BIHM and BITM Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Information Session

A word from previous students…

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

What is Work Integrated Learning? The overall structure Final Semester of your degree = 60 Credits = Four Papers @ 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.

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!

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

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

WIL resources Workgroup page CareerHub > My Groups > Hospitality and Tourism WIL https://careerhub.aut.ac.nz/workgroups/hospitality-and-tourism-work-integrated-learning Career Hospitality and Tourism Organisation Career Hub

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

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

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!

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’

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. email, in person, phone Make a spreadsheet to keep track of who, how and when you make contact

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

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

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!

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

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

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