Virtual Industry Projects
Ready to boost your employability? Join Virtual Industry Projects to gain practical, degree-relevant experience. Work on a real-world business project, receive client mentorship, expand your network, and kick-start your career!
What is Virtual Industry Projects?
Virtual Industry Projects is an immersive online program designed to equip you with practical skills sought after by employers. Delivered by the University of Melbourne, in conjunction with Practera, you will be matched with a client and take on the role of a ‘consultant’ to address a real-world business issue for their organisation.
Running from Monday, 24 June to Sunday, 5 July, this two week program allows you the flexibility to work at your own pace from anywhere in the world. Working within a small, diverse team, you’ll develop and present your solution, and should be prepared to dedicate 25 hours during this time.
Choose from four project specialisations:
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Funding and Finance
Assist your client in exploring available funding options such as debt, venture capital, or grants. Tasks include researching funding sources and investors, compiling a comprehensive list of potential options, and crafting a report outlining the top 3-5 funding sources. The report will also provide an overview of the current market sentiment within the specified area and sector.
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Digital Marketing Strategy
Craft a comprehensive digital marketing strategy tailored to your client’s needs, whether it’s to amplify their current online presence or establish new digital media platforms. Tasks include defining your client’s organisation and target audience, evaluating their existing digital marketing channels (if applicable), researching successful digital marketing tactics used by similar organisations, and presenting actionable recommendations. These recommendations will be based on industry trends and in-depth research findings to propel your client's future digital marketing efforts.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Guide your client in understanding and integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their sector. Tasks include thorough research on current AI trends, exploration of diverse AI types and platforms, analysis of competitor case studies, identification of areas for AI enhancement, and the provision of tailored AI strategy recommendations for seamless implementation.
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Growth Strategy
Join forces with your client to craft a growth strategy focused on marketing, product enhancement, or new customer channels. Tasks include researching industry trends, analysing customer needs and behaviours, conducting competitor analysis, and identifying opportunities for the organisation to overcome challenges and achieve substantial growth.
Why should I participate?
Participating in Virtual Industry Projects offers a range of benefits:
- Degree-relevant experience: Gain hands-on real-world experience and insider perspectives
- Career readiness: Develop sought-after transferable skills to enhance your employability
- Networking opportunities: Strengthen your interpersonal skills, and form meaningful connections with peers and industry representatives
- Personal growth: Challenge yourself and build confidence in a supportive environment
Key dates: Winter 2024
| Action | Date | Time (AEST) |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Open | Monday, 6 May | 9am |
| Applications Close | Sunday, 2 June | 11:59pm |
| Application Outcome | Thursday, 6 June | Before 5pm |
| Confirm Your Participation | Sunday, 9 June | 11:59pm |
| Handover to Practera | Week commencing Monday, 10 June | N/A |
| Undertake Your Project - Meet your team and you client - Get to work - Receive feedback from your client - Produce your final report - Obtain a digital certificate - Apply for Melbourne Plus accreditation | Monday, 24 June to Friday, 5 July | 25 hours total (work at your own pace) |
Am I eligible?
To apply for Virtual Industry Projects, you must be enrolled in the Faculty of Business and Economics and able to commit 25 hours over the two week duration of the program.
How do I apply?
Applications for Winter 2024 will open on Monday, 6 May at 9am (AEST). Places are limited.
Earn Melbourne Plus recognition
Melbourne Plus is the University's flagship co-curricular recognition program. By completing Virtual Industry Projects you will be invited to complete a reflective piece to earn the 'Innovation' Melbourne Plus digital credential to share with your network (e.g. on your resume or LinkedIn profile).
Contact us
If you have a question regarding Virtual Industry Projects, please email us at fbe-employability@unimelb.edu.au.