The Industry - Information for employers
Testimonials
"The Waikato University offer to have students assist local businesses with research projects is nothing less than fantastic. We were pleasantly surprised at the data that was collected in such a short time and at very little relative cost to our company. The value we gained from the student's diligence and personal ability enabled our company to make more informed and better considered strategic decisions. We highly recommend the service."
Geoff Knox, Chief Executive, Grasshopper Ltd
Examples of experience within the BECom
- Development of an online payment system for a telecommunications firm
- Benchmarking web site standards in the photographic imaging industry
- Exploring e-commerce solutions for a large conglomerate
- Web site development for an Internet design organisation
- Developing the web/internal systems interface for a dairy company
- Study of web presence possibilities for a small manufacturing firm
- Project management of web-based initiatives
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a sponsor have to do?
An employer's biggest commitment is to provide an environment where a student can be part of a work team and observe organisational practices, have access to a supervisor and other professional members of the team for advice and guidence in completing their work tasks.
Employers play an important role in mentoring students and allowing them to test and refine their skills and knowledge in the commercial world. You can expect a professional and disciplined approach from students, who are self-motivated and well-equipped to work in a wide range of projects.
What does acting as a host organistion cost?
A typical work experience placement runs from November through to the end of February with around 12 weeks of full time employment. Students will be expected to integrate into the organisation to become productive as quickly as possible. The most important commitment is to provide a student with solid practical experience. The actual remuneration, if any, should be negotiated with the student and will depend on the time involved and the level of capacity. Employers usually report outstanding value for money.
Students are required to find a host organisation that agrees to have them on-site for at least a minimum of 150 hours. Where full time employment for the entire summer period is not possible, various part-time or short-term arrangements are possible to meet this requirement.
20 hours a week for 8 weeks.
40 hours a week for 4 weeks.
Any other time frame suitable to employers and students that meet the minimum 150 hour requirement.
How do the practical projects fit with the study year?
E-commerce students usually begin their work experience during their summer school break (October/November to February). Some students may secure ongoing projects and continue to be employed during the regular academic year on a part-time basis by the employer.
What are the benefits of the sponsorship?
One of the major benefits for a sponsorship organisation is that you get to work with students who may be potential future employees. Sponsoring a student project can be an important part of your organisation's recruitment strategy.
Sponsors also benefit from the innovative thinking and dedication of students undertaking practical projects. Student practical projects usually add value to sponsoring firms and organisations.
We invite you to use the availability of these students to tackle a problem or undertake a project with the help of students that are able to tap into current thinking in key sectors, as well as staff expertise in the Waikato Management School to assist in their problem solving.
You may also identify and forge relationships with prospective employees. |
