UQ students offer communication expertise through work program

University of Queensland electrical engineering students are keen to find businesses willing for them to interview key personnel on communications issues.

Students will discuss issues including the company's hardware/software and web page requirements, the possibility of intranet services and power supply reliability.

Course convenor Dr Cath Filmer-Davies said students would then research ways business requirements could be met and make recommendations through a 3000-word report, which would be given to the business.

Dr Filmer-Davies said the students would follow up with a visit to answer questions and explain key issues.

Company personnel would be asked to assess the student's communication skills, with the assessment comprising 10 percent of the student's overall grade.

Dr Filmer-Davies stressed students would not require confidential or sensitive information but would deal with the needs of the business "in a general way".

She said work-experience program benefited both the students and companies.

"Business and professional communication skills involve the ability to interview clients, to listen and to record issues of importance, and to write clear and useful reports," she said.

"Students will also learn the conventions of dress in the workplace, and the protocols and courtesy required for dealing with different members of the public.

"Much emphasis is also placed on essential issues such as how to introduce people, how to respond to introductions, following up a report and in ensuring that people who have provided assistance and help are thanked - in writing."

Dr Filmer-Davies said many of the businesses which took part in last semester's program had written to say how much they had benefited from the recommendations made by students.

For information contact Dr Filmer-Davies (telephone (07) 3365 2503).