Tourism Regional Internship Program
The Tourism Regional Internship Program (TRIP) represents a key initiative of the partnership between The University of Queensland School of Tourism and local governments, regional operators and the broader community of participating Host Regions. The TRIP is an integral part of the School’s Professional Development course (MGTS3000), which aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical work experience. Within the context of a number of professional development opportunities, including industry guest lectures and case studies, the TRIP allows the School’s highest achievers the opportunity for cultural understanding by engaging in an exclusive and unique educational experience and opportunity to live, work and interact with the broader community in a regional tourism destination.
The TRIP is endorsed by the Queensland Minister for Tourism; Tourism Queensland (TQ) and Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC): “This initiative is a fantastic example of how collaborative efforts between the higher education sector, tourism operators and regional tourism authorities can in turn benefit the community” Queensland Minister for Tourism, Hon. Peter Lawlor.
Whilst students anticipate that their first position after university will most likely be closer to a managerial or supervisory level position, this program gives these students the opportunity to gain valuable insights into host regional industries, and should serve as a major benefit in their professional development as they progress through their career. Equally, our partners enjoy access to the cream of Queensland's graduates in the field, as well as all associated promotional activities associated with profiling the program.
The TRIP Program has also provided many student participants with an important real world learning experience by demonstrating the value of research output to industry, how it can be applied, and the value of being reflective practitioners. The School and the TRIP team are committed to continuing these successes by focusing on the quality aspects of the program.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Tourism Regional Internship Program are available to students and industry partners, under featured links.
FAQ’s for Students
For more information please click on the following link: TRIP Student Info pack. Answers to students most frequently asked questions are listed here. Please peruse the list before contacting staff as it is likely that someone else has had a similar enquiry query in the past. If you do not find a suitable response to your question please forward your question to richard.robinson@uq.edu.au
Students who have been invited to participate in the 2009 Tourism Regional Internship Program should download the TRIP Brief – 2009 and/or Student Course Information Pack before seeking further information.
I've heard about the Tourism Regional Internship Program - what is it?
The Tourism Regional Internship Program is a unique work placement program which is competitively offered to students in the School of Tourism enrolled in the final year Professional Development course. Under this program students spend quality time with industry operators or local government in a regional tourism destination. The interns also work on a strategic project nominated by the region and deliver this at a Knowledge Exchange Workshop during or after their placement.
What do I need to do to qualify for the Program?
To be eligibility for the Tourism Regional Internship Program, students must:
Be in their final (graduating) year of your program
Be amongst the top 30 or so academic achievers (e.g. minimum GPA of 5.25 in 2008)
Possess relevant work experience commensurate with the type of placement being sought
Demonstrate high level interpersonal and professional communication skills
Be cognisant of, and committed to, the responsibilities involved in undertaking the internship
What can I do to prepare to apply for the Program?
Make sure you have a serviceable resume (Student Services can help). This will include being able to list work experiences relevant to the internship.
Do I get academic credit?
The Tourism Regional Internship Program is an embedded component of an academic course: MGTS3000 - Professional Development Placement. Your major piece of assessment will be largely based upon your internship experience. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will need to be completed between the University, Host Region, Host Industries and student before commencement of the internship.
What sort of a time commitment will I need to make?
The internship guidelines stipulate that students must commit 10 days to the placement, however, students will also need to conduct a destination familiarization and be available for media opportunities (both with the School and Host Region).
Are the hours flexible?
No - for the purpose of the internship, this will be held during the mid semester break and will be non negotiable. During the internship, it is envisaged that the student will be regarded as part of the community and will make a real contribution to the host region.
Is the placement structured around lecture times and my other commitments? How does the Program affect my normal class work?
It doesn’t – the placement is conducted during mid semester break.
What happens if I'm having problems on the internship?
The TRIP team is available for consultation at any time, and in the past with the rare issues we have had, they have been speedily and satisfactorily resolved.
What employment opportunities might I gain from the Program?
Past internship students have enjoyed post-placement tourism employment in regional Queensland, with one graduate, Rosanne Mollenhagen, securing a tourism management position in Winton.
What other benefits does the Program offer?
Participation allows you to observe and participate in an organisation from an operator’s perspective. It helps you to network, sharpen, or shape, future career and life goals - this is an excellent way for you to 'dip your toe in the water' - find out what your preferred career is really like!
Is the placement paid?
No – however, UQ provides full insurance coverage to the employer with subsidised accommodation and transfers for students whilst on the placement.
Can I find a placement of my own and participate in the Tourism Regional Internship Program?
No – although the University of Queensland considers that the internship can provide an invaluable experience for students and industry and does not wish to limit these opportunities, these internships are ‘live ins’ at the destination specific Host Regions. As such, students will be provided with accommodation and transfers in the Host Region whilst on the internship.
All parts of the assessment have to be submitted to pass the course.
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FAQ’s for Industry
For more information please click on the following link: TRIP Industry Host Booklet. Answers to most frequently asked industry questions are listed here, if you do not find a suitable response to your question please forward your question to Richard.robinson@uq.edu.au Organisations who are interested in participation in the 2010 Tourism Regional Internship Program are invited to download the Industry Host Information Booklet before seeking further information.
I've heard about the Tourism Regional Internship Program - what is it?
The Tourism Regional Internship Program (TRIP) is a unique work placement program which is competitively offered to students in the School of Tourism enrolled in the final year Professional Development course. Under this program students spend quality time with industry operators or local government in a regional tourism destination. The interns also work on a strategic project nominated by the region and deliver this at a Knowledge Exchange Workshop during or after their placement.
What are the benefits for the region?
Share in a process of knowledge exchange between university tourism students and forward thinking tourism stakeholders, provide educational growth for tomorrow’s (& possibly your) tourism workforce, create partnerships between regional tourism operators, the higher education sector and your community and maximize marketing opportunities to raise community awareness of your region’s tourism appeal and potential.
How are students selected for the Program?
Entry into the Tourism Regional Internship Program is highly competitive, the School of Tourism restricts participation to the top 15 or so students in their final year of study. Students must have an exceptional academic record (around a GPA of 5.5), a strong work experience history and must present professionally when interviewed by a panel from the TRIP team. Students who excel in these three areas are then invited to participate with industry hosts having the final say in whether they accept students.
Which organisations in my community can be involved?
Local council/tourism organisations/Visitor Information Centres;
Key tourist attractions/operators, event venues, festival organisers;
Accommodation providers and community members prepared to billet students;
And any other enthusiastic members of the tourism community.
What are our obligations?
Placement organisations are requested to provide students with opportunity to observe and where appropriate participate in the day to day operations of the host organisation. Host organisations have no obligation to accept a student and can withdraw from the program at any time. We ask that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be completed between the University, Host Region, Industry Hosts and students before commencement of the internship.
At the end of the placement, host supervisors will be asked to complete a brief evaluation form to assess the student’s performance during the Knowledge Exchange Workshop. This will enable us to provide feedback to students and ensure our program remains responsive to student and industry needs.
What duties and tasks can a student perform?
While there are no definitive duties or tasks students can and cannot perform, students are placed with an organisation to obtain work experience relevant to their studies in the areas of tourism, hospitality, leisure and/or events management. We would not expect students to provide clerical support or other jobs of that nature. If possible, tasks allocated should further students’ understanding of the tourism/hospitality and/or leisure industry and equip them with the skills to apply for employment in these fields.
What sort of a time commitment will we need to make?
Placements will begin mid-September and will go for 10 days. Students will be undertaking a consultancy project identified by the Host Region - the major piece of assessment for their course, and may ask for your assistance in completing this project. We ask you to consider that your organisation is able to provide students with access to a senior manager in your organisation as the primary contact, and to give the students fair access to involvement in the enterprise and organisational resources as required. We also ask for attendance by representatives of the host industries and Host Region for the Knowledge Exchange Workshop where the presentation of the consultancy report by students in November will occur.
What happens if I have a problem with a student?
Formal grievance procedures are established within the School and the University to deal with serious or unresolvable complaints. This includes issues such as students dressing and/or behaving inappropriately for the workplace, communication difficulties and/or conflict, non-attendance and insubordination. We ask that you contact the Course Coordinator, Karen Hughes, at the first sign of any difficulties. The School will then be able to advise you on subsequent procedures.
What other benefits does the Program offer?
The School’s promotion of the Program presents opportunities to raise the profile of participating organisations and to position them as employers of choice. This program also allows hosts to leverage from being connected with The University of Queensland.
Are we expected to pay students?
No, but Hosts are to provide/subsidise accommodation and transfers for the students during their internship, and for 2-3 UQ staff when visiting if necessary.
How can we be sure that students will keep what they see confidential?
Students will be informed prior to placement that what they do and observe in the workplace is confidential. We suggest you reiterate this when you first meet the student. It is often best to say everything is confidential. The MOU, signed by all parties, extends past the conclusion of the placement and prevents students from revealing information or knowledge gained from a placement unless specifically instructed in writing otherwise. If you experience or anticipate a problem with a student please contact the TRIP Course Coordinator, Richard Robinson, as soon as possible.
Who covers insurance for students?
Students are covered for up to $20 million of liability under the University’s public liability insurance policy. Students are also covered under the University’s personal accident insurance policy while undertaking activities directly related to their studies.
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Former TRIP Student
Rosanne Mollenhagen
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Roseanne, a former UQ student, agreed that participation in the TRIP internship was instrumental in gaining experience and insight into how the tourism industry works at a regional level. Roseanne is currently the Tourism Development Officer with the Winton Shire Council. “Participating in the Regional Internship Program offered me the opportunity to live, work and interact with operations at the regional tourism level and gave me a valuable insight into how the tourism industry operates. Students who participate in the program can expect to gain a better understanding of the differences between operations in the same sector of tourism, such as accommodation, while gaining an appreciation of the role of the local government agencies in shaping the direction of tourism in the region, and how key tourist attractions are managed. This appreciation helped me to decide my career direction in the tourism industry and I would encourage other students to take part for this reason, as well as to gain some practical experience in the industry.”
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TRIP Team
TRIP Course Coordinator and Project Member
Mr Richard Robinson
Ph: 07 3346 9318 / 0434 072049
Fax: 07 3346 8716
Email: Richard.Robinson@uq.edu.au |
TRIP Project Leader and Scenic Rim Liaison
Dr Noreen Breakey
Ph: 07 3381 1008/ 0413 186 638
Fax: 07 3346 8716
Email: Noreen.Breakey@uq.edu.au
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TRIP Project Member and Ipswich Liaison
Dr Lisa Ruhanen
Ph: 07 3346 7095/ 0423 784 370
Fax: 07 3346 8716
Email: Lisa.Ruhanen@uq.edu.au
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TRIP Project Member and Senior Mentor
Associate Professor Steve Craig-Smith
Ph: 07 3346 6245 / 0407 754 686
Fax: 07 3346 8716
Email: s.craigsmith@uq.edu.au
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