Top of page

Student/Staff Portal
Global Site Navigation

School of Science

Local Section Navigation
You are here: Main Content

Shaping Tomorrow: WIL Industry Breakfast

Friday, 03 October 2025

Tags:

Related Contents

A Morning of Inspiration and Industry Insight

On Wednesday, 2nd October, the School of Science at Edith Cowan University hosted its inaugural Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Industry event, however this time it had a new look and feel - a morning Industry Breakfast, replacing the traditional Sundowner format. The event brought together over 60 industry partners and their WIL students for a vibrant morning of connection, insight and inspiration.

Organised by the dedicated WIL team Sam Phelan, Dr Mary Hanson and Aoife Celaya, the event saw an outstanding turnout and featured a dynamic panel of professionals who shared practical advice on mentorship, workplace readiness, emerging tech trends, and career-building strategies. Attendees represented a wide range of sectors including mining, government, finance, consultancy, SMEs, education, healthcare, technology, engineering, and environmental services - just to name a few.

A Panel of Powerhouses

A heartfelt thank you went out to our exceptional panel speakers:

  • Western Power: Peigi Hinton, Senior Technology Risk Specialist
  • St John WA: Andrew Bullen, Manager, Cyber Security
  • South Metropolitan Health Service: Sophie Leitch, Manager, Operations Digital Health Products Transformation Manager
  • Seamless Intelligence: Chris Bolan, Co-Founder & Managing Director
  • Satalyst (Canon Business Services ANZ): Rico Gunawan, Head of Modern Applications
  • Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions: Michelle Van Compernolle, Environmental Officer.

Their insights sparked engaging discussions and offered attendees, especially our WIL students, who walked away with a wealth of practical advice and inspiration.

Key takeaways from the panel included:

  • Mentorship Matters: Industry leaders shared the joy of mentoring students, highlighting the transformation they witnessed as students gained confidence and grew professionally during their placements.
  • Standing Out in the Workplace: Students learned the importance of showing initiative, staying curious, and being adaptable to leave a lasting impression during their WIL experience.
  • Tech Trends Shaping Careers: From AI and cybersecurity to data and software, panelists explored emerging technologies and how staying informed could unlock exciting career opportunities.
  • Resume and Interview Tips: Practical advice was shared on crafting standout resumes and preparing for interviews, with an emphasis on confidently showcasing one’s strengths and potential contributions.
  • Beyond the Technical: Students were reminded that professional capability - understanding how industry operates and how to contribute meaningfully - was just as vital as technical expertise.
  • Networking for the Future: Building connections with professionals and peers was highlighted as a key strategy for shaping a successful career path.

Celebrating our WIL Community

The School extended its deepest thanks to all WIL hosts for their ongoing support in providing enriching placement experiences. Their commitment to student development was invaluable.

And to our 2025 WIL students - congratulations! Their hard work, growth, and enthusiasm were truly inspiring. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see where their journeys take them.

WIL Shaping Futures Industry Breakfast food at the table with a view of the city.WIL_Shaping_Tomorrow_Industry Event_Attendees

Share

Skip to top of page