Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is one of the ways that Swinburne Online helps students to bridge the gap between study and career goals. Through placements, internships and industry projects, WIL gives students the opportunity to apply their learning in relevant, real-world settings. Each project gives you the chance to explore a potential career path while developing practical, industry-relevant skills.
For Bachelor of Media and Communication student Leah, a WIL internship at Swinburne Online provided valuable insight into the education sector and communications strategies. Leah decided to study because she was already working in communications and wanted to build her qualifications while expanding her marketing skills.
Through the Media and Communications project, students work alongside the Marketing and Social Media teams at Swinburne Online to gain hands-on experience in communication, stakeholder engagement, and audience-focused messaging. It provides flexible, interactive learning and support, enabling students to gain accredited qualifications in a digital environment.
How WIL supports students
Through the WIL internship, Leah gained a behind-the-scenes perspective on how student opportunities are developed in higher education.
“One of my biggest takeaways from this experience was getting to see how communications teams operate within a university/education sector,” says Leah. “I gained insight into their everyday work, as well as how the WIL team collaborates with industry partners to create meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students. It also stood out to me that Swinburne only selects partners that align with its organisational values.”
Practical experience in communications
With previous communications experience, Leah felt confident taking on the internship. What stood out for her most, however, was the level of coordination and stakeholder engagement required behind the scenes, particularly when collaborating with industry partners. The experience showed Leah how important brand guidelines, clear communication, and stakeholder relationships are when delivering a positive student experience. It also reinforced the importance of creating engaging, audience-focused communications.
“I had the opportunity to develop my skills in social media content creation, research, professional communication, and networking,” she says.
Leah worked closely with the Academic, Marketing and Social Media teams and received valuable feedback. This was particularly useful in helping her learn how to tailor messaging for different audiences. This is an important skill that she could apply to her work for the remainder of her degree, as well as her current role.
New perspectives for your career path
The internship gave Leah valuable insight into the work involved in delivering educational programs and sparked an interest in the education and not-for-profit sectors.
“I think it would be a rewarding space to work in, especially early in my career, as I appreciate the structure and opportunities to learn best practice.”
Building confidence through knowledge
“I am lucky enough to already be working in a communications role, which is what prompted me to study in the field as I had quite strong feelings of imposter syndrome,” explains Leah. “I’m now just about done with my first year of university, and I can already see a huge improvement in my confidence.”
With her new skills and industry knowledge, Leah has managed to secure a government role as an Internal Communications Advisor. She credits her degree and the Media and Communications internship with helping her pursue this new career path. She says the skills she gained gave her the confidence to step out of her comfort zone and pursue a new role in communications.
How WIL can support career readiness
Leah highly recommends the Work Integrated Learning program to other students. For her, the internship helped to further develop her skills in stakeholder engagement and the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences. The feedback, support, and practical experience helped Leah build confidence and feel more prepared for the next step in her career.
“The support and mentorship I received from the team made a huge difference, and I was able to apply what I’ve learned in my coursework in a real-world setting. It also exposed me to a different sector which helped build my professional network.”
Interested in gaining practical industry experience during your studies?
Learn more about Work Integrated Learning opportunities by contacting the WIL team or explore more student experiences on the Swinburne Online blog.
More about Work Integrated Learning:
- – Work Integrated Learning (WIL): How Swinburne Helps You Gain Experience While You Study
- – Work Integrated Learning: Kelly & Windsor Consulting Project
- – Work Integrated Learning: Talitha’s Experience Applying Study in the Workplace
Publish date: 7 Aug 2026
*Please note that fees and/or statistics are subject to change each year.
