厙ぴ勛圖

Menu

Wananga landing Wananga landing
Topic

During your WIL experience

O nianei

21 September 2023

From getting the most out of your WIL opportunity to helpful resources, here's what you need to know during your WIL experience.

HOW TO APPLY
Business Micro Internship
Getting the most out of it

Starting a placement, internship or project is an exciting and sometimes stressful experience for many students. Here are some tips to consider during your WIL experience:

  • Be patient. Its ok to not know everything remember you are new to the organisation, and you arent expected to know everything. Focus on what you do know and ask questions.
  • Remember this experience is about learning make the most of opportunities available.
  • If you are based within an organisation, observe those around you and learn from them, including how they conduct themselves professionally.
  • Dont be afraid to be creative in approaching challenges draw on a variety of inspiration and use your intuition as well as knowledge gained from your courses.

A WIL experience allows for you to develop many personal and professional skills, such as communication skills, networking, time management as well as opportunities to develop your professional identity, confidence and more.

Communication Skills

Communication, communication, communication! Regardless of what type of WIL experience you are undertaking, communication is going to significantly contribute to the success of your experience whether that is with other students when working on a group project, with your academic supervisor, or your Host Contact.

It is also important to note that communication includes speaking, writing, and listening, and it's important to consider how the message you are intending to convey is portrayed what is your body language saying or your tone of voice?

  • Communication is key keep the lines of communication open with your Host Contact, academic supervisor or course coordinator. They are there to help and support you
  • Ask questions!
  • Use a variety of communication methods dont always rely on email, but try face-to-face or phone. Perhaps there are other ways you will communicate, but make sure you both understand how you will communicate with each other
  • Proofread all documents, including emails, and check for spelling and grammar
  • Practise any presentations you are required to give
  • Consider your audience and adapt your communication style to suit

Networking

Building your networkis about establishing connections with people, typically ina field oran organisationyou want to be a part of. Completing a WIL experience allows you a fantastic opportunity to start building your own professional network. Building your network early sets you aheadfor future opportunities.

  • Where possible, make the most of opportunities to attend meetings, events, and talk to others at the organisation. Are there ways you can get involved with other projects or tasks to help others around you?
  • Consider setting up a LinkedIn account and connecting with those around you. The UC Careers team have many resources, and one-on-one appointments to help you develop this
  • Say yes to networking opportunities where you can
  • Talk to those around you about their career journey people are usually happy to share their story

If you are interested in looking into how to develop your networking skills, visitTe Rp贖 Rapuara | UC Careersfor some great tips and advice.

Confidence

Adjusting to the workplace and understanding the norms and expectations of the organisation and industry take time. Try to be patient and enjoy the experience. Your confidence in yourself and your abilities will grow throughout the experience.

  • Show your enthusiasm and passion, and your willingness to learn
  • Focus on what you do know and how you are able to contribute, rather than what you dont know
  • Ask questions! This helps to show your willingness to learn
  • Be open to new ideas and ways of doing things
  • Reflect positively on your mistakes these are an opportunity to learn no one is perfect and by reflecting on these, we continually improve
  • Be open and flexible with changing environments, priorities and tasks. Life is not always predictable.
  • Be mindful of your own wellbeing if you feel things are becoming too much, be sure to lean on those around you, and seek help
  • Be open and responsive to constructive feedback throughout the experience this can help with your personal development and in turn, build your confidence
Community

You may feel a wide range of emotions during your WIL experience, so it's important to lean on the support of your community around you. This consists of both your own community outside of your study world, such as whnau and friends, and also the community around you at UC, including your Course Coordinators, peers and student services.

If you are able to connect with other students who are also going through a WIL experience, do so this may be your classmates (perhaps there is a forum through your course LEARN page?), or others you know who have gone through the WIL experience. Chatting with those who have been there or are going through it can help to normalise what you are experiencing, and to know you are not alone.

If you dont know any other students who have undertaken or are currently in a WIL experience, contact your UC Contact and ask them to connect you with other students in your programme of study.

Helpful resources

For more helpful advice, tips and ways to develop important transferrable skills, have a look at these resources:

More resources can be found on theStudent Resources Page

Accessing Support

If you are having any challenges during your WIL activity, or in your personal life which are affecting your WIL experience, there is support available.

For all services offered on campus, visitUC's Wellbeing Hub

General

  • Student Careincluding international student support and UC Rainbow Advisors
  • UC Mori - Kaiurungi | Student Advisors
  • The Pacific Development Team - Kaiuruni | Student Advisors

Health and Welfare

UCSA

啦堯梗泭is there to help and support you during your studies, including during Work-Integrated Learning. If you havent found them already, they are located on level 1 of Haere-roa.

Mori and Pacific Cultural Support

Cultural support is available for konga Mori and Pacific, to offer guidance and support across different cultural protocols through UC Mori and the Pacific Development Team.

Students may also decide to connect with a Kaiurungi if something doesnt feel tika (right) within their placement, regardless of whether it is kaupapa-based or otherwise: for example, if they have been asked, as te reo Mori speaker, to translate work when this isnt a part of their role description.

  • For sourcing a kaupapa Mori or iwi placement, please contact the appropriate faculty Kairahi (Faculty Advisor).
  • For cultural support or advice, please contact the appropriate faculty Kaiurungi (Student Advisor).

Find out who yourfaculty Kairahi/Kaiurungi 勳莽.泭

Support off campus

There are also a range of support options for you which are located off campus. Talk with someone you trust to help navigate what the appropriate support may be if you do not feel you are able to approach this on your own. UCs support staff are also able to help you navigate different options.

UC has a comprehensive list ofmental health support options.

Other considerations

Confidentiality

During your WIL experience, you may be privy to information which is sensitive in nature. It is important that you do not share this information more broadly, and only use it for the purposes for which it was intended.

As part of your course requirements, you may be asked to sign a confidentiality agreement this is to protect both you and the Host Organisation.

Ethics

It is recommended that you speak with your UC Contact to discuss if your project requires ethics approval and the process to follow.

If your project engages with Mori or Pacific communities, it is recommended you speak with Te Waka Pkkano.

Intellectual Property (IP)

Intellectual property as a result of the WIL experience must be disclosed to your Host Organisation and is the property of the Organisation for the vast majority of WIL experiences at UC.

Further information or queries, have a chat with your UC Contact.

When things aren't going as planned

Absences

Life happens, things come up, sickness occurs. Each course will have different requirements in terms of attendance, hours etc and interruptions will have different effects be sure to understand these before you start the course.

If you are unwell, have an emergency or cannot attend your placement for any reason, be sure to contact your Host Contact or UC Contact (whichever you have been advised to contact) as soon as possible.

If your absence may be ongoing or may affect you meeting the course requirements, contact your UC Contact as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Workplace harassment including bullying and discrimination

Harassment, bullying or discrimination are not acceptable behaviours in the workplace. If at any time during your WIL experience you feel you are experiencing this, it is important to let someone know. We understand this can be difficult to discuss, but it is important to let your UC Contact know so they are able to support you during this.

It's important that you are safe, both physically and psychologically, and feel supported during your placement. If you do not feel this way, UC is here to support you.

Reporting an incident or concern

If something happens, or you have a concern that something doesnt feel right, let someone know.

Depending on the situation, there may need to be changes to your WIL experience. Talk to yourUC Contactto see what can be done to complete the requirements of the course.

The situation and circumstance may affect who you feel you are able to discuss it with thats ok. When you do talk to someone, consider bringing a whnau member or support person along for the conversation.

Who can you talk with?

  • Your Host Contact
    What is your relationship like with your Host Contact? Is there someone else you feel comfortable and can trust to talk with at the Host Organisation?
  • Your UC Contact
    If you dont feel you are able to speak with someone within the organisation, thats ok. Have a chat with a staff member involved in your course this may be a Course Coordinator, Lecturer, Placement / Work-Integrated Learning Coordinator, Clinical Director - their contact details should be on LEARN including their office location.
  • Te Pokap贖 Ako -Mahi| UC Work-Integrated Learning Hub
    If you would like to raise an issue through another avenue, you are able to talk with Te Pokap贖 Ako -Mahi | Work-Integrated Learning Hub, through emailingakoamahi@canterbury.ac.nzand they will arrange a time to speak with you.
  • UC Report It
    UC has additional options to make an informal anonymous report, or formal complaint theUC Report It.

Personal safety and emergencies

  1. If you feel threatened, in danger or an emergency has occurred, always call 111
  2. Advise your UC WIL contact as soon as practically possible so they are able to provide appropriate support to you.
  3. Staff member may need to escalate this to other staff to provide further assistance. This will be discussed with you before an action is taken, with the exception of acute circumstances wherein you or others are at immediate risk of harm

If there is an emergency/ disaster where you are based, follow instructions from your Host Organisation and local authorities. UC will contact you as soon as possible with any relevant instructions or information (depending on the circumstance).

Discontinuing your Placement

On rare occasions, there may be times where UC needs to assist you by taking you out of your WIL experience. This includes (but is not limited to):

  • if the student no longer feels safe in the environment
  • if the student breaches legal, ethical or professional codes of the industry, or shows negligence or unsafe practices
  • If the host organisation is unable to provide a safe working environment or provide appropriate opportunities for the student

UC will do their best to find another opportunity for you (where appropriate) and discuss options for meeting the course requirements with you.

If you wish to withdraw from a course containing a WIL opportunity, please be sure to speak with your UC Contact so they can ensure the organisation is also advised.

Useful te reo Mori phrases for the workplace

You may find these phrases useful during your placement.Give it a go!


TE REO MORIENGLISH
GreetingsKia oraHello

Tn koeHello (one person)

Tn kruaHello (two people)


Kei te rangatira, tn koe


Ata mrie / mrena


捩鳥櫻娶勳梗
Farewells (in-person)Hei konei rGoodbye / until we meet again

Ka kiteSee you (informal)
Signing off (email)Ng mihiRegards

Nku, n (name)from (name)

Nku noa, nfrom (name)
Mihi (introducing yourself)Tn koutou katoaGreetings to you all

N (place name) ahauORN (tribal name) ahauI am from (place)ORI belong to (tribal name)

Ko (name) tku ingoaMy name is __________

N reira, tn koutou, tn koutou, tn koutou katoaTherefore, greetings, greetings, greetings to us all.
Privacy Preferences

By clicking "Accept All Cookies", you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.