Industry Engagement

There are a number of ways you can create opportunities to engage with industry partners that will allow you to build your transferable and professional skills, networks and post-thesis potential.

Gaining experience outside of your academic work, even for a short period, can complement academic development and better prepare you for a range of future career paths. It may allow you to experience professional life in a different context, develop your commercial awareness and business-facing skills, or develop a better understanding of the impact of research.

If an industry mentorship, placement, or internship is something you are interested in you should begin by discussing this with your supervisors. You should also contact graduateresearch@csu.edu.au to find out more about how this can be administered within your candidature and/or scholarship arrangements.

Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS)

The Industry Mentoring Network in STEM — IMNIS — is a prestigious, award-winning industry engagement initiative of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) that partners motivated PhD students (ideally in their second year) and early-career researchers (mentees) with influential, high level industry leaders* (mentors) in a one-year mentoring and professional development program.

More information.

APR Internships

APR Internships connects PhD students with industry through short-term internships across all sectors, disciplines and universities. These opportunities empower students to thrive in a practical research environment and for businesses to innovate and be future-ready.

A world of possibilities with PhD Internships

Australian Postgraduate Research Intern (APR.Intern) connects PhD students with industry through short-term 3-6 month internships. These opportunities empower students to thrive in a practical research environment and for businesses to innovate and be future-ready.

APR.Intern is Australia’s only not-for-profit PhD internship program that spans across all sectors, disciplines and universities and are supported by the Australian Government’s Department of Education and Training.

Bridging the gap between industry and academia, APR.Intern helps to create a level playing field for all PhD students — in particular, women and underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) including regional, Indigenous and disadvantaged students.

Is there any remuneration?

Yes, there is $3000 monthly stipend for the duration of the internship.

How will it impact on your PhD candidature?

If you successfully apply for an internship you have a number of options around how to manage your candidature.

  1. Take one session of leave from your HDR programme. During this time, you will be enrolled in a ‘shell subject’ to ensure your enrolment with the university continues.
  2. Move from full-time to part-time study.
  3. Undertake an internship during the examination period.

Can International students participate?

Yes, these are internships and are not considered to be ‘work’ and as such do not impact on visa restrictions.

I’m interested. What’s next?

Go to the APR.Intern website and see all of the current opportunities available.  Discuss your interest with your supervisor. Submit your application.

Read this interview with a Charles Sturt PhD candidate about her experience doing and internship with APR.Intern.

Voluntary Workplace Learning

Voluntary workplace learning can help you develop a better understanding of a particular role or industry.  There are many benefits of voluntary workplace learning, including:

  • building your professional knowledge and skills
  • gaining relevant workplace experience for your resume
  • having a practical understanding of a job for future job interviews
  • expanding your network of industry connections.