The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program at QUT is designed to give you the chance to gain practical experience in the workforce before you graduate. With opportunities like internships, work placements, and real industry projects, you can start building your skills and making connections in your chosen industry right now.
WIL student stories
Gain experience with an organisation that interests you
Putu Masnanda Wisnu Birawa
Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours) (Landscape Architecture) student
'I have undertaken a Work Integrated Learning internship at Trinity Skatepark, where I received credit for my QUT course. QUT gave us the freedom to select the landscape firm we wished to intern with, and I discovered this opportunity promoted by the university through my student email. I was involved in various tasks related to drafting and design using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D-modelling tools. I assisted in the development of design plans for the skatepark, including layout designs, detailed technical drawings, and 3D visualisations. Working on site at Trinity Skatepark allowed me to see first-hand how landscape architecture principles are implemented in practice, and how designs evolve in response to site constraints and user needs.'
Explore our architecture and built environment courses
Add real-world projects to your professional portfolio
Jaspreet Kaur (Jess) Jaswal
Master of Business (Integrated Marketing Communication) graduate
'All the practical experience I got when studying has been very beneficial when starting work. I often refer to projects I did at uni since the skills I acquired at QUT are very transferrable, specifically Work Integrated Learning where you work on a real industry problem. My project was for RACQ where I worked with four other team members on a marketing proposal and strategy, coming up with a solution for RACQ to bundle their services with their members and market it to customers. My role was to research the personas and build the customer journey. At the end of the project, we pitched our ideas to RACQ among five other groups and our team won. Another real-world project I did was a business proposal for Food Connect. The company was very impressed and I got a 30-day paid internship, where I had to implement my ideas.'
Explore our business courses
Build your industry skills
Ki Wan (Gladys) Fung
Bachelor of Communication graduate
'During my Work Integrated Learning (WIL) unit, I had the privilege of completing work experience at La Boite Theatre. The most valuable takeaway from this experience was acquiring real-life skills in a professional workplace. I had the opportunity to engage with clients, collaborate with team members from various departments, and contribute to administrative tasks. Overall, my WIL experience at La Boite Theatre enriched my skill set and provided valuable insights into working in a theatrical environment.'
Explore our communication courses
Collaborate with students across disciplines
Arissa Ausrin
Bachelor of Creative Industries student
'During my studies, I undertook a unit called Creative Industries Project (KKB345). As part of this project, I was involved with our student-run record label, Vermilion Records. This experience enabled me to gain skills in coordinating the magazine team. I also met and collaborated with students from other creative disciplines, which broadened my perspective.'
Explore our creative arts courses
Immerse yourself in your industry
Jia Yee Lim
Bachelor of Design (Interaction Design) student
'As part of my degree, I engaged in a 100-hour work-integrated learning internship with Your Marketing Machines as a summer unit. In my internship role as a UI/UX designer, I was tasked with conducting comprehensive website audits, crafting user journeys, and developing high-fidelity prototypes for clients.
The most valuable aspect of this experience was the opportunity to present solutions directly to clients. This not only enhanced my communication and presentation skills but also provided a real-world understanding of client interactions. Additionally, immersing myself in the Australian working environment well in advance of graduation was an eye-opening and enriching experience.'
Explore our design courses
Explore your specialised field
Signe Schmidt
Master of Professional Engineering (Civil with Management) student
'I gained work experience as a student assistant in the civil structures department at Arup, which is an engineering company in Brisbane. I focused on civil projects, for example carrying out calculations on retaining walls or noise barrier walls. I found that understanding the professional work culture in Australia, which I really enjoy, was a valuable experience.'
Explore our engineering courses
Consolidate your career choice
Ola Khalil
Master of Social Work student
'During my first year at QUT, I undertook my first-ever social work placement at a not-for-profit organisation that supported young children who lived with rare conditions and their families. Hearing the stories of these families and learning about their journey to diagnosis, their everyday trials and tribulations, as well as the pockets of joy they find every day has inspired me. More importantly, it reaffirmed my commitment to advocate for the voiceless. These experiences have played a crucial role in shaping my understanding and refining my skills as a future social worker, extending beyond conventional learning environments.'
Explore our health courses
Connect with future employers
Grace (Siu) Ng
Master of information Technology student
'One of my favourite parts of my course is the capstone industrial project. This unit focuses on building partnerships with industries and providing chances to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings through projects. I was even offered a job as a Business Analyst by the industry partner after I had presented the innovative prototype they were looking for, which gave me valuable practical experience and insights into the field. The research project not only deepened my understanding of current market trends but also gave me a chance to share a creative idea about how Internet of Things can be used in agricultural technology in remote parts of Australia.'
Explore our information technology and games courses
Enhance your learning
Jerry Morris
Bachelor of Justice student
'As part of my Bachelor of Justice work experience at QUT, I had the valuable opportunity to serve as a student partner reviewer at QUT You, an innovative new curriculum designed to prepare students for a rapidly changing future. Within this role, I actively contributed to the design and development of 10 new interdisciplinary units set to launch in 2024. This experience not only expanded my network beyond my discipline but also fostered a deep appreciation for the diversity in course suitability.'
Explore our justice courses
Learn from professionals
Ilhami Thurayya Md Shuhaime
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies graduate
'As part of my Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice studies, I undertook a four-week work experience placement at an Australian law firm, Auslaw Partners. Throughout this experience, I acquired a wealth of knowledge from the firm's professionals. Working closely with my supervisor was an invaluable experience, as her mentorship and guidance not only expanded my legal knowledge but also provided deeper insights into the practical aspects of legal practice. My work placement experiences have truly contributed to my professional development and have set a high standard for me to aspire to in my future endeavours within the legal field.'
Explore our law courses
Contribute to exciting research projects
Thanh Long (Oliver) Vu
Bachelor of Data Science student
'During my time studying at QUT, I had the privilege to engage in numerous research projects in collaboration with esteemed industry partners, including Cancer Council Queensland (CCQ) and Queensland Academy of Sports (QAS). At the Cancer Council I was working as a Visiting Researcher as part of the Vacation Research Experience Scheme (VRES) of the Faculty of Science. I collaborated with incredible researchers from both QUT and CCQ to work on the Australia Cancer Atlas project. I’ve also been working on an exciting data science project around QAS YouFor2032 Program, which is instrumental in selecting potential athletes for the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Armed with the invaluable experiences gained at QUT, I recently secured a position as a Data Assurance Vacationer at PwC Australia, set to commence this coming summer.'
Explore our mathematics and data science courses
Hands-on learning in the field
Emmanuel Ong Zhengzhong
Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences) and Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) student
'My favourite parts of my course are going out into the forests to do surveys on the trees in QUT's Samford Ecological Research Facility (SERF). I do not think I can get to experience this side of Brisbane in any other way. It is definitely better to visualise the concepts once we are out there collecting data.
The only constant is change and I think QUT not only equips us with the right knowledge but with the right attitude to learn constantly and be aware of how the world is reacting to our field of study. From researching real-world problems of the theories we learn to actually engaging in debates over these problems, we become more prepared for what the real world has in store for us.'
Explore our science courses
Put theory into practice
Natalie Chow
Master of Teaching (Primary) graduate
'My teaching placements proved to be incredibly valuable. These experiences exposed me to diverse teaching strategies and classroom environments across different schools. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations equipped me with effective behaviour management skills and emphasised the importance of thoughtful lesson planning tailored to learners.'
Explore our teaching and education coursesExplore our study areas
Support during work-integrated learning
We support you during work integrated learning so that you can succeed in your projects and give yourself the best headstart in your career. As a QUT student, you’ll have access to free counselling, career guidance and financial advice.
We have scholarships for high-achieving students and students from low-income backgrounds. We also offer financial support specifically for students undertaking work integrated learning to help cover extra costs of placement and internships. Check your eligibility for:
Depending on your study area, there may be additional financial support options for your work integrated learning experience.
More student stories
Want to hear more from international QUT students and graduates? Read about what it’s like to live in Brisbane and study at QUT on our International Insights blog.