As part of the Bachelor of Communication Design (Honours) course, I got the opportunity to take on a full year of professional industry placement. What drew me most to this opportunity was the recognition of the competitiveness that exists when trying to get into the industry after graduating. Having the opportunity to gain 12 months of experience and develop my folio better prepared me for the industry after graduating.

I work as a communication designer at the Bureau, Swinburne’s in-house design studio, both with internal and external clients. I work closely with different Swinburne academics, researchers, and PHD students to produce publications, research report documents, pamphlets, as well as other corporate design pieces. I also get to work on exciting briefs with many external organisations like Netwealth and Penguin Random House.

Michael completed a 12 month placement at MonashHeart.

One of the most enjoyable parts of my placement has been working alongside my colleagues. The Bureau is made up of a multidisciplinary team, with each member possessing a multitude of specialist skills and knowledge in various areas of design. We’re all able to bounce off each other’s skills sets and knowledge, learning new and better ways to develop ideas and producing great pieces of work. Above everything else though, I value the friendships I have made with my colleagues.

  • "This placement has helped me define my future career path as I have been able to work on many projects with unique briefs, design disciplines and with various clients."

    Michael , Bachelor of Communication Design (Honours)

This placement has helped me define my future career path as I have been able to work on many projects with unique briefs, design disciplines and with various clients. I’ve gotten a better understanding of the direction I would like my career to take.

Once I return to my studies, I want to continue commercial design work as a freelancer and also hope to pursue more photography work — a passion I’ve been fortunate enough to practice in my professional placement.

 I believe my time at the Bureau will help me find a full-time job after I graduate. Some key-factors employers look for in the industry are great folios and  prior experience working in the industry. A good folio can demonstrate the high-quality work you produce while past work experience reflects the applicant’s ability to work in a business environment within the industry.

I recommend students undertake a professional placement as it allows you to get a taste of what kind of work and workplaces exist within your chosen industries. Exploring these through professional placements is a great opportunity to discover what kind of work you enjoy, and what direction you would like to take your career.

Create your own story

A placement is your chance to fully immerse yourself in an organisation and gain valuable industry experience that will generate real outcomes for your future. Find out how you can secure a placement.

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