonials included on the .
Where will my placement be located?
The Industry Placement Program falls across various categories - Local, Canberra and International.
Local placements are located in the Sydney CBD or within an hour's commute from the CBD. The majority of placements are accessible by public transport, with a very small number being accessible only by private transport. Students will only be placed with such a host organisation with prior consultation.
Local placements occur during semester and over the summer breaks.
From January 2015 Canberra
placements will be available in Australia&s national capital. Accommodation
is provided but students are required to fund their own transport and living
International Placements are currently available in: Washington D.C., Los Angeles, China and Paris. Please refer to specific program web pages for further details.
How many days do I attend my placement?
During semester students will attend their host organisation a minimum of 3 days per week from weeks 3 to 12 of semester (10 weeks including mid semester break). The 3 days will be determined by timetabling commitments.
During the vacation period students will attend their host organisation full-time (5 days) for 6 weeks.
Do I attend my placement during the mid semester break?
Yes. This is because the host organisation you are placed with does not have a mid semester break, therefore you are expected to work the usual days a week during this period.
What hours am I expected to work?
Your hours of work will be negotiated with your host organisation. However, the expectation is that normal business hours will apply.
What if my timetable is spread across the week?
It is the students' responsibility to arrange their timetable to clear 3 days a week for their placement. Full days free are preferable, but half days are acceptable.
In some instances you may need to be flexible with your enrolment in order to manage your timetable. If your compulsory units of study do not allow you to commit to 3 days of work you may need to consider applying at a later time when your timetable is more flexible.
Students are able to login to MyUni to access their timetable to organise their timetables. Further assistance can be sought from the Business School.
What preparation am I required to undertake prior to the start of my placement?
Weeks one to two of semester are compulsory timetabled on-campus workshops and lectures. There are also two compulsory mid-sessions and a final debrief workshop. If you are unable to attend ALL of the preparation classes and workshops you should not apply for the program.
How are the summer/winter programs different?
Summer and winter* programs are an intensive version of the semester program. Students attend 7 hours of work preparation and an equivalent number of hours of full time placement.
* Paris is currently the only placement available in the Winter break
Refer to the Industry Placement Program page for up to date information.
International Programs
Lisa Hunter-Smith
Industry Placement Program Coordinator
Careers and Employability Office
University of Sydney Business School
Phone: +61 2
Room 237 H04 - Merewether
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 Australia
Local and Regional Programs
Karla Heese
Industry Placement Program Coordinator
Careers and Employability Office
University of Sydney Business School
Phone: +61 2
Room 237 H04 - Merewether
The University of Sydney
NSW 2006 Australia