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Industry-Based Learning Employer & Student Testimonials

In a recent survey IBL employers were asked what they regarded as the best aspect(s) of the program. Here are some of their answers:

  • The program provides us with a much valued extra pair of hands and enables us to train possible future staff.
  • IBL allows students a time to consolidate their learning, apply working knowledge and return to uni with new skills and motivation.
  • Students are given a chance to experience a professional placement in order to decide whether they are taking the correct path.
  • I think IBL is the most important thing you can do at uni. It seems that the most dedicated and valuable students are those with a genuine passion for what they do. I will continue to endorse the program and employ future students.
  • We have been very lucky over the years to have had an opportunity to work with an enthusiastic and delightful group of Swinburne students. We have employed quite a few of them and they are all very valuable members of our department. We hope to continue this trend in the future. Having two IBL positions in 2003 allowed us to provide comprehensive training. We believe this helps the students chances of obtaining a job placement after graduation.
  • We get to work with intelligent, bright and enthusiastic students who are eager to learn and very keen to impress. The students are given important tasks and treated as employees of our organisation, with the same demands, expectations, guidance and support given to all staff members. As a result of their studies, they bring new ideas and different approaches for us to consider. They are versatile and adaptable and in the IT industry, this is very important. For the students, I think it is an excellent introduction to the work environment. It can help them confirm future career directions.

Industry-Based Learning Student Testimonials

As part of the double degree, Bachelor of Science (Medical Biophysics and Instrumentation)/Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronic), Kristy Battista undertook her IBL in the Health Technology Services Department of Southern Health. The department is a provider of technical support, assisting in managing medical, telecommunications and information technology equipment.

Kristy says “My experience at Health Technology Services was a genuine success. It was enjoyable, challenging, fulfilling and vastly enhanced my technical abilities. I learnt from others knowledge and experience whilst being entrusted with responsibility and the chance to design and develop new medical testing devices.”

“I recommend IBL as it provides Swinburne students with the opportunity to round-off their university education with what I believe to be invaluable practical experience in the field of their choice.”

January - December 2003

Martin Ellingsen, a student in the double degree Bachelor of Science (Medical Biophysics and Instrumentation)/Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical and Electronics Engineering) undertook his IBL at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in Sydney.

Martin says, “Do IBL, you won't regret it! All my goals for the IBL year were met and often superseded during my time at ANSTO. I have gained invaluable experience while undertaking various projects at ANSTO. This has given me a confidence to continue with study that could not have come from any other avenue or course subject. I highly recommend this program for all upcoming students.”

January - December 2003

Julia Glass, a student in the double degree Bachelor of Multimedia (Business Marketing) undertook her IBL at the Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited.

IBL Manager, Chris Siddons says, “Julia started at Ford with little knowledge of cars, but through her determination and desire to learn was given additional responsibilities. Julia seized opportunities to lead and manage various projects, achieved some significant work outcomes, and was asked to continue with Ford in a part-time capacity at the end of IBL placement.”

Julia was awarded the IBL Prize in March 2004. This prize is awarded to the student who best maximises their IBL opportunity, who receives excellent feedback from their IBL employer and who submits an outstanding IBL report.

January - December 2003

A student in the double degree, Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunications and Internet Technologies/Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software Engineering, Tristan Lushey completed 12 months of Industry-Based Learning at Pacific Broadband Networks, a leading Australian manufacturer of optical broadband and communications technology.

Tristan says, "My experience was very rewarding. Not only was I able to use the technical and theoretical knowledge learnt at University and apply it to real-life projects, but I was also exposed to many situations that demanded skills one can only learn from working in the industry.”

“For me, IBL was invaluable towards shaping my career goals and aspirations for the future. I unreservedly recommend the IBL program and suggest it as an option for all students to consider."

January - December 2003