Virtual Internship Program Connects Students with Leading Startups
Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad is proud to collaborate with the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship (SSE) on a new virtual internship program that will provide students with a behind-the-scenes look into Australia’s leading start ups.
Combining deep experience, broad knowledge, and industry expertise and insight, the collaborative project will deliver the latest learnings and critical thinking from global entrepreneurial and innovation landscapes, positioning creativity and flexibility of thought at the centre of students’ learning outcomes.
A launch event was held today, 10 December, where Neutopia, dARTbase and MyTradie were announced as inaugural partners of the Launch Pad SSE Virtual Internship program.
Don Wright, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Western Sydney University, said the exciting new program aims to foster talent and innovation with the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“Western Sydney University is pleased to offer students the unique opportunity to access some of the most successful start ups in Australia and gain real-world experience through a collaboration with the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship,” said Mr Wright.
“As part of the program, students will explore different stages of start ups, learn about their innovative approaches to business, and see where working in this dynamic space could take them on their entrepreneurial journey.”
At the exclusive launch event students had the opportunity to hear from Brad Twynham, a start up mentor from Launch Pad’s Venture Makers Entrepreneurship training program, and also met the teams from Neutopia, dARTbase and MyTradie who presented start up ‘speed’ pitches.
City of Parramatta Council sponsored a dynamic panel discussion with industry leaders, including David Caspari, CEO and Managing Director, Janison Group; Nicole McCallum, Account Manager, Forage; Daniel Smith, Director of Entrepreneurship, SSE; and Kelly Whitney, Associate Director, Careers, Talent and Organisational Success, Western Sydney University.
Sydney School of Entrepreneurship CEO Dr Sarah Jones said she was thrilled about the partnership and the positive impact of the program.
“The Virtual Internship Program is an exciting opportunity for students to work with innovative companies defining the future of work. Through this program and partnership with Western Sydney University’s Launch Pad, we have been able to harness the opportunity of virtual learning to make an impact in a very real way,” said Dr Jones.
“Experiencing what it is like to contribute to an organisation that is creating something new and innovative is critical to preparing students for the challenges that lay ahead, and we are thrilled that our Virtual Startup Internship Program: Future Economies is playing a part in that for countless students.”
The Program forms part of SSE’s continual impact across diverse communities; bringing practical, experiential and project-based programs to equip young people with the skills and mindsets needed for the workforce of today. SSE works with partners like Western Sydney University Launch Pad to enable the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators create real impact by exposing them to challenges faced by their community and the world, providing a framework that can be used to develop creative and robust solutions.
The Launch Pad SSE Virtual Internship program is designed for innovators and change-makers looking to find out more about what start ups are truly like, and to build the skills required to make them successful. It aims to assist students in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and learning innovation skillsets to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Learn more about the Launch Pad SSE Virtual Internship program here