Global Business Practicum - January 2021

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
Due to the evolving impacts and uncertainty as a result of COVID-19 we will be reviewing and updating our offerings and key dates  as the situation progresses. ​This page ​will be updated with new information​ when available and updates will be announced in the MBS Newsletter. Your understanding is appreciated during this time.

Changes to the subject (current as of 29 June 2020):

  • The delivery of the January 2021 GBP will be conducted remotely in partnership with overseas organisations.
  • The selection process for entry into the subject will include the consideration of The University of Melbourne equivalent WAM and possibly interviews if Covid-19 restrictions allow during semester 2.
  • The in-company period will now be a 3-week placement

Please note that the proposed selection dates below may change in response to any updated Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the government or the University.

BUSA90485 Global Business Practicum is an in-company intensive subject where students experience the unique business practices and culture of an international company first-hand.

The Global Business Practicum is worth 12.5 credit points and is offered in January, June and November of each year.

Please read on to find out what you could gain from participating in the Global Business Practicum.

  • Studies show that having a well-developed range of transferrable skills is crucial for the success of individuals, businesses and societies. Often referred to as employability or ‘soft’ skills, these are the non-technical skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking and self-management which are developed through exposure to experiences outside the classroom - like work integrated learning subjects, internships and on-the-job learning.

    When these employability skills are combined with technical skills/qualifications and personal attributes, an individual becomes employable across a range of industries, increasing job prospects, becoming a more competitive job-seeker and being a more attractive potential hire.

    So what does this have to do with the Global Business Practicum?

    As well as being an impressive addition to any CV, the primary aim of the Global Business Practicum is to provide graduate students with opportunities to develop and enhance employability skills from application right through to the final assessment and beyond.

    It is expected that 2/3 jobs will be soft skill intensive by 2030, so finding opportunities to develop these skills as early as possible is becoming increasingly important.

    In the Global Business Practicums this is done by:

    • Working closely in a team;
    • Building resilience by being exposed to challenging and intensive working environments;
    • Communicating with a range of stakeholders;
    • Increasing global networks;
    • Using critical thinking and problem-solving skills to solve a real business problem;
    • Applying classroom theory to real world practice.

    Read about previous Graduate Practicum student experiences here.

    (Source: Deloitte Soft Skills for Business Success)

  • To take part in the January intake of the Global Business Practicum, please be aware of the compulsory dates below. If you are unable to commit to one or more of these dates, please do not apply for this intake.

    ActivityJanuary 2021 intake dates
    Applications openMonday 27 July 2020
    Applications closeSunday 16 August 2020
    InterviewsWeek beginning Monday 24 August 2020 (to be confirmed)
    Selection outcomesFriday 28 August 2020
    Online LMS modules dueFriday 23 October 2020
    On campus trainingSunday 25 October 2020 (to be confirmed)
    In companyMonday 11 January – Friday 29 January 2021

  • The criteria below should help you determine whether you would be a strong candidate for the Global Business Practicum:

    You are enrolled into an approved graduate degree
    • Students enrolled in an approved MBS graduate degree are eligible to apply. Please check the University of Melbourne handbook or with Course Planners at STOP1 if unsure whether the Global Business Practicum can be taken as part of your current degree.
    • MBS students who have already completed BUSA90473 Business Practicum during their current degree may express an interest in taking BUSA90485 Global Business Practicum but will be placed on a waiting list and only offered a place based on availability. Expressions of interest should be emailed to mbs-practicums@unimelb.edu.au.
    • Students enrolled in the Master of Engineering, Master of Information Systems and Master of Information Technology are eligible to apply.
    • All other University of Melbourne graduate students are not eligible to apply for any practicum subjects without the prior approval of the Subject Coordinator and the MBS Deputy Dean. Proof of approval must be emailed to mbs-practicums@unimelb.edu.au before the application close date. Late approval submissions will not be accepted and applications without the required approval will be withdrawn.
    Your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) is 70% or higher

    Due to limited spaces, entry into the Global Business Practicum is competitive. Selection is based on a University of Melbourne equivalent weighted average mark for all undergraduate and postgraduate subjects successfully completed at the selection date, as well as performance in an interview process, and is contingent on permission from the Subject Coordinator.

    The minimum average mark requirement for the subject is 70% and the Selection Committee considers the following when allocating places:

    • Academic Performance
    • Interview performance
    • An overall match of skills, experience and interests to the available projects
    You have completed a minimum of 50 points
    • 200-point degree students: completion of a minimum of 50 points at time of application; or
    • 150 point degree students: completion of a minimum of 50 points at time of practicum commencement if you have a business background (e.g. studied business subjects in an undergraduate degree or relevant work experience).

    Note: All students enrolled in a 200-point degree must first have completed 50 points before applying, regardless of educational background.

    You are only applying for one Practicum subject (Global or Business Practicum) for the intake

    Students must only apply for one Graduate Practicum per intake. Students who apply for both the Global Business Practicum and the Business Practicum during the same intake (e.g. January/Summer) will not be considered for either subject.

    You have met with a Course Planner from STOP1 and checked that there is capacity within your study plan for this elective subject worth 12.5 points

    Students are required to seek guidance from a STOP1 Course Planner prior to applying to ensure there is space in their study plan for this subject. Course Advice appointments can be booked here.

    Please note: students undertaking the Master of Commerce (Finance) are generally ineligible to apply, due to limited elective options available in the course.

    You have prepared your CV and had it reviewed

    Students who successfully make it through the selection process (including attending a group interview) and receive an official offer for the Global Business Practicum must submit an up-to-date CV as part of the acceptance requirements.

    CVs must be reviewed using Smart Resume and evidence provided. More information and instructions on how to provide evidence of completion will be provided in an offer letter after group interviews have concluded.

    EmployMe also provides tools, resources and videos to build your skills in job seeking, resume building, interview performance and more.

  • The cost of the Global Business Practicum is a standard University subject.

  • What experience do I need to apply?

    Can I apply if I don’t have any consulting experience?
    Yes, there is a full selection process including a group interview to determine your eligibility and suitability for the program. Selection is not based on existing consulting experience.

    Concurrent study

    I want to take an online intensive subject over the summer/winter break while also completing the GBP (e.g. Ethics in Finance). Is this okay?
    No, even though the subject is online, students participating in the GBP will not be permitted to enrol in any other subjects that run during the same dates as the practicums. GBP is intensive and requires 100% commitment from students.

    Team, company and project

    Can I choose my team, the company or type of project?
    No, students are allocated to teams and companies with specific projects. However, students are given the opportunity to advise their areas of interest which we endeavour to consider when allocating teams. Students would not be allocated to a project where they did not have the technical skills required. Most projects are multi-disciplinary.

  • The University of Melbourne offers a range of tools, resources, workshops and information sessions to assist you with preparing a quality CV, strengthening your interview skills and much more.

    Careers & Employability Studio
    Online resources, CV preparation, workshops/seminars, individual advice:
    Visit the website here

    EmployMe
    Job application tools, personality and skills test, employability skills and more:
    Visit the website here 

    Smart Resume
    Preparing your resume, online professional profile and pitch can take time and planning. Great feedback helps improve your job portfolio, your confidence and your success.
    Visit the website here

  • Applications will be open from Monday 27 July until midnight Sunday 23 August 2020.

    Melbourne Business School uses SONIA to manage the application and selection process for BUSA90485 Global Business Practicum. Once applications open, please follow the below steps to apply.

    Step 1:
    Login to Sonia Live using your University of Melbourne student credentials: https://unimelb.sonialive.com/.

    Click into Faculty of Business and Economics

    Step 2:
    Click on the Placements tab on the menu bar at the top of the page and search for the subject and offering you’re interested in applying for.

    Please note that the Global Business Practicum will only appear in the Placements screen if applications are currently open for an upcoming intake. If the subject does not appear in the list, it is likely that applications have not yet opened or have already closed. Check the key dates section above to find out when applications are open for this intake.

    Step 3:
    Click the green + Join option. This will give you access to the subject application form which can be found on the Forms tab (you may need to refresh your browser for this to appear).

    Step 4:
    Complete all fields of the application form and, when ready, click submit. Please ensure you take note of the application due date as we do not accept late submissions.

    Step 5:
    After the subject application closing date, applications will go through a shortlisting process and applicants will receive an outcome within 5 working days.

  • If you have any questions about the Global Business Practicum, please email mbs-practicums@unimelb.edu.au