UQ students go global

Two University of Queensland entities joined together recently to encourage students to expand their global outlook.

The UQ United Nations Student Association (UNSA), supported by the Office of Undergraduate Education, organised the Global Experience Evening last Wednesday, attracting more than 70 students.

"The Global Experience Evening was designed to encourage students to take the initiative and apply for global experiences such as internships, conferences and university exchanges worldwide,” UNSA President James White said.

“It’s a very competitive job market out there, and we’re hoping that by helping UQ students pursue global experiences it will give them an ‘edge’ and enable them to get their dream jobs.”

UQ students who had returned from exchanges and participated in international internships and conferences networked with those keen to have a global experience of their own.

Student Byron Hewson spoke at the event about completing the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program.

“It was the most rewarding thing I have done since starting university,” Mr Hewson said.

“As part of the program I grew as a person, and it has definitely improved my career prospects.”

Director of the Office of Undergraduate Education, Professor Sushila Chang said her office was pleased to be associated with the project.

“‘One of the things that we have found in our discussions with human resources consultants is that they are looking for people who have been out in the world,” Professor Chang said.

“It’s a global market and a person who has a global experience has added value.”

The new UQ Advantage Grant supports students who wish to undertake activities that enhance their studies in areas such as short term mobility, internships, volunteering, participation in conferences, leadership activities and others. For more information visit www.uq.edu.au/undergraduate/

Media: Professor Chang (07 3346 7012, sushila.chang@uq.edu.au) or Kim Wilkinson at UNSA (0403 839 778)