Work experience and networking

It’s about building genuine relationships with people who share your interests and goals. Whether you're chatting over coffee, joining a student club, or attending industry events, these connections can open doors you didn’t even know existed. They help you stay in the loop, learn from others, and hear about opportunities before they’re advertised.

The more people you connect with, the more chances you create for yourself. It really is that simple.

Broadening your network means more people see the skills you're building and the progress you're making, you’re more likely to be offered unexpected opportunities and you’ll feel a stronger sense of belonging in your industry and community.

Start building your network

• Are there any industry events coming up that you can attend?
• Is there anyone in your existing network who has experience in what you’re interested in?
• If you don’t have an online portfolio, should you build one?
• If you do have an online portfolio, can you make more connections on that platform?
• What are ways people can see your work?
• How you might introduce yourself to people in your industry?

Explore career events near you:

• Queensland jobs and skills expos
• Careers expos
• Career events.

By sharing your time and skills to support others, you not only make a difference in your community, but also build valuable personal and professional strengths. From gaining hands-on experience and learning new skills to expanding your networks and boosting your confidence, volunteering helps you grow in ways that matter to employers.

It’s also a great way to enhance your resume, build your employability, and contribute to the UniSQ Graduate Excellence Award - all while feeling a genuine sense of purpose and connection.

Ready to get involved?

Explore these resources to learn more about volunteering opportunities and how to get started:

• UniSQ Access – Volunteering
• Volunteering Queensland
• Australian Volunteers
• Seek Volunteer.

Most industries have one or more professional bodies that support high standards, ethical practice, and lifelong learning. Many offer free or discounted student memberships, giving you early access to the benefits of being part of your professional community.

Joining a professional association as a student can help you:

• meet experienced professionals and expand your network
• take part in professional development activities
• join mentoring programs and gain industry insight
• stay up to date with current practices
• build your sense of belonging and identity in your field.

Explore your industry’s professional associations.

Work experience gives you current, industry-specific skills and knowledge that employers value, while contributing to both the Connectedness and Skills/Knowledge pillars of employability.

It’s your chance to apply theory in real-world settings, explore the challenges of your industry, and start building the networks that will support your transition into graduate roles. You’ll also diversify your skill set, boost your confidence, and gain insight into what working in your field really looks like.

There are several ways to formally undertake work experience, and if your placement is approved by UniSQ, you may be eligible for insurance coverage to support your experience.

UniSQ's Industry Experience Program 

The Industry Experience Program assists students to develop employability skills and an understanding of the expectations within the role they are studying towards. This practical learning-based program allows an organisation to host a student for unpaid industry experience for up to 30 days over a designated period of time. It’s a great way to support emerging professionals and find like-minded, motivated and driven students. Questions? Contact us via careers@unisq.edu.au.

Informational interviews are informal conversations with professionals working in roles, industries, or organisations you’re curious about. They’re not job interviews or an opportunity for you to ask for a job, they’re opportunities to learn directly from someone’s experience, gather insight about your preferred career, and build meaningful connections.

You can use informational interviews to:

• Explore career paths and industries you’re considering
• Understand day-to-day realities of specific roles 
• Learn about required skills, qualifications and career progression
• Get advice on entering into or transition into a field
• Break the ice when meeting someone new at an event 

You can reach out to:

• Professionals in roles or industries that interest you
• Alumni from UniSQ
• Speakers from events or webinars you’ve attended
• People in your extended network (family, friends, community groups, lecturers, peers, etc)

Suggested questions to ask:

• What does a typical day look like in your role?
• What do you enjoy most about your work?
• What challenges do you face in your job?
• How did you get started in this field?
• What do you wish you’d done differently in your career and why?
• What skills or experiences helped you succeed?
• What advice would you give someone entering this industry?
• Remember to be respectful of their time, keep the conversation focused, and follow up with a thank-you message.

Clubs and societies can be a powerful and approachable starting point for networking and building connection, especially if you feel unsure about where to begin.

Here’s how they help:

1. Low-pressure environment
   Clubs and societies offer a relaxed, interest-based setting where conversations happen naturally. You’re not expected to “network” in a formal sense, you’re simply engaging with others who share your interests.
2. Shared purpose builds trust
   Whether it’s a cultural group, academic society, or hobby-based club, being part of a shared activity helps build rapport and trust. These relationships can evolve into valuable professional connections over time.
3. Practice introducing yourself
   Joining a club gives you regular opportunities to meet new people and talk about yourself (your interests, goals, and studies) in a way that feels organic. This helps build confidence in how you present yourself.
4. Connections with peers and mentors
   Many clubs include students from different year levels, alumni, and even staff. These connections can lead to informal mentoring, study support, and insights into career pathways.
5. Opportunities to lead and collaborate
   Taking on a role in a club - even something small - helps you develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. These experiences are great for your resume and often lead to new opportunities.
6. Expanding your network naturally
   As you get involved, you’ll meet people who know people. These indirect connections can be just as valuable as direct ones when it comes to hearing about opportunities or getting referrals.