Deakin University's Work Model Boosts Employability

Deakin University's GIFT City Campus in India is changing the way students learn, with a focus on practical, real-world challenges. Students like Ruhani and Riya are working on client-facing capstone projects, developing skills that employers value. This approach teaches capability, not just concepts, and includes learning how to work across cultures and perspectives.

The university's program is designed to blur the line between university and workplace, with students working on challenges that employers would later ask them to solve. Ruhani, pursuing a Master of Business Analytics, found that the program provided hands-on experience with tools like Python, which she had previously only studied in theory.

The program also emphasizes practical work, with frequent deadlines and assessments. Students are responsible for their own learning, with no spoon-feeding. This approach prepares students for the rhythm of professional life and exposes them to different work styles, expectations, and problem-solving approaches.

By the time placement season arrives, students like Ruhani and Riya have accumulated context and understanding of what work actually looks like, making them more attractive to employers. Ruhani drew a direct line between her final trimester and her future role at National Australia Bank, demonstrating the overlap between her university learning and real-world work.

The university's approach may become increasingly important as industries evolve, with students like Ruhani and Riya already thinking about how to work with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.