Deakin graduates leave university prepared for a great career thanks to the quality of our course offerings and the commitment we have to continually enhancing the career prospects of our students. With a 5-star ranking for employability by QS Deakin University is recognised as a leading university for employability. Students can also be supported by Deakin to find work that suits their visa conditions while studying.
Gain practical experience with hands-on learning
Preparation for workplace success begins on students’ very first day at Deakin. Our approach to learning puts the emphasis on practical experience and our curriculum is informed by the best in industry. Whatever degree you choose, industry placements will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge and explore your career options. Key employability skills are embedded in every Deakin degree: communication, digital literacy, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, self-management, teamwork and global citizenship. When students demonstrate outstanding achievements in one of these skills, they can be awarded a Deakin Hallmark, formally celebrating their success, and allowing them to share it in their CV and digital platforms like LinkedIn.
Deakin has a long history of working with local and international industry and business to turn ideas into commercial reality, solve real-world problems and provides current and future employees with the skills they need for 21st century careers. Whether it is advanced manufacturing or food and fibre, Deakin graduates and academics are working at the cutting edge. The opportunity to do great work at university also increases the employability and career prospects of our students.
Career and employment support services
In keeping with that sharp focus on careers, Deakin also offers industry-leading career support through our unique DeakinTALENT services. DeakinTALENT is a leader among university careers services, bringing you multiple levels of support during your study – and beyond. As a Deakin graduate, you will have access to our career support services for life. They include career coaching, career education within the curriculum, career success workshops, cohort-based talent development programs, career resources, employer events and a global Jobs & Internships board. Students can access our digital services on-demand or register to attend a guided program through this website.
We have a wealth of expertise within the DeakinTALENT team. Our people come from a range of backgrounds bringing knowledge and experience from both the graduate recruitment and higher education industries; some have recruited graduates for major employers, some have worked in recruitment agencies and others have extensive experience working with students and graduates
The FreelancingHUB offers internships within a cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural team, developing a solution for a not-for-profit or community organisations. Each project team is assigned an experienced industry mentor/project manager. The FreelancingHUB gives interns an opportunity to explore working-for-self as a professional freelancer within a co-working space whilst developing key employability skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
Deakin International Students’ Careers (DISC) Program has been specifically designed for international students and graduates. It offers a suite of workshops to assist students in understanding the workplace, learn what employers are looking for, and help them connect with and present confidently to employers. The program includes networking events and also helps returning international graduates connect with their home employment market.
One option for students to maximise their employability post study, while combining work and study, is to undertake a Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) program. A WIL is an arrangement between you, your faculty and an employer that enables experiential learning such as an internship, practicum or placement. WIL programs may require previous study in the relevant discipline and have specific goals attached to your course as well as skill development objectives. These programs are generally unpaid and may require you to complete a specified number of work hours. The negotiated program usually involves specific tasks or a project monitored by a supervisor in the workplace.
Deakin was the first Australian university to appoint a Pro Vice Chancellor for graduate employment, Professor Dineli Mather. The position, established in response to a changing and challenging employment landscape for graduates, is another way Deakin is focused on ensuring it helps its graduates succeed in the world of work following their course.
An enhanced PhD experience
For students pursuing higher degrees, Deakin’s PhD Xtra program offers individualised learning plans tailored to what their studying. They’ll build a portfolio of evidence to track and prove the skills they’re developing as they conduct their research – communicating their findings, presenting to the media, developing grant ideas. PhD students interested in pursuing a career in Business and Industry are also offered a specially tailored program career development program.
Crucially, PhD Xtra includes the opportunity to undertake career pathway placements, allowing PhD candidates to form networks within the industries they’ll be graduating into and getting a foot in the door.
Studying at Deakin is a great way to succeed and to be prepared for the world of work. We have 5 star QS rating for world-class facilities, research and teaching, as well as employability, innovation and inclusiveness. Add to that our place in the top 1% of universities worldwide, and you can see why our world-class education attracts students from all over the globe.
