Alumni news

Alumni give students a professional break in Gippsland

Alumnus Clinton Rodda (BBus 1988) is one of many Gippsland-based alumni giving local Monash students a professional break. As Chief Operating Officer at Sage Technology in Morwell, Victoria, Rodda employs Monash Bachelor of Business and Commerce student Chris Repetowski, as part of the Monash Gippsland Internship program. Now in its third year, the program links high-achieving students with a local employer in their field of study. The employer provides fully paid part-time employment, vacation employment and a minimum of twelve months full-time employment after the successful completion of the degree. In addition, each successful student receives a $500 textbook allowance every semester for up to three years. 

"Taking Chris on in this program has really been great," said Rodda, adding that these are high-achievers who are looking for leading-edge experiences. "He's not doing Mickey Mouse stuff, he's doing real projects, like designing and developing surveys and marketing plans that add value to our organisation." 

After graduating with a Bachelor of Business degree from the Monash Gippsland campus, Rodda went on to work in various management and consulting roles both in Australia and overseas, before coming back to work for Sage in 2001. En route he also earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration. "The Internship program is what I did but in reverse," said Rodda. "As opposed to finding time to study around work, it allows the student the opportunity to see how the theoretical knowledge they've gained can be applied." 

Sage Technology has been involved in the Internship program since it commenced in 2001. Based on the program's success, nearly all of the campus's eight faculties are now involved. 24 students and 12 employers are currently participating.

"We've been absolutely happy with the way it has gone in the three years we've been involved," said Ray Tunks, General Manager of employment strategies for Latrobe City. After helping to get students placed in accounting, finance, IT and public relations during the past two years, he's happily taking a student into Human Resources this year. "This has been great for us in terms of the talent we're getting and also for the kids who are getting excellent experience right here in Gippsland." 

Rodda, like Tunks, believes the course is good for both the employee and the employer. "I would be very surprised if we didn't extend Sage's involvement," said Rodda. "This allows us to bring in top-quality people who can get a good look at our company and then hopefully stay on in the future." 

For further information about the Gippsland Internship Program please call Narelle Wilkins at Monash University Gippsland Campus on (03) 51226211.