7 August 2025

The Power of WIL

By P Michael

Tired of theoretical assignments? Are you ready for real impact? Bridge the gap between theory and practice with Swinburne Sarawak’s transformative Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program.

Picture this: You’re walking into your dream company, not as a visitor, but as a valued team member earning academic credit, getting paid, and building your future. Sounds too good to be true? Welcome to Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Swinburne Sarawak. This is when your education meets the real world.

WIL: Your Career Launch Pad

WIL is not just another academic requirement. It is your launching pad into professional success.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Swinburne bridges study with your desired career, all while earning credits, gain industry experience, and build networks.

This 12-week, full-time placement program lets you replace two elective units with immersive industry experience. You’ll earn 25 credit points all while working (and contributing) in a professional environment.

What exactly is WIL you may ask. It’s like a trial run for your future career, complete with academic support and real workplace responsibilities. You’ll be supervised by both an industry professional at your host organisation and a Swinburne Sarawak Academic Advisor from the university.

The WIL Advantage

  • Get paid while you learn: unlike unpaid internships, many of Swinburne’s WIL placements offer some form of compensation. So you will not only be gaining experience but will also be earning some token. All while building your future.
  • Academic credits that count: those 12 weeks you spent at the host organization count toward your degree. It replaced two electives, making it an efficient, practical and strategic move towards your academic timeline.
  • Real skills. Real impact: Put your theory into practice, all while you develop crucial professional skills such as communication, teamwork, and time management. These skills not just help build your resume, they are career game-changers.
  • Network like a pro: three months in the industry means three months of building relationships with colleagues, mentors and potential employers. Your next job, if not your first job, may well be from the connections you made during your WIL placements.
  • Clarity in career choice: Unsure about your career direction? Through WIL< you’ll explore available options and discover what truly excites you professionally. It’s better to find out what you love, or don’t, while you’re still studying.

Is it Right for You?

It’s available across multiple disciplines at Swinburne Sarawak. It offers many opportunities that match your field of study.

Business students can get experience in marketing agencies and corporate offices, while Design students can explore creative studios, advertising companies and design consultancies. ICT students have access to placements in tech companies, IT departments, and startups, while Science students can work in research institutions, laboratories and environmental organizations.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at Swinburne bridges study with your desired career, all while earning credits, gain industry experience, and build networks.

Most students undertake WIL in their third year. But you need to complete 150 credit points (or an equivalent of 12 units of study) first. The key is to plan early. You can do this by mapping out your electives and registering during the first few weeks of your current semester.

There are two WIL intakes at Swinburne annually. Intake one is for Winter Term and in which you will need to register in March of that year. Intake 2 is for Summer Term for which registration is in August.

What Happens During Placement?

Your WIL experience will combine practical work with academic reflection. During the time you’re undergoing WIL, you’re required to attend five online workshops, sharing experiences with peers and connecting theory with practice.

These sessions help create a supportive learning community where you can discuss challenges, celebrate victories and learn from the experiences of peers also undergoing their WIL.

Throughout your placement, your Academic Advisor will also provide ongoing support and feedback on assessments while your Industry Supervisor will guide you on your day-to-day work and professional development.

Your Competitive Edge

Once you’ve completed your WIL, it doesn’t just be another line in your resume. It will transform your professional profile. If you have a LinkedIn account, you’ll be able to update it with real industry experience, concrete achievements and professional references.

The return on investment when participating in WIL is immeasurable. You’ll not only gain credits for your studies, but also invest in career readiness, professional networks, and practical skills that set you apart in the job market.

Many students who underwent WIL return as mentors to future students, further building their leadership credentials.

Ready to Take The Leap?

If you’re tired of wondering how your studies apply to the real world, WIL is your answer. It’s challenging, rewarding and potentially career-defining.

The question is not whether you can afford to do WIL but rather, it’s whether you can afford not to.

So start planning now. Talk to your Head of Department about including WIL into your study plan, then complete the Career Start Program while you research the companies in your field.

Your future will thank you for taking this step towards professional success.

Ready to explore your WIL opportunities?


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