What does Business Advantage offer?
1. Business Advantage Development Modules
These short courses (running for three to six weeks each per semester) focus on development of specific social and professional skills. Each module is framed around tailored learning objectives and outcomes and participants undertake a set of defined activities in order to successfully complete the module, which is acknowledged with a 'Certificate of Completion'. We have a wide range of modules on offer to suit all interests.
For more information on the modules and how to participate visit the Program Schedule page.
2. External Development Programs
These are structured experiential learning activities requiring participants to apply skills in demanding 'real life' situations, and normally in a competition format. The two main programs supported by Business Advantage are the Higher Education Workplace Skills Olympiad (HEWSO) and Young Achievement Australia (YAA).
For more information on these programs visit the Development Programs page
3. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) - now known as QUT Initiate
QUT Initiate aims to harness the diverse talents and resources of university students to empower individuals and communities to create their futures. The organisation engages with business, government, community and educational institutions through projects that employ collaborative, real world problem solving.
To learn how you can be involved visit the QUT Initiate page
4. Student Support and Sponsorships
This service helps students to access valuable extracurricular networking and skills enhancement opportunities such as conferences, seminars and other development activities. Business Advantage facilitates student nominations and is often able to fund individual requests for support.
To read about previous sponsorships visit the Student Sponsorships page.
5. Individual student idea/project support
Business Advantage encourages students to be entrepreneurial and suggest development activities or projects that inspire them personally. In many cases, Business Advantage offers the necessary support and resources to bring projects to
fruition.
If you have an idea for a development activity, visit the Submit an Idea page.
6. E-Newsletter and Development Updates
Keep up to date with development opportunities by subscribing to the Business Advantage E-Newsletter. This free publication, distributed fortnightly by email, contains lots of information on paid and volunteer jobs, seminars, competitions, awards, personal development workshops and social events on offer at the university and beyond.
To read previous newsletters and subscribe to this service visit the E-Newsletter page.
Why should you participate?
The Business Advantage program aims to enrich the student experience by developing the individual student and preparing our future business leaders for the dynamic, ever changing and challenging world ahead. The activities you undertake in Business Advantage will not only support and extend your academic activities but can also be applied in every other facet of your life, no matter what you choose to do or where your career takes you.
Key elements of Business Advantage
Flexibility – there will be a range of programs and activities to suit interests and needs. You may enter the program at any stage during your degree and pursue only the modules of interest to you.
Challenge – the level of involvement in the program is up to you. The more modules you undertake the more you experience and learn. As the program develops, more challenging activities will be offered to enhance and further develop your skills and knowledge.
Share experiences with others – interact with participants of a diverse range of ages, experiences, and social and cultural backgrounds. Expand your social and professional networks with peers, employers and the community.
Life long learning – develop a passion and personal responsibility for learning which will support and enhance your life. Gain a greater understanding of yourself and clarification of your personal and professional aspirations and, most importantly, how to achieve these.
Understanding and innovation – develop an understanding of others' points of view and broaden your perception of people, ideas, activities, policies, cultures, belief systems and circumstances. You will see wider possibilities and learn how to put your ideas into action and make a real difference in your community – locally, nationally and globally.
Adding value – develop skills and knowledge that enhance your ability to effectively deal with situations in your personal and professional life and that are highly sought after by employers, such as initiative, creativity, honesty, accountability, courage, respect for differences and ethical and socially responsible behaviour.
Benefits for others – relationships between students, alumni, business, industry and the community locally, nationally and globally will strengthen and enhance QUT’s ‘real world’ reputation.
It’s free and it’s fun!
We look forward to seeing you at a Business Advantage activity in the near future!
Privacy statement
The Faculty of Business will keep information on individual participants for the purpose of administering the Business Advantage program. Records may include, but are not limited to, written and electronic correspondence, participation and attendance records and completion records. Participant names will be provided to module facilitators and other Faculty staff for the purpose of delivering the modules. Feedback and testimonials from participants may be published (eg on the web or in other materials), but not without the prior consent of the student. Information/records will be kept on file in the Faculty for the duration of the student’s time in the Business degree. No other information on participants will be provided to persons or groups outside of the Faculty or scope of the Business Advantage Program without prior written consent.