Briefly describe your WIL focus area (up to 50 words)
Our model for quality stakeholder engagement explains the customer relationship management process, supporting both academic and professional staff in fostering long-term industry partnerships. It has been instrumental in WIL placements and projects, addressing challenges like differing priorities and communication barriers to ensure sustainable collaboration and ongoing WIL success.
What did you hope to gain from participating in the conference? (up to 50 words)
I hoped stakeholders would gain a deeper understanding of the challenges in quality stakeholder engagement and the customer relationship management process. Relationships are not transactional but ongoing. Recognising this fosters innovation and enhances WIL educational experiences, ensuring sustainable industry collaborations that provide meaningful opportunities for students.
What positive experiences did you have at the conference? (up to 50 words)
Networking with like-minded professionals passionate about WIL was a standout experience. Engaging with keynote speakers and exploring the Gen AI journey for academics was particularly exciting. It provides valuable insights into how AI can enhance critical thinking, deepening my understanding of its potential applications in WIL and higher education.
How might your conference experiences influence your WIL career progression (up to 50 words)
I returned invigorated! As I pursue my Master of Education, the conference build on my enthusiasm for WIL and inspired me to further explore research in this space. The insights gained will continue to drive and shape my approach to stakeholder engagement and innovation, supporting my career progression in WIL-focused education and industry collaboration.
Do you have any suggestions to improve the conference experience? (up to 50 words)
The conference was fantastic, invigorating, fun, educational, and exceptionally well-organised! I couldn’t fault anything and am grateful for the opportunity. If anything, I would love to attend even more interactive sessions in the future. Huge thanks to ACEN for an outstanding experience!