Academy fast tracks students’ careers

University of Adelaide students have the opportunity to boost their future careers by participating in a new student experience program with global professional services firm, Deloitte.

The inaugural program, which has been co-developed by the University of Adelaide and Deloitte, is open to enrolled domestic and international students at the University. Students from a wide variety of undergraduate programs across science, engineering, technology, arts, business, economics and law are able to join the Academy. Commencing students may also make an application to join in their first year at the University.

Participation will count towards students’ undergraduate courses.

The academy includes:

• Tailored Electives: these are courses, tailored for the program taken as a part of a student’s undergraduate program and contributing credit towards completion of that program, just like other courses;
• Internships: all academy students will participate in a paid internship with Deloitte. Depending on their study program this may be taken during semester for course credits, or during semester breaks; and
• Professional Certificate in Advisory Services: Academy students receive this additional postgraduate award for completing two extra courses during semester breaks. For selected students one of these courses will be a second paid internship with Deloitte which will go towards their post-graduate study: and
• Immersion Experiences: extra-curricular opportunities to undertake an industry-based challenge, and networking with Deloitte and industry representatives.

Information sessions held in the University’s Bonython Hall from 27 to 29 September will enable interested students to gain a better understanding of the academy and its benefits.

Typically, students will apply via a competitive process in their first semester and if they are successful, they will join the program from the second semester. Entry, however, will be possible during a student’s second and third year (for four-year programs). The application process will take into consideration a student’s work, leadership and team experience, and their academic results. Applicants will need to submit their resume, complete an interactive assessment and attend an interview.

The inaugural cohort of students, who will be paid according to market rates during their internships, will start in 2023.

More information including a full list of the eligibility criteria is available at: www.adelaide.edu.au/the-academy/

Comments about the new academy:

Professor Peter Høj, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Adelaide:

”The Academy is a unique industry-aligned student experience program co-designed by the University of Adelaide and Deloitte.

“As a global top 1% University we are committed to collaborating with business, industry and government to assist in addressing national skills shortages by preparing the future workforce for the challenges they will encounter.

“This program will provide students with a broadened education experience to develop differentiated skills valued by industry, with increased connections, exposure to industry and real-world industry problems through paid internships, work integrated learning and immersion activities.

“It will enable participants to gain an additional advantage in being job-ready upon completion of their course and a pathway into impactful careers.

“Students will develop future-ready capabilities including business acumen, self-leadership, advisory and technology skills.

“This new student experience program is for students who are passionate and committed to setting themselves up for a rewarding and positive future.”

Adam Powick, CEO, Deloitte Australia

“We are very proud to be partnering with the University of Adelaide on this ground-breaking initiative. given the importance of the skills agenda to our firm, the South Australian market and Australia more broadly.

“This program reflects our deep commitment to create opportunities for young talent to grow, develop and have access to interesting and diverse career pathways.”

Hendri Mentz, Managing Partner, South Australia, Deloitte

“We are excited to be making this further investment in the South Australian market, by helping to advance a skilled and diverse workforce that is truly reflective of both our clients’ needs, and the wider community.

“This program builds on a number of like-minded strategies already underway at Deloitte, such as our Adelaide-based Centre for Innovation and Technology, which develops large-scale technology and audit solutions for our clients nationwide.”