Student Responsibilities and Professional Standards

To enhance your chances of success, here are some fundamental responsibilities to keep in mind as you enter placement and begin the next phase in your career.

Important placement information

There is a lot of information you will need to know prior to commencing your placement. We have provided essential tips and strategic guidance below to support you.

Download your placement checklist here

Participating in an industry placement or work experience is an important step in bridging the gap between study and professional experience. It is very important that you adhere to professional standards.

This not only enhances your personal growth, but will leave a lasting positive impression with colleagues and employers. We have outlined some key aspects of professional behaviour that you should prioritise throughout your placement.

Remember, your conduct during this period can significantly influence your future opportunities and professional network.

Things you need to know/do prior to going on your placement

Plan your wardrobe

Plan in advance what you are going to wear for your time in the industry placement environment. If you are not sure on the dress code required, ask your host supervisor before you start.
Organise your clothes in advance to take some pressure off the first few weeks.

Plan your route

It is important you arrive on time each day you are attending placement so plan your route before you start.
Work out some alternate routes in case of traffic delays or you miss public transport.
Do a trial run before you start if you are not familiar with the route (keeping in mind that the journey will most likely take longer during peak hour than at other times of the day).

Confirm your starting time

It is a good idea to give your host supervisor a call prior to your first day to confirm what time they would like you to arrive
Know where, when and whom to report to on day one.
Aim to arrive for your placement about 15 minutes early, allowing for any transport delays that may occur.
If you are unable to attend for any reason or are running late, it is your responsibility to contact your supervisor as soon as is practicable.

Things to bring on your first day

Pen and paper – there will be a lot of new information to absorb on day one and it helps to note things down as you go. Arriving with your own pen and notebook will ensure you look prepared and organised.
Lunch and drinks – until you know what food outlets are available (if any), it is a good idea to take your own lunch. You also don’t want to come back late from your first lunch break so taking your own lunch will ensure you avoid this. Keep in mind that some organisations will provide staff with tea, coffee, cutlery etc. but not all do so it might be a good idea to take your own cutlery on day one to eat your lunch.
ID – you may need to get security access and your ID will be required for this to be granted.

Things to find out on your first few days

This information should be used as a guide to help you orient yourself and help you identify what you should find out about during the first few days of your placement.

General Information

The layout of the office and the location of facilities including toilets, kitchen, and staff break-out areas.
Introductions to employees of the organisation / your project team.
Transport options such as car parking availability and location of bus stops and train stations.
Confirm when you are expected to start and finish including lunch break duration and whether you need to complete a timesheet.
How to use telephones, photocopiers and other office equipment.
Find out and follow the organisations policy on using your mobile phone and making/receiving personal calls during the day.

Your placement

All placements will have a pre-approved project outline confirmed before you start however this can often be brief. The following are things you could ask about to help you scope and define your project:

What dates/times should you present/share your progress/your reports?
Who do you report to and who is an alternate point of contact if your usual host supervisor is not available?
Who else will you be collaborating with and who are the key project stakeholders?
Is the project you are involved in confidential in nature? If so, your host organisation may require you to sign a confidentiality or IP agreement. UQ Union offer free legal advice if required.
In addition, if your project is confidential in nature, you may be required to submit your project assessment through alternate means.

Make sure you maintain clear and transparent communication with your supervisor and that you communicate any concerns or challenges with your project early on so your supervisor can help.

Communication

What dates/times should you present/share your progress/your reports?
Who do you report to and who is an alternate point of contact if your usual host supervisor is not available?
Who else will you be collaborating with and who are the key project stakeholders?
Is the project you are involved in confidential in nature? If so, your host organisation may require you to sign a confidentiality or IP agreement. UQ Union offer free legal advice if required.
In addition, if your project is confidential in nature, you may be required to submit your project assessment through alternate means.
Notify the EAIT Student Employability Team in advance of any changes to the terms of your placement (e.g. the placement activities, the placement supervisor).
Notify the University as soon as possible of any incidents, illnesses, injuries or occupational health and safety issues or concerns.
Notify your workplace supervisor if you will be absent from your placement. Any absence of three (3) days or longer, please inform your assigned UQ supervisor and course coordinator.
For ENGG7291, ENGG7292, CYBR7901 & DATA7901 placements, students need to notify their workplace supervisor if they will be absent from their placement. Any absence of three (3) days or longer, please inform your assigned UQ supervisor and course coordinator.
Advise your academic supervisor and course coordinator if you experience problems during your placement.
Behave in a respectful manner to supervisors and colleagues

Creating a great first impression

Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are not sure about something. You are not expected to know everything. Accepting your limitations and asking for help will provide clarity and potentially save you from carrying out a task incorrectly because you misunderstood.
Maintain eye contact with anyone you speak to.
When meeting someone for the first time, ensure you are friendly and smile.
Try to remember the names and titles of those you are introduced to so you are able to greet them when you see them next.
Stay positive, enthusiastic and be polite.

Student Responsibilities and Professional Standards

Important placement information

Things you need to know/do prior to going on your placement

Plan your wardrobe

Plan your route

Confirm your starting time

Things to bring on your first day

Things to find out on your first few days

General Information

Your placement

Communication

Creating a great first impression

Punctuality and Time Management

Effective Communication

Email Etiquette

Diversity and Inclusion

Respectful Conduct

Conflict Resolution

Handling Workplace Challenges