From the classroom to the workplace

Putting learning into practice: Emma’s Bank of us experience

Some of the best learning happens when you can roll up your sleeves and put theory into practice.

That’s what Emma Wright, a third-year business student at the University of Tasmania (UTAS), has been doing over the past 11 weeks as part of a business placement with the Bank of us People & Culture team.

Emma grew up in Launceston and began studying a Bachelor of Business (Managing People & Organisations) straight out of secondary school. Her placement formed part of her final semester, giving her the chance to put what she’s learned at uni into practice – working on a real project that will make a difference for our people.

Emma was asked to develop a new parental leave policy for Bank of us.

Working one day a week on-site, Emma researched parental leave policies across banks and similar-sized Tasmanian organisations, examined research in the field and the Fair Work Act.  She worked closely with our People & Culture team to develop the policy, she then presented it to the Bank of us Executive team, where it was endorsed.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience, the project has been very meaningful,” Emma says. “The experience has set me up well to do more policy creation in the future.”

For Bonnie Triffitt, People and Culture Specialist, it’s been a two-way street.

“We’re a small team, we’ve enjoyed mentoring Emma. She’s been able to work independently, managed her time well and it’s been great to see her take the project through all its stages," Bonnie said. “The policy will be a practical resource for our people.”

As a UTAS graduate herself, Bonnie has been able to share some of her own university experiences with Emma.

For Emma, the chance to gain practical experience while finishing her degree has been invaluable. And with graduation coming up in December and a graduate program role lined up for the new year, she’ll take plenty from the experience into her future.

At Bank of us, we’re proud to work with UTAS on a range of initiatives that support young Tasmanians – from scholarships for education students and the West Coast Financial Literacy project to Children’s University.

Bank of us CEO Paul Ranson said: “Emma’s placement is another great example of what can happen when education and industry come together.

“Students get the chance to learn by doing, and businesses get new perspectives and the opportunity to help someone take their next step.”

Learn more about UTAS Business Placements