Institution:
Monash University
Key Contact:
Associate Professor Susie Ho
Unlocking Australia’s Potential: The Monash Innovation Guarantee is shaping the next generation of leaders through WIL
2024 ACEN Case Study Finalist
An Australian First
In a rapidly changing world and work environment, innovation skills are in demand by employers across the whole of the economy and are no longer a ‘nice to have’. All learners require the capacity to find opportunity in disruption, manage a dynamic career and create innovative solutions to global challenges (World Economic Forum, 2023). But how do we ensure all learners have access to innovative industry experiences, to develop the next generation of regional leaders and build capacity for Australia and globally?
The Monash Innovation Guarantee (MIG) is a groundbreaking teaching program that pushes the boundaries and fosters student employability and empowerment while bridging the gap between academia and industry. A 3-week credit-bearing industry experience, MIG enables students from 93 degrees to collaborate with industry leaders and Australian innovators to develop solutions to key global challenges within the workplace.
The first program of its kind in Australia, MIG brings undergraduates from all disciplines together with diverse organisations at scale. We work with large corporations, SMEs, NPOs, startups and UN and government agencies. And, due to our unique scalable design, we guarantee all interested students a place, with no interviews or applications, delivering access and inclusion.
The program recognises student talent, allowing students to directly solve industry challenges today, not 10 years after they graduate. It results in fresh ideas that drive social, economic and environmental outcomes across a wide range of industries. As a testament to its impact, 65-70% of students’ innovation solutions are implemented in the partner organisations.
MIG is proven to improve students’ employability skills, innovation mindsets and industry networks, to position graduates at the forefront of social and commercial enterprise. MIG has proven to enhance collaborative skills, sharpen problem solving abilities and instill confidence and enjoys 100% industry satisfaction.
“The MIG has been an experience like no other. More than just a unit – proof that we all have what it takes to drive the innovation of tomorrow, today.” – Geoffrey Meng (unsolicited student perspective).