Dr Willem Janse Van Rensburg
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (23/02/2026 - 20/06/2026)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This course aims to provide final year students with the opportunity to apply conceptual knowledge to the real world via a professional placement. As such, this course strongly links discipline learnings, personal employability skills and attributes developed by students across the duration of their studies with the challenges and expectations of working in industry. In doing so, students have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their chosen profession and to connect this experience to the development of a workplace ready skill-set. Successful completion of the course will provide students with the employability skills required for transition to the world of work. Further information about how to apply for RBUS7999 can be found on the BEL Faculty's work-integrated learning website.
The course is designed around the University of Queensland's employability framework, which focuses on four themes:
- Awareness - understanding employability as both degree knowledge and the attributes that guide workplace performance;
- Experiences - engaging with a range of experiences to develop the skills and attributes for employability;
- Learning - uses self-reflection to translate experiences into employability development; and
- Transfer - communicating employability effectively in the recruitment process and transferring learning into workplace performance.
This means that during this course, you will have the opportunity to:
- understand the range of skills and attributes required for employability;
- apply and practice your employability skills in an organisation;
- evaluate your own performance and skillset;
- reflect on and deepen your understanding of the business practices and processes you encountered;
- identify your areas for development and develop an action plan to address them; and
- develop a personal value proposition and practice articulating it in various settings.
Placement/Internship requirements
You will need to undertake an industry work placement (internship) of 80 to 120 hours throughout (or before) the semester.ﾠYou should find your own work placement in a functional area of management practice in an organisation that is willing to host you and provide meaningful project work to further develop your skills and abilities.ﾠAs an example, you might choose to complete your internship in one block of 3 or 4 weeks full-time,ﾠ3 days a week over 4-5 weeks, orﾠ2 days a week over 7-8 weeks.ﾠCompleting one day a week of your internship hours isﾠnotﾠrecommended as experience has shown the likelihood of you being given realistic work tasks and/or being included in the work team is significantly reduced.ﾠIt is your responsibility toﾠnegotiate your working hours with your industry host, as well as manage your time effectively to attend all the scheduled learning activitiesﾠthroughout the semester.ﾠSupport is available from the BEL FacultyﾠEmployability Team to help you source an appropriate host organisation.
The course is offered four times a year to make alignment with your internship dates possible.
- Semester 1
- Teaching Period 5 (Inter-Semester Break)
- Semester 2
- Summer Semester
Your internship commencement date should be within 4 months of the start date of the semester in which you are eligible to complete your WIL course. If your internship commencement date is outside of this time period, you may be advised to source a new internship for your WIL course.
NOTE: Before you commence your internship, it is important you first refer to the BEL Work-integrated Learning (WIL) website to familiarise yourself with the process of having your internship approved before it can be considered suitable for course credit. Access the website using this Link. Your internship commencement date should be within 6 months of the start date of the semester in which you are eligible to complete your WIL course. If your internship commencement date is outside of this time period, you may be advised to source a new internship for your WIL course.
Course Changes in Response to Previous Student Feedback
The Graduate Attributes quiz has been discontinued, as its learning outcome is now captured through the Professional Development Plan.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
GPA of 4.0 or higher. Approval required from Head of School via Business School Postgraduate Student Liaison Team.
Restrictions
Restricted to students in the final year of the MBus, MCom, MEI and MTHEM programs.
Course staff
Course coordinator
Lecturer
Dr Willem Janse Van Rensburg
Internship administrator
Mr Ivan Maxwell
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
As you will be in the placement organisation for 100 to 120 hours there is limited seminar or lecture involvement. Attendance is required to maximise your assessment and the available support for your placement. Arrangements to attend are made between the student and their employer.
You must check your university email address for announcements about RBUS3999/RBUS4999/RBUS7999, for updates and additional information throughout the semester.
Aims and outcomes
This course gives students the opportunity to link discipline learnings, employability skills and personal attributes with the challenges and expectations of working in industry. It is designed to help students identify their unique strengths, build a strong professional identity, and clarify potential career pathways, while also beginning to think and act like a manager. The course will reflectively deepen students’ understanding of workplace practices, processes and challenges through this leadership lens. Ultimately, students will emerge with a clearer sense of direction, as well as the confidence and skills to thrive in the modern workplace.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Reflect on and evaluate your employability skillset and attributes.
LO2.
Communicate your employability skillset and attributes.
LO3.
Create a professional development plan to further build upon your employability skills.
LO4.
Critically reflect on and articulate key business practices, processes and challenges within an organisation.
LO5.
Demonstrate the ability to think strategically from the perspective of a manager.
LO6.
Explain your industry employment requirements and trends.
LO7.
Clarify your career goals and pathways.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presentation, Product/ Design |
A1. Professional identity and value proposition
|
30% |
A1.1 LinkedIn profile 27/03/2026 5:00 pm A1.2 Video pitch 2/04/2026 5:00 pm |
| Placement, Reflection |
A2. Workplace reflection
|
30% |
A2.1 Written reflection 13/04/2026 A2.2 Interactive oral 13/04/2026 - 22/05/2026
For the A2.2 Interactive Oral Assessment, students are required to schedule an interview time with the lecturer between Weeks 7 and 12. |
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
A3. Professional Development Plan
|
40% |
29/05/2026 5:00 pm |
Assessment details
A1. Professional identity and value proposition
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation, Product/ Design
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
A1.1 LinkedIn profile 27/03/2026 5:00 pm
A1.2 Video pitch 2/04/2026 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02
Task description
In this assessment, you will demonstrate your ability to define their professional identity and effectively communicate your personal brand and value proposition by way of a LinkedIn profile and oral pitch.
- The LinkedIn profile will include a profile photo, headline, About section and a minimum of two original posts.
- The oral pitch will be submitted as a short, pre-recorded video.
AI statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
A2. Workplace reflection
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Placement, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
A2.1 Written reflection 13/04/2026
A2.2 Interactive oral 13/04/2026 - 22/05/2026
For the A2.2 Interactive Oral Assessment, students are required to schedule an interview time with the lecturer between Weeks 7 and 12.
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning, Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L04, L05
Task description
In this assessment, you will showcase your reflective skills by analysing and reflecting on the business/organisation you observed and engaged with during your placement. You will critically reflect on the practices, processes, structures and/or people dynamics of the business or organisation you worked in. Your observations will lead you to develop a foundational understanding of how businesses operate, their managerial decision-making, and how businesses respond to wider industry/economic forces.
The assessment will consist of two parts:
- A written reflection offering your observations and analysis of an interesting/consequential practice, process, structure and/or management/staff dynamic in the business or organisation worked in. You will incorporate concepts/theories that deepen your understanding of your focus area.
- A semi-structured in-person consultation with the course lecturer during which you will respond orally to questions about your placement experience and demonstrate conceptual/theoretical understanding of your observations.
The assessment marking criteria will cover critical analysis and understanding of business practices/processes/dynamics, as well as identification and application of relevant theoretical frameworks.
AI statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
A3. Professional Development Plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
29/05/2026 5:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L06, L07
Task description
In this assessment you will write a comprehensive and self-reflective Professional Development Plan. You will evaluate your employability in the context of:
- self-evaluation of their placement performance,
- feedback they receive from supervisors/mentors/colleagues,
- various self-test instruments,
- research into job/industry requirements and trends, as well as
- UQ’s graduate attributes.
You will identify specific areas for improvement (development areas), and develop a clear action plan to achieve your development goals. The assessment concludes with a strategic perspective of your professional identity and long-term career aspirations. You will consider career pathways that align with your goals for both personal and professional growth.
The assessment marking criteria will cover critical self-evaluation skills, gap analysis, planning skills, strategic insight, information organisation and written language standards.
AI statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Please note that past central exam papers mentioned above in section 3.3 is irrelevant sinceﾠRBUS7999 does not have examinations.
Please see section 5 for assessment details.
Recommended Resources:
The independent learning approach used this course will require students to develop their own reading schedules that use theories and/or concepts that will be relevant in their assessment tasks.ﾠNumerous readings are provided on the Blackboard site.ﾠ
Learn (Blackboard)
All courses are supported by the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn, which provides an interactive environment for the students and teachers. This is accessible via PC or Mac or Mobile (Apps) environment.
To log on to Blackboard, go to https://learn.uq.edu.au.
- As Blackboard is a web‐based application, you will need a recently‐released browser for your computer. For the latest Release Notes for Bb Student, see http://en-gb.help.blackboard.com/Bb_Student/z_Release_Notes_Bb_Student.
- For help with Learn.UQ (Blackboard), see https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-blackboard-contacts or contact AskUs https://web.library.uq.edu.au/contact-us or telephone 334 64312.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Placement |
Industry placement with a host organisation 80-120 hours placement with an industry host. The placement will give you the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and to connect this experience to the development of a workplace ready skill set. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Not Timetabled |
Employ101X - Unlocking your employability This is an optional self-paced online course in which you will hear from:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Introduction to the Course and the concept of employability The seminar will include:
Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Developing your Professional Identity Understanding your professional self
Developing your professional brand
Employee Value Proposition Canvas Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Developing your professional online presence During this seminar we will:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Articulating your professional identity and value proposition In-person Networking
Oral practice
Elevator pitch
Plan your networking Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Professional Development Plan In this seminar we will:
Learning outcomes: L03, L06, L07 |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Navigating the job market In this seminar we will:
Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
Multiple weeks From Week 7 To Week 13 |
Consultation |
Workplace reflection consultations Students will schedule personal consultations with the lecturer for the purpose of assessment A2, Workplace reflection. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.