Placements

If you have an identified career pathway in mind, or even if you simply want to ‘test the waters’, the option of completing a career pathway placement will add another element to your individualised learning program. If you are planning a research-intensive career, a placement within a collaborating research group or laboratory may be negotiated. If you are aiming for a career in industry, government, the public sector or the creative arts, a placement may be negotiated within a relevant organisation to suit your needs. Your placement must be related to your general field of study but in most cases does not need to be related to your research project.

Placement opportunities are available to domestic and international higher degree by research students and the capacity to undertake one will be dependent on the timing and availability. In many cases, it is likely that you and your supervisors will need to play an important role in identifying potential placement providers.

A placement can be taken during any stage of your candidature, including the period that your thesis is under examination.

Benefits

There are many benefits for students, supervisors and businesses to undertake a placement, some of these are listed below or via the Career Pathways Placements benefits overview flyer (PDF, 269.7KB).

Benefits for students

Valuable practical industry/business experience.
Professional network-building opportunities.
Relevant organisation experience to suit your career aspirations.
Potential future employment opportunities.
Possibility for stipend payments.

Benefits for supervisors

New platform for industry engagement.
Potential future placement opportunities.
Mentoring a student in a business environment.
Potential future research collaborations.

Benefits for businesses

Develop and innovate their business.
Access to high-level expertise and knowledge.
Connection with Deakin University experts.
Potential recruitment opportunities.

Eligibility and rules

While there is significant flexibility around placement arrangements, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind.

As a student you must:

be currently enrolled in a PhD or Master by Research degree at Deakin
have successfully completed your confirmation of candidature, but placements can be undertaken before confirmation where there is a direct link to your research project
be making satisfactory progress in your candidature
have discussed the placement with your supervisor and acquired the required sign off
be aware that the placement must be completed within your normal candidature time limit - candidature extensions will not be approved due to time spent on placement nor can you undertake a placement whilst on intermission
acknowledge that the maximum time you can spend on a placement is six months (periods of three to five months are more likely)
remain an enrolled student for the full duration of your placement - if under examination you cannot submit the Minor Amendments/Library Copy of thesis until the placement is complete
record your placement, including the final project report, in your Individual Learning Plan

Please ensure you read through the Deakin University Student Placement Procedure as well as the HDR Placement Guidelines (PDF, 222.3KB) for further information.

Partnerships

Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR Intern)

Deakin has partnered with APR Intern, a not-for-profit program that pairs PhD and Master by Research students with industry to undertake 3 – 5 month research internships.
VCCC Alliance SKILLED Clinical Trial Internships Program (VCCC)

Deakin has partnered with the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) Alliance to provide domestic PhD students the opportunity to gain skills, experience, and networks within clinical trials.

How to apply

How to apply for placements at Deakin

If you are interested in undertaking a placement but haven’t yet identified an industry partner or organisation to collaborate with, you should complete the Expression of Interest form (PDF, 761.2KB).

We recommend that you fill out this form with your supervisor to begin the preliminary conversation and assist with identifying potential opportunities. During this process the Graduate Research Academy (GRA) can help support you in finding opportunities and approaching potential industries to develop a project. Contact the GRA to book a meeting or for further information.

The following documents are provided to assist you with the organisation and management of placements.

If you are ready to apply to undertake a Career Pathway Placement please review the forms and documents below. These are provided to assist you with the organisation and management of placements. Please ensure you also check with your academic unit for area specific requirements and processes.

Please review the following:

External business or organisation

If you have identified and consolidated a research project with an external business or organisation, with the support of your Principle Supervisor, you must identify an Academic Mentor (this can be the Principle Supervisor) and complete a Career Pathway Placement Project Plan (DOCX, 33.4KB).

The Graduate Research Academy (GRA) will then provide guidance and assistance in developing the placement project plan and facilitate the contractual agreement between the student and external organisation/business. Contact a GRA staff member for support.

Once the placement has finished you must complete the Career Pathway Placement Student Final Project report (PDF, 166.5KB) to reflect on your learning outcomes and achievements during your time with the organisation. This report can be uploaded into the Individual Learning Plan as the proof of learning.

Additionally, it is expected that the Organisation Supervisor completes the Career Pathway Placement Organisation Supervisor Final Project report (PDF, 632.4KB) to provide feedback on you and project outcomes. It is your responsibility to forward the form to them to fill out.

Please return all completed forms to the Graduate Research Academy at phdxtra@deakin.edu.au.

Internal placement at Deakin

If you have been approached by a Deakin staff member to mentor them through an internal project on campus at Deakin you must complete the Internal Career Pathway Placement Project Plan (PDF, 231.8KB) with the support of your Principle Supervisor. The Graduate Research Academy (GRA) can help support you with this process by providing advice and guidance around the project plan. Contact a GRA staff member for support or further information.

Once the placement has finished you must complete the Career Pathway Placement Student Final report (PDF, 166.5KB) to reflect on your learning outcomes and achievements during your placement. This report can be uploaded into the Individual Learning Plan as the proof of learning.

It is also expected that the Academic Mentor completes the Career Pathway Placement Academic Mentor Project Final report (DOCX, 23.2KB) to provide feedback on you and project outcomes. It is your responsibility to forward the form to them to fill out.

Please return all completed forms to the Graduate Research Academy at phdxtra@deakin.edu.au.

Placement FAQs

Are Deakin's Career Pathway Placements associated with APR Intern internships

Are all placements paid?

When can a placement be undertaken?

Does the placement project have to 100% align with the student's research/thesis topic?

Are placements only valuable if the student wants to become an academic?

Do internships have to start on the advertised starting date?

Is it worth applying if the advertised research brief does not align with the student's research topic?

Are advertised placements the only option?

The student has a pre-booked commitment, such as a conference, in the middle of the internship period. Is there any point in applying?

Is the advertised location of an internship flexible?

We understand that undertaking a placement can be daunting for some students and you may require support or assistance. Deakin provides you with an array of support options such as DeakinTALENT who can provide support in writing applications, preparing for interviews and understanding your transferable skills. The Graduate Research Academy also have dedicated staff who can discuss your particular options with you one-on-one.

Support

Need assistance with your CV and cover letter?

DeakinTALENT can help you explore career opportunities. Browse their CV and cover letter resources or contact them for one-on-one coaching.
Want to speak to someone about your placement options?

The Graduate Research Academy has dedicated staff who are happy to meet with you and your supervisor to discuss your options.