UEA students experience real-world business challenges in Australia
By: Communications
Students at the University of East Anglia have been given the chance to gain valuable international experience in real-world business challenges through a skills boosting programme in Australia.
The students took part in a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programme at Deakin University last month.
The programme is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, marking a decade of providing students with hands-on industry experience and global learning opportunities.
Over an intensive two-week period, the students worked closely with clients to understand business challenges, develop recommendations and present their solutions to industry professionals.
Designed to bridge academic learning with practical experience, the programme enabled students to apply knowledge from their degree courses in a professional environment while developing key employability skills including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and networking.
Students also benefited from working and living in a different country, helping them build confidence, independence and adaptability while broadening their understanding of global business practices.
Third-year Economics and Finance student, Maria Micinska, said: “Taking part in something completely new, in a different country and with people I'd just met pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me more adaptable and confident.
"Most importantly, the programme gave me a much clearer understanding of what I want to do after graduation and the steps I need to take to achieve it."
Chelsea Koomson, now an Accounting and Finance graduate, added: "Working on a real-world project with an international team strengthened my teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.
“At the same time, living and working in a new environment helped me build confidence, independence and adaptability."
Uche Nweke, now a Business Analytics and Management graduate, said: "It was an opportunity that almost sounded too good to be true, giving me the chance to learn, work and experience another culture in a way I'll never forget."
Prof Amir Sharif, Head of Norwich Business School, said: "The WIL programme forms part of UEA's commitment to providing students with opportunities to gain practical experience alongside their academic studies.
"By working on live business challenges and engaging directly with industry partners, students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to succeed in today's workplace.
"Through partnerships with universities around the world, programmes such as this also give students the opportunity to experience different cultures, develop an international perspective and build professional networks that can support their future careers."
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