Student Responsibilities and Professional Standards

Your first few days are a good opportunity to understand how the workplace operates, who you will be working with and what is expected of you. 

Get oriented

• Learn the layout of the workplace, including toilets, kitchen and break areas. 
• Confirm any site-specific details, such as parking, access points or sign-in processes.
• Ask how to use workplace systems, office equipment and any shared resources. 

Understand expectations 

• Clarify who you will be working with and who your key contacts are. 
• Check your usual start and finish times, lunch break expectations and whether you need to complete a timesheet.
•  Check expectations around mobile phone use and personal calls. 

You are not expected to know everything straight away. Ask questions early if you are unsure about workplace processes, expectations or who to ask for help. 

Your placement will usually have an approved project outline before you start. In some cases, this outline may be brief, so it is important to clarify the details with your placement supervisor.

Questions you may wish to ask include: 

• What are the key tasks, deliverables or outcomes for the project? 
• Who should I report to, and who should I contact if they are unavailable? 
• When and how should I provide progress updates or reports? 
• Discuss UQ assessment deadlines so your supervisors are aware of your university commitments 
• Who will I be working with, and are there any key stakeholders I should be aware of? 
• Are there any confidentiality or intellectual property requirements that may affect my work or assessment?

Maintain clear and regular communication with your placement supervisor. If you experience challenges with your project, raise them early so your placement supervisor can provide guidance. 

You are responsible for keeping your placement supervisor and relevant UQ contacts informed if your placement circumstances change. 

If your placement details change 

Notify EAIT Employability in advance if there are any changes to the agreed terms of your placement, including changes to your placement activities, dates, hours, supervisor or work location. 

If you are absent or running late 

If you are unable to attend your placement, or you are running late, notify your placement supervisor as soon as possible. 

If your absence is three days or longer, also inform your UQ supervisor and course coordinator. 

Additional course requirements 

Students enrolled in ENGG7291, ENGG7292, CYBR7901/02 and DATA7901/02 should also follow any course-specific absence or reporting requirements. 

If there is an incident, injury or concern 

Contact your UQ supervisor, course coordinator or EAIT Employability as soon as possible if you experience or become aware of: 

• an incident or injury 
• an illness or health issue that may affect your placement 
• a workplace health and safety concern 
• any other issue that may affect your ability to continue or complete the placement. 

They can advise you on the next steps, depending on the issue. 

The way you communicate and behave throughout your placement helps build trust with your placement supervisor, colleagues and future professional contacts. You are expected to act professionally, respectfully and responsibly while representing yourself and UQ. 

This includes: 

Being reliable and prepared 

• arriving on time and being ready for each day 
• meeting agreed deadlines, or communicating early if you need more time 
• keeping your placement supervisor updated on your progress 

Communicating professionally 

• communicating clearly and respectfully in person and in writing 
• using clear, concise language in emails and proofreading messages before sending 
• asking questions when you need clarification 
• demonstrating a can-do mindset 

Responding to feedback and challenges

• remaining calm and professional if difficulties arise
• being open to feedback and using it to improve
• asking for guidance or support when needed

Showing respect and integrity and behaving ethically 

• treating your placement supervisor, colleagues and other workplace contacts with respect
• being open to feedback and different perspectives
• contributing to an environment where others feel valued and included
• acting honestly, responsibly and fairly while representing yourself and UQ
• respecting confidentiality, workplace information and any intellectual property requirements
• asking your placement supervisor if you are unsure what is appropriate

For further guidance on professional and ethical conduct, refer to UQ’s Student Code of Conduct Policy and your placement organisation’s Code of Conduct.

If you are unsure what to do or experience any concerns during your placement, contact your UQ supervisor, course coordinator or EAIT Employability for support.