Accelerate your learning over your summer or winter break by completing a two-week virtual business project for a real client. Working from anywhere in the world, collaborate with a small team to develop and present your solution while gaining practical business consulting skills.
What is Virtual Industry Projects?
Virtual Industry Projects is an immersive online program that helps you to develop practical skills highly valued by employers. Delivered by the University of Melbourne, in partnership with Practera, the program allows you to take on the role of a 'consultant', solving a real-world business problem for your client.
Offered twice a year - during the Winter and Summer breaks - you'll collaborate in a small, diverse team to develop and present your solution, receiving feedback from your client throughout. The program's flexible structure means you can participate from anywhere in the world, dedicating a minimum of 25 hours to the program.
Eligibility requirements:
To participate in Virtual Industry Projects, you must:
- Be enrolled in the Faculty of Business and Economics
- Not have completed the program within the past 12 months
- Be available to dedicate a minimum of 25 hours over the two-week duration
Program specialisations
You will have the opportunity to rank three project specialisations in the application form. No prior experience is required to apply.
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You will explore funding options such as debt, venture capital, or grants for clients, offering valuable insights into market sentiment. This project involves researching funding sources, building a comprehensive database, and delivering a detailed report on the top 3-5 options and their suitability. While this is not a financial advisory service, it equips you with essential research and analytical skills and provides actionable insights to support client decision-making.
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You will explore a new market region for a client by analysing market demand, identifying entry barriers, and recommending strategies for success. You'll research market attractiveness, analyse potential customers, identify top competitors, uncover relevant innovations, and evaluate growth opportunities, including government support. Gain hands-on experience in international market research and strategy development.
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You will assist a client in developing a targeted growth strategy by focusing on marketing, products, or customer channels. You will research industry trends, analyse how customer needs and habits are evolving, and assess how competitors are responding to these changes. Your work will include identifying growth opportunities and actionable strategies to help the client overcome challenges and achieve their goals. This project offers hands-on experience in strategic planning, market analysis, and competitive research.
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You will work with a client to develop a digital marketing strategy that optimises their current platforms or incorporates new ones. You'll outline the organisation's target audience, evaluate their existing digital presence, research best practices from comparable organisations, and analyse industry trends. Using digital marketing metrics, you'll recommend actionable steps to enhance their digital marketing efforts and future growth.
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You will research the AI tools and trends shaping your client's industry, look at how their competitors are already using AI, and identify where it could actually make a difference in their business; not in theory, but in their specific products, processes, or customer experience. You will evaluate the suitability of different AI solutions and develop practical recommendations tailored to the client’s needs and goals. You’ll gain hands-on experience in emerging technologies, strategic research, industry analysis, and problem-solving while developing an understanding of how organisations are approaching AI adoption in practice.
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You will explore how customer expectations are shifting in their industry, what other organisations are doing to reduce their social and environmental footprint, and where the opportunities are for your client to grow in a more responsible way. Your findings will give the client a clear picture of the landscape and a set of practical recommendations they can act on. You’ll gain a real understanding of sustainability as a business issue, solid research and analysis skills.
How to apply
Applications for Winter 2026 have now closed. If you’re an eligible student and would like to receive an email reminder when registrations open for the summer intake, please complete the Expression of Interest form.
Express interest here
Key Dates: Winter, 2026
- Monday 11 May 2026
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9:00am
Applications Open
- Sunday 31 May 2026
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11:59pm
Applications Close
- Thursday 4 June 2026
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5:00pm
Application Outcomes Sent
- Sunday 7 June 2026
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11:59pm
Deadline to Confirm Participation
- Monday 8 June 2026
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N/A
Handover to Practera
- Tuesday 23 June 2026
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2:30pm - 3:30pm
Online Induction
- Monday 29 June 2026
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TBC once you receive your project details
Project Briefing
- Monday-Friday 29 June - 10 July 2026
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25hrs (work at your own pace)
Undertake Your Project
Why should I participate?
Participating in Virtual Industry Projects offers a range of benefits:
- Degree-relevant experience: Gain hands-on real-world experience and insider perspectives
- Career readiness: Develop sought-after transferable skills to enhance your employability
- Networking opportunities: Strengthen your interpersonal skills, and form meaningful connections with peers and industry representatives
- Personal growth: Challenge yourself and build confidence in a supportive environment
Earn Melbourne Plus recognition
Melbourne Plus is the University's flagship co-curricular recognition program. By completing Virtual Industry Projects, you will be invited to complete a reflective piece to earn the 'Innovation' Melbourne Plus digital credential to share with your network (e.g. on your resume or LinkedIn profile).
Have a question?
Send us an email with your student ID if you have a question about Virtual Industry Projects.