Currently studying a Bachelor of Engineering with a major in construction at Swinburne University, Mr Friday returned to his home town of Echuca-Moama to complete a regional-based placement at The Wedge Group.
Spending last year in a paid role at the engineering and project management consulting firm in Echuca, Mr Friday said he was able to gain valuable experience towards his goal of working in the construction industry.
“It was really good; there were a wide range of projects, and I was a junior engineer under the head engineer,” he said.
“Day to day I was mostly in the office, doing technical engineering and drafting.
“But I did get out and do work on the new bridge and at the fish hatchery they’re building over in Arcadia and then up in Jerilderie for different water authorities.”
Though his placement adds another year onto his degree, Mr Friday said the potential for industry experience while at university was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I thought it would be a really good way to get a foot in the door of the industry,” he said.
“It stands out on your resume if you’ve had a bit of actual real-world experience.”
Mr Friday said the placement also gave him further clarity about his future career goals.
“While it was largely office based, it did show me I didn’t want to work in an office full-time,” he said.
“I want to get more an on-site construction manager type role, so it does show you what you do and don’t want to end up doing.”
From this year, all Swinburne undergraduate degrees will include guaranteed real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or industry-linked projects.
Swinburne’s deputy vice chancellor Chris Pilgrim said this would build upon the university’s legacy of offering industry experience to its students.
“Employers know that graduate work readiness isn’t just about qualifications,” Mr Pilgrim said.
“It’s about work-relevant learning that will help graduates transition seamlessly into career roles and add value in those roles.”
Students in ‘professional degrees’ like Mr Friday can undertake a year-long paid placement, while others will have access to optional placements and internships, or work on an industry project.
“Employers are more likely to be drawn to those who already have a strong foundation of skills, knowledge and real-world experience, and are ready for the challenges the workplace brings,” Mr Pilgrim said.
Mr Friday said prospective university students should take up the opportunity of placements or internships with both hands.
“Even if the role isn’t exactly what you want it to be, it’s still an opportunity to get your foot in the door and try that industry and break up the university routine,” Mr Friday said.
“Then once you get back to university, it kind of clicks together what you’ve been learning.”
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