Institution:
University of South Australia
Key Contact:
Daryl McMahon
UniSA Business Networking Events: Scaling Collaborative Partnerships
2024 ACEN Case Study Finalist
UniSA Business’ innovative Industry to Student Speed-Networking Events have increased the number of student-sourced placements, improved student networking skills, enhanced student employability, and strengthened talent pipelines for industry partners.
Since program commencement in 2019, student-sourced placements have increased from 26% to 66% through strengthening student networking and industry engagement skills. These are directly transferable to post-university employment, with 25% of students gaining employment with their host organisation, 50% being recommended for employment elsewhere, and 40% having an ongoing mentoring relationship.
Local industry awareness, engagement and satisfaction with internships has increased, demonstrated by the primary method of connection with new industry partners being through referral from existing partners. This desired outcome was part of the strategic design to enable better utilisation of our resources by reducing business development demands.
The program is championed across the tertiary sector as a best practice model for engaging industry in student placements.