Experience the real world
No matter which course you choose, at QUT you'll be able to take your learning beyond the classroom with work integrated learning opportunities.
From site visits and field work, to industry or community projects, internships and placement, you’ll have the opportunity to put your knowledge into practice and develop skills to launch your career.
For example, our optometry students travel to remote and regional communities to deliver services for eye health. Creative arts students can work on the student-run record label, recording, producing, managing and promoting artists and their music. And our business students analyse real-world challenges, presenting their findings and pitching solutions to industry or corporate partners.
But don’t just take our word for it, hear what our students have to say.
Creative collaboration
'There are so many moving parts, so many elements - you really get to dip your toe into different areas of the music industry. If you're not confident being a full-time producer, you can explore managing, media, events, and bookings. It’s a great way to start looking into music management.'
Power of study
QUT provides students with work-integrated learning to prepare them for a real world career.
Science and engineering student Brad talks about his on-the-job learning experiences at NOJA Power.
Real world placements
If you’re pursuing a Bachelor of Education or a Master of Teaching, you will engage in placements within real classrooms and educational settings, preparing you for the real world. These professional experiences are highly valued by both students and employers, and they help enhance your skills as you study.
Industry internships
Biomedical science student Elsie shares her experiences of practical learning at QUT, and what it was like to do work experience with the Translational Research Institute studying the effects of alcohol and sugar on the brain.
Industry experience with design
'During my course I elected to complete a work integrated learning (WIL) minor to compliment my industrial design major and other minor in graphic design. This gave me the opportunity to complete internships and start gaining industry experience prior to completion of my degree – something I’m glad I did, as I ended up learning a lot and getting some part time work at one of the companies.'
Engineering the future
Science and engineering student Tharanga has been getting valuable hands-on experience with her placement at GPA Engineering.
The placement has bridged the gaps in her knowledge and given her insight into a range of industries.
Work experience
'As part of HopgoodGanim Lawyers' First Nations Startup Pro Bono Clinic, I worked with the pro bono team and other departments, taking part in client interviews, researching, drafting service agreements, and facilitating communication between clients and teams.
As a proud First Nations person one of my main goals is giving back to the community, which is something this program has given me the ability to do.'
Work in the real world
QUT provides students with work-integrated learning to prepare them for a real world career.
Rachel has gained real world communications and PR experience at Rowland during her degree.
Workplace learning
As part of his social work and psychology degree, Dan has a work-integrated learning placement at Stepping Stone Clubhouse.
There he puts his university skills into practice and works and learns alongside social workers and psychologists.
Real-world context
'Through the work integrated learning embedded into the Bachelor of Business, I've had the opportunity to intern at W Brisbane and earn credit towards my degree at the same time. During my internship I engaged in a range of marketing activities which allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge from my studies in a practical, real-world context.'
Practical learning opportunities
Araniya’s pharmacy degree involves working in laboratories, compounding medicines, working in clinics and hospitals, and assisting in research. There is a wide range of different career options available to pharmacy graduates.
Real client briefs
The final year capstone project enables IT and games students to tackle a real industry problem and present their work at the end-of-year showcase and networking event. In 2024, 217 students collaborated with 48 industry partners across 56 team projects.
