1. BIHM and BITM Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Information Session

2. A word from previous students…

3. By the end of this session you will:
Understand WHAT WIL is
Understand WHY you need to start planning now
Know WHAT you need to do to get a placement

4. What is Work Integrated Learning? The overall structure
Final Semester of your degree = 60 Credits = Four Level 7
300 hours total plus 20 hours study per week
ideally 25 hours for 12 weeks
or 20 hours for 15 weeks
Complete a project that you design
During WIL you need to:
have “hands on” experience with tasks related to your degree
undertake a workplace project where you connect theory with practice.
Students undertake a wide variety of work placements whereby they experience the complexity of the real world of hospitality and tourism first hand. It is essential that they have “hands on” experience with processes or tasks related to their field of study and undertake a workplace project alongside 20 hours of academic study.
Cooperative Education is an applied approach to learning where learning takes place in the workplace and students undertake a Cooperative Education Work Experience which includes an applied workplace project alongside academic study focused on writing about and reflecting on their professional experience.

5. Different forms of WIL placements
Paid or unpaid
Part of a permanent position
Extension of a part time job
Working on special projects
Covering staff on leave
Supporting teams in busy periods
Formal internships
Volunteering as a stepping stone and for your CV!

6. Industry Mentor / Supervisor YOU Student
Doing/Working
Communicating
Reflecting on experience
Researching theory
Writing .
Industry Mentor / Supervisor
YOU Student
Academic Supervisor
I have an exciting final semester where I integrate work with my learning and develop a relevant
workplace project
Working with you to focus your project
Feedback on drafts
Professionalism & advice
wider university resources
Work Integrated Learning
At their workplace
Weekly meetings Open communication

7. CareerHub Stages to complete – next actions
General Preparation: 3-6 months prior
CareerHub Stages to complete – next actions
Placement Approval: 2-4 weeks prior
General preparation
3-6 months prior
Start today
Information session TICK
WIL Registration DO-IT / TICK
Enrol on ARION
Start your Placement Search
Start now!
Step 7: Check you are enrolled on Arion Paper: HOSP797 or TOUR797
Once you have secured a placement complete steps 8-10
The 12 step handout includes the information you need to collect from you Industry Mentor (Step 9 Form).
Step 11: Megan & Yvonne sign online
Step 12: Automatic
All 12 steps must be completed

8. WIL resources Workgroup page
CareerHub > My Groups > Hospitality and Tourism WIL
Career Hospitality and Tourism Organisation
Career Hub

9. FAQs & Drop-In
Career Hospitality and Tourism Organisation
Career Hub

11. The AUT Edge Award
As well as good academic grades, employers also look for graduates with the ‘C’ skills: collaboration, co-operation, community, curiosity, communication and creativity. The AUT Edge Award helps you develop these skills. Components of the AUT Edge Award:
Volunteering
Employability
Leadership and challenge
Reflection

12. Where do you find a placement?
You may already have a job in the industry, you can ask if you can complete your placement there
You could get a paid job hoping that you would be able to complete your WIL placement at this job
You could approach industry organisations to ask if they would host you for your WIL placement
Start with the contacts you have already!

13. Networking
Contact people you know who work in the industry – family, friends, friends of friends
Contact people you know who know someone that works in the industry
What about your sports, cultural or church groups?
What about at your current part time job?
Use social media!
For helpful information read the Career Resources sheet: ‘Networking’

14. Contacting Employers Direct
Identify organisations you can approach directly.
Contacting employers directly can be hard to do at first, but with practise you will feel more confident.
Decide on how you will contact them i.e. , in person, phone
Make a spreadsheet to keep track of who, how and when you make contact

15. Spreadsheet headings Date Organisation Contacted Mode of contact
Contact Person details
Position applied for (formal or cold call for placement)
Follow-up date
Follow-up preparation (day, time, CV, interview outfit - in person?)
Notes to self

16. Helpful resources Preparing to meet a potential employer
How to talk to employers
Questions you may be asked in interviews
Check – Careerhub – for more really useful ideas

17. JOB and PLACEMENT SEARCH SKILLS
There is no one best method for finding placements or jobs.
It is effective to use a range of strategies.
Target your search to suitable placements and employers.
Do not rely on advertised positions alone
Diversify your job search methods to increase your success
Follow up your approaches to organisations
Consider an informational interview first
It is not easy so you need to remain positive and persevere!

18. Hints for finding a placement
Visit AUT Employability Lab
We have employability workshops!
Fine tune your professional profile
Including your online brand i.e. Linkedin
Reach out to your personal networks
cultural groups, sports clubs, church groups, social media

19. What is next? Complete stages 1 – 6 on CareerHub now!
Start your search now!
Have a placement agreement signed and uploaded to CareerHub two weeks prior to the semester start date.
Semester Two 2017 – by 3 July
Agreement signed by you and your industry mentor
Your placement is not officially confirmed until the placement agreement is uploaded to your Careerhub including the AUT signature

20. HOMEWORK
Watch this video of what employers have to say about WIL (formally Co-op)
Set up your placement search plan