However, the program is particularly targeted at arts and social sciences students because they have fewer opportunities than those in the more vocationally oriented disciplines to show employers they have transferable skills, says Ms O'Connell. These have a described course of studies that can be taken up by employers. Also, they often find it more difficult in a professional sense to find jobs. The industry consultants program provides these opportunities regardless of students' background, says Ms O'Connell. Ms O'Connell seeks out the host organisations and discusses their needs and briefs.
Students make a formal application to be part of a particular program.
If they are accepted, they work in groups of two to 10, anywhere from two to four hours a week over a semester or even a year. The program has become increasingly popular and competitive, says Ms O'Connell, with many PhD students applying. Hishaam Mirza is leading a team of students on a project for Berry Street Victoria this year. The students, whose disciplines include science, commerce and information systems, are designing a new webpage that incorporates an e-commerce facility so that people can donate to Berry Street online. Mr Mirza, who has a business degree in marketing and is now doing an honors year in commerce, saw the project advertised in the university's careers office.