Universities that produce job-ready graduates

12 Feb 2019

The university experience is more than just finding your feet and securing a good degree in your specialist field. Universities have a duty to prepare students for the world beyond their walls. Student support, placement programmes and graduate opportunities are of paramount importance in today’s educational environment, and students should take notice of such programmes when considering their university options.

Here are four universities based in Australia and New Zealand that place an emphasis on granting students the tools needed to forge a successful career post-graduation…

UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES – AUSTRALIA

Founded in 1938, the University of New England has established itself as an integral part of education and industry in the state of New South Wales. Its focus lies on the future and success of students, providing them each with a personal and flexible approach to learning and professional development.

There are more than 200 undergraduate courses offered here, as well as postgraduate coursework and higher degree research levels with options to study online or on-campus. UNE has been a pioneer of teaching external students through digital correspondence, earning the title Australia’s most experienced provider of distance and online education.

“Most of our students are mature-aged, we know that they think very carefully about undertaking a course that is directly related to their chosen employment path,” says Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Todd Walker.

Source: University of New England

More than 70 percent of students at the university last year were 25 or older – with law, arts and business seeing the most enrolments.

Securing five stars for ‘Overall Student Experience’ for the thirteenth consecutive year, UNE currently ranks number one for providing the best student experience of any higher education institution in the state of New South Wales (NSW). This is according to the Good Universities Guide, which also ranked UNE as the top university for Student Support and Teaching Quality.

Graduates of UNE can expect higher pay and better chances of full-time work. The Armidale university has placed in the top five for high full-time salaries immediately after graduation, a Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching survey reveals. Students at UNE could expect to earn in excess of AU$64,000 on average in 2018, AU$4,000 more than the industry average.

“Once again, UNE’s excellent GUG ratings were earned by our staff,” notes Professor Anabelle Duncan, Vice Chancellor of the University. “It is due to the hard work and capability of our staff that UNE’s students feel well supported, and a testament to this support that UNE is a top-rating university for graduate employment and graduate starting salary.”

University of New England CRICOS Provider Number 00003G

CURTIN UNIVERSITY, PERTH – AUSTRALIA

As Western Australia’s largest and most culturally diverse university, Curtin University prides itself on its innovative approach to teaching and research. Vibrant campuses, welcoming spaces, industry connections and first-class learning practices place Curtin in the top one percent of universities worldwide, according to the highly-regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities 2018.

Source: Curtin University

Curtin has also been ranked in the top 100 of the world’s leading further education institutions for growth in high quality science, as well as in the top 10 academic institutions in Australia by the Nature Index 2018.

Curtin boasts a range of industry-aligned undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, humanities, health, engineering and science across its campuses and online. Select courses in specialty locations across Western Australia are also available, including the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie.

Research conducted at Curtin has grown increasingly prominent over the past few years. Curtin is aiming to strike a balance between research that solves defined problems for industry and society, and research that pushes the boundaries of understanding.

Through strong industry ties, the university exposes students to experiences that could shape their future career, learning new trades and skills that will be desirable to future employers. Furthermore, students can benefit from exposure to research that’s making a tangible difference to industry and the community at national and international levels.

“In recent years, Curtin has experienced a rapid rise up the international university rankings,” explains Professor Deborah Terry, Vice Chancellor of Curtin University. “As a university that never settles, we will continue to develop existing partnerships and establish new ones in areas relevant to our teaching and research.”

FLINDERS UNIVERSITY, ADELAIDE – AUSTRALIA

South Australia-based Flinders University is a great option for students looking to develop and hone their skills in preparation for the world. Set in a range of locations, students can find themselves surrounded by the leafy grounds of the Bedford Park campus, immersed in the CBD at Victoria Square, or contemplating the future of industry at the university’s state-of-the-art Tonsley facility.

Source: Flinders University

For more than half a century, Flinders has been a driving force for innovation and achievement, conducting ground-breaking research and supporting the growth of local industry and community. An extensive network of partners helps maintain the university’s commitment to current and important research, supporting the creation of enterprising solutions for tomorrow’s world.

Internationally recognised teachers stimulate and inspire all students, challenging them to reach new heights and fulfil their potential. Students will be up-to-date with industry trends and relevant news, all while taking part in professional placement opportunities and practical experiences that ensure they’re work-ready upon graduation.

Whether you want to explore a topic you’re interested in, research a whole new topic or become an expert in a specialist field, Flanders has the facilities to help you reach your goals. A specific programme focused on future employability is also available to help develop your skills professionally, while industry engagement through internships, scholarships, industry supervisors and collaborative projects will make you an invaluable asset to employers.

AUCKLAND UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY (AUT), AUCKLAND – NEW ZEALAND

AUT creates graduates who are world ready, not just career ready. Curiosity, creativity, connection and collaboration are at the core of AUT’s teaching philosophy, ensuring students leave ready to thrive in a world of rapid technological change.

Source: Auckland University of Technology

Ranked in the top 1.2 percent of universities worldwide, AUT boasts a range of accolades, including being ranked number one for global research impact in New Zealand, number one in Australia for international outlook, top rated for academic teaching, and a five-star rating for graduate employability, according to the QS Stars 2016-19.

AUT has three campuses across Auckland, home to more than 29,000 students from over 150 countries worldwide. A vibrant and diverse community encourages all students to get involved and make the most of their university experience. State-of-the-art facilities and bonds with surrounding communities mean there’s a range of opportunities for students to find what makes them tick and thrive at AUT.

There are more than 250 courses to choose from here, all with a focus on collaboration and innovative teaching. Contemporary approaches are fostered by all teachers, who firmly believe in learners’ creative capabilities. Students learn how think critically and communicate with a broad understanding of the wider world, setting them up to find the career that’s best suited to their unique needs and interests.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International