# Employability Award activities guide
**Source**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/activities
**Parent**: https://employability.uq.edu.au/award
There is a set of program requirements that must be completed before you can submit an application to be considered for the Award. On this page, you will find a list of suggested Award activities for each category as well as some information to consider when planning your activities.
### Things to consider
When planning, please consider the following information:
- This list is not exclusive and you are encouraged to find your own unique experiences as well.
- Plan ahead because access to some activities can be limited due to a competitive application process or specific discipline/study-related requirements.
- To ensure the activities you complete are eligible, make sure you read the Program Requirements and Eligible Activities sections within the [conditions of participation](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/conditions). You can also contact [employability@uq.edu.au](mailto:employability@uq.edu.au) to have someone check the eligibility.
- Regularly visit the UQ StudentHub Jobs Portal to peruse the advertised opportunities.
## Important Notice
**Supplementary Activity Update**: As of Semester 2, 2024, to achieve the Employability Award, all students are required to complete [My Career Adviser (MCA)](https://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/my-career-adviser/) as a compulsory supplementary activity, alongside their four remaining activities. You will not be able to submit a final application for the award until your completion of the MCA is submitted into your workflow. Students will be automatically enrolled into the EA-MCA site within a week of registration during semesters. If unsure, you can review the [EA-MCA Guidance and Support session recording](https://uqz.zoom.us/rec/share/i2O1S6RdWPT7JlIsMveuvHcJCVYvoQKV1DRaTs1D2XgJwaegEQYBevEx6kYBbGKV.5F6qZ651uhPGmrG6?startTime=1722304929000) or email employability@uq.edu.au.
This Activities Guide is always available to help you plan and complete activities that are eligible towards the Award.
## Work Experience Category
Work Experience activities are those performed in the workplace or virtually, which support the day - to - day running of the organisation to meet their business objectives. These can be paid or unpaid.
#### **Activity type**
#### **Activity description**
#### **Further information**
---
**Paid Work Experience**
This includes Casual, Part-time and Full-time employment undertaken at UQ or with an external organisation.
Employment held during your studies provides an excellent opportunity for you to gain important skills, such as the ability to work well within a team, customer service skills and time management. This can include a wide range of work experience, for example working in a cafe, tutoring at UQ, or casual work with the Student Relations Network.
---
**Unpaid Work Experience**
This includes unpaid work experience in a field relevant to your studies.
If you are looking to undertake unpaid work experience outside of your required coursework , you and the host organisation must enter into an Unpaid Work Experience Arrangement. You may like to look into applying for the [Summer and Winter Research Program](https://employability.uq.edu.au/summer-winter-research) which is classified as unpaid work experience and has opportunities across most fields.
To understand more about this type of work, visit the [Unpaid Work Experience webpage](https://employability.uq.edu.au/unpaid-work-experience).
---
**Internships**
There a variety of domestic, virtual and global internships organised through UQ.
Internships allow you to apply and contextualise your studies in an organisational environment and gain a competitive edge in the job market. For the purpose of the Employability Award, internships must be extra-curricular and not for credit.
[View current opportunities](https://employability.uq.edu.au/work-experience) or check with your faculty and school for opportunities relevant to your discipline.
---
**External Internship Programs**
A variety of external organisations host student internships.
Visit [StudentHub](https://studenthub.uq.edu.au/students/jobs) to start searching for your next opportunity.
---
**UQ Ambassador Programs**
There are various ambassador programs offered within UQ. Check with your faculty or school for opportunities.
UQ Ambassador Programs provide an excellent opportunity for current undergraduate students to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Student Ambassadors are essentially the face of UQ and are therefore required to have a working knowledge of their study area, the campuses and the facilities available to students.
Types of programs include:
- [UQ Science Ambassador program](https://science.uq.edu.au/community/outreach/uq-science-ambassador-program)
- [Green Ambassador Program](https://sustainability.uq.edu.au/get-involved/green-ambassador-program)
- [EAIT Ambassadors](https://www.eait.uq.edu.au/current-students/eait-ambassadors)
- [Ventures Ambassadors](https://ventures.uq.edu.au/ambassadors)
- [UQ School Liaison Student Ambassador Program](https://support.my.uq.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/349/~/how-can-i-become-a-student-ambassador%3F)
## Volunteering Category
Volunteering activities can be defined as those that are undertaken for the main purpose of benefiting someone else, such as a church, sporting club, government school, charity, or community organisation, for which you do not receive payment.
#### **Activity type**
#### **Activity Description**
#### **Further information**
---
**UQ community**
Get Involved at UQ
Get Involved at UQ is the place to find a variety of **volunteering, mentoring and student representation** roles within UQ. To discover and sign up for these types of opportunities, simply visit the [Get Involved Portal](http://life.uq.edu.au/get-involved).
---
UQ Faculty and School Volunteers
There may be specific volunteering opportunities offered by your faculty or school.
Examples of programs include:
- [HASS Volunteers](https://hass.uq.edu.au/hass-volunteers)
- [Women in Engineering Program Student Leader](https://www.eait.uq.edu.au/we/student-leaders)
- [Mentoring other students in Peer to Peer Mentoring programs](https://my.uq.edu.au/mentoring)
---
UQ Colleges Residential Assistant
As a Residential Assistant, you will be a role model to other residents by providing pastoral care and general support. In doing so, this role also provides an opportunity to develop your leadership skills. You must be a resident of a UQ college to apply.
---
Volunteer for a UQ research study
Volunteers make our game-changing research possible. To view the current volunteer opportunities click on the research units below:
- [Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences - Research Studies](https://habs.uq.edu.au/volunteer-for-research-study)
- [QBI Research Studies](https://qbi.uq.edu.au/get-involved/volunteer-research-study)
- [RECOVER Injury Research Centre - Research Studies](https://recover.centre.uq.edu.au/get-involved/volunteer-research-study)
---
**External community**
Not-for-profit and charity volunteering
UQ strongly encourages students to get involved in international or Australian volunteering opportunities and make a difference. To count towards the Award, organisations must be a charity or not-for-profit that is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, or the international equivalent.
Find opportunities through:
- [Volunteering QLD](https://volunteeringqld.org.au/)
- [Go Volunteer](https://govolunteer.com.au/)
- [Volunteer.com.au](http://www.volunteer.com.au)
- [StudentHub](https://studenthub.uq.edu.au/)
---
**University of Queensland Union (UQU)**
This includes:
- UQU Event Volunteers
- [UQ APS](https://www.uqaps.org/) Volunteers
- UQ Student Club or Society Volunteers
[Volunteer at UQU Events](https://www.uqu.com.au/connecting-u/volunteers) to make new friends, up-skill, support other students and contribute to a better campus and community.
---
**UQ Ambassador Programs**
There are various ambassador programs offered within UQ. Check with your faculty or school for opportunities.
UQ Ambassador Programs provide an excellent opportunity for current undergraduate students to share their knowledge and experiences with others. Student Ambassadors are essentially the face of UQ and are therefore required to have a working knowledge of their study area, the campuses and the facilities available to students.
Types of programs include:
- [Green Ambassador Program](https://sustainability.uq.edu.au/get-involved/green-ambassador-program)
- [EAIT Ambassadors](https://www.eait.uq.edu.au/current-students/eait-ambassadors)
- [Ventures Ambassadors](https://ventures.uq.edu.au/ambassadors)
- [UQ School Liaison Student Ambassador Program](https://support.my.uq.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/349/~/how-can-i-become-a-student-ambassador%3F)
## Supplementary Category
Supplementary activities can be defined as those that are purely for the development of both your personal and professional skills or attributes. **Note: There are 14 Activity types listed below, you must complete five (5) different activity types to be eligible to progress with the Award.**
## Important Reminders
**Supplementary Activity Update**: As of Semester 2, 2024, to achieve the Employability Award, all students are required to complete [My Career Adviser (MCA)](https://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/my-career-adviser/) as a compulsory supplementary activity, alongside their four remaining activities. You will not be able to submit a final application for the award until your completion of the MCA is submitted into your workflow. Students will be auto-enrolled into the EA-MCA on a weekly basis during semesters and periodically during breaks. If unsure, you can review the [EA-MCA Guidance and Support session recording](https://uqz.zoom.us/rec/share/i2O1S6RdWPT7JlIsMveuvHcJCVYvoQKV1DRaTs1D2XgJwaegEQYBevEx6kYBbGKV.5F6qZ651uhPGmrG6?startTime=1722304929000) or email employability@uq.edu.au.
Please read the below activity type to understand the requirements.
#### **Activity type**
#### **Activity Description**
#### **Further information**
---
**My Career Adviser \
*(Compulsory Supplementary Activity)***
Includes your successful completion of the self-paced My Career Adviser resource through UQ Blackboard
[My Career Adviser (MCA)](https://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/my-career-adviser/) is an online learning resource that includes diverse topics on resumes and job applications, interviews, networking, professional identity, managing your online profile, and career action planning, amongst other areas.
Students will be auto-enrolled into the EA-MCA on a weekly basis during semesters and periodically during breaks. You will gain access to the blackboard site and review all modules and assessments successfully. The completion of the MCA will help to prepare you for your final application for the Employability Award. You can review the [EA-MCA Guidance and Support session recording](https://uqz.zoom.us/rec/share/i2O1S6RdWPT7JlIsMveuvHcJCVYvoQKV1DRaTs1D2XgJwaegEQYBevEx6kYBbGKV.5F6qZ651uhPGmrG6?startTime=1722304929000) to understand this element.
It is recommended to allow yourself **30 - 40 hours** to complete all required assessments. Please review the [MCA Get Started Guide](https://rise.articulate.com/share/SZ3vgi7E2TXdszq3zASnb-Pcn-7vVbSQ).
---
**Career enhancement**
Includes your involvement in and completion of any other experience that will enhance your employability either internal or external of the UQ community.\
Examples of programs include, but aren't limited to:
- [Career Enhancement Program](https://employability.uq.edu.au/career-development/events/programs)
- [HASS Portfolio Projects](https://hass.uq.edu.au/portfolio-projects)
- [Toastmasters International](https://www.toastmasters.org/)
- [UQ Science Leaders Award](https://science.uq.edu.au/student-support/leadership-mentoring)
- [UQ Employability Week](https://life.uq.edu.au/employability-week)\*\
\*Requires attendance for a minimum of five (5) hours, which cannot be accrued accross multiple years. You will be required to list which events you attend.
---
**Career Mentoring Program (Mentee)**
Includes your involvement as a mentee in a structured career mentoring program either internal or external to the UQ community.
Engage in a structured career mentoring program where you are matched to a person (usually from industry) who provides you with advice, support, and coaching related to your career goals. This may be a reciprocal relationship where you discuss a variety of subjects that help develop your personal and/or professional capabilities. It does not include peer mentoring programs.
Examples of career mentoring programs include, but aren't limited to:
- [BEL Career Mentoring Program](https://bel.uq.edu.au/bel-career-mentoring-program)
- [EAIT Industry Mentoring Program](https://www.eait.uq.edu.au/mentoring)
- [HASS Connect Mentoring Program](https://hass.uq.edu.au/hass-industry-mentoring-program)
- External career mentoring programs
---
**Competitions**
Includes your participation as a competitor whether it be in an academic or industry competition internal or external of the UQ community.
Consider checking with your faculty, school or club/society for opportunities specific to your discipline.
Examples of competitions include but aren't limited to:
- [TC Beirne School of Law Mooting Competition](https://law.uq.edu.au/current-students/mooting)
- [Australian University Rocket Competition](https://aurc.ayaa.com.au/)
- [Ventures Industry Challenge](https://ventures.uq.edu.au/industry-challenge)
- [UQCS Hackathon](https://uqcs.org/) or other club/society competitions
- [FABA Hackathon](https://studenthub.uq.edu.au/form.aspx?id=5745632) (August 2025 by Ventures)
---
**Conferences and Scholarly works \
(Academic and Professional)**
Includes any conferences you have attended (2 days minimum), or presented at, whether it be internal or external of the UQ community. \
\
Also includes the writing and publishing of scholarly works.
*Academic and Professional Conferences:*
This may include your involvement as:
- a presenter at the conference
- a participant or delegate (minimum 2 days attendance)
For the purpose of the Employability Award, a conference is defined as a formal meeting of people with a shared interest that takes place over one or more days (includes in-person or virtual conferences). Please consider searching online for available conferences. Examples of conferences include, but aren't limited to:
- [Find upcoming conferences in Australia](https://www.allconferencealert.com/australia.html)
- [RECOVER Conference / Symposium](https://recover.centre.uq.edu.au/events)
- [Australasian Council for Undergraduate Research](https://www.acur.org.au/?msclkid=2d95acfcc11511ecb99b9bba56aabedb)
- [UQ TedX Conference](https://www.tedxuq.com/)
*Scholarly works:*
This may include writing and publishing of scholarly work for journals, or articles for research related news outlets such as '[The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/au/who-we-are)'.
---
**Courses**
Includes any professional development courses (not-for-credit) you have completed, whether it be internal or external of the UQ community.
Courses include both **online** and **face-to-face** options. The course must be **≥ five (5) hours** in duration and **must not be for course credit.**
Examples of courses include, but aren't limited to:
- [Health Communication Essentials](https://public-health.uq.edu.au/health-communication)
- [Advanced Immunology Course (full course)](https://di.uq.edu.au/event/2293/advanced-immunology-course)
- [Academic Communication Skills](https://uqcollege.uq.edu.au/study-options/acs)
- [UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning Modules 1-5 (inclusive)](https://staff.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/human-resources/diversity-and-inclusion/diversity-and-inclusion-programs-and-training/online-training-modules-and-workshops)
- [UQx: Working in Teams: A Practical Guide](https://www.edx.org/learn/teamwork/the-university-of-queensland-working-in-teams-a-practical-guide)
- Language courses
- Diversity & Inclusion course
- Coaching courses
---
**Entrepreneurship and Innovation programs**
Includes your involvement in and completion of entrepreneurship/innovation programs.
Examples of programs include, but aren't limited to:
- [Ventures Programs](https://ventures.uq.edu.au/programs)
---
**Executive Member of Board/Committee/Advisory group/Club or Society**
Includes your involvement in an executive member position of a board/committee/advisory group/club or society whether it be internal or external of the UQ community.
Examples of elected/appointed leadership positions include:
- President/Vice-President
- Treasurer
- Secretary/Assistant Secretary
- Media/Communications
- Event Coordinator
This does not include General Membership.
---
**Global Experiences**
Travel abroad whilst studying at UQ and gain a different perspective on your studies, meet new people, and explore new places.
You must demonstrate that you have traveled overseas for study or career enhancement purposes whilst enrolled at UQ. Examples of [Global Experiences:](https://employability.uq.edu.au/global-experiences)
- Student Exchange program
- Short-Term study options (for-credit)
- Global Internships
- Global Experience for Volunteering (not-for-credit only)
- Shakespeare Summer School (Europe) - for information on the programme, email Dr Victoria Bladen, v.bladen@uq.edu.au
---
**Leadership Development Program or Course**
Includes completion of a Leadership Development Program or Course whether it be internal or external to the UQ community.
Leadership development is the process that helps expand the capacity of individuals to perform in leadership roles within organisations.
Examples of leadership development programs at UQ include, but aren't limited to:
- [Science Leadership Development program](https://science.uq.edu.au/student-support/leadership-mentoring)
- [Ventures LeadHers](https://ventures.uq.edu.au/programs/leadhers)
- [Liveris Academy](https://liveris-academy.uq.edu.au/?msclkid=cc645ae2c11411ec9cac9bec50a37835)
---
**Reconciliation**
Includes your involvement in and completion of activities that contribute to reconciliation at UQ through the [UQ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Network](https://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/engage/rap-network). Students will be required to join the RAP Network at the *Friend* membership level.
To qualify as a RAP Friend, students must:
- Complete **Core Cultural Learning Modules 1–3**
- Participate in the RAP Network community
- Attend at least **two (2) UQ RAP Network meetings** per year
- Volunteer in at least **one (1) reconciliation-related activity or event** per year
Through [RAP Network membership](https://indigenous-engagement.uq.edu.au/sites/default/files/2025-09/Criteria%20to%20Join%20the%20UQ%20RAP%20Network_20250901.pdf), students will have the opportunity to deepen their cultural learning journey, engage with reconciliation initiatives across UQ, and contribute to building a culturally respectful university community.
---
**Research experiences**
Includes your participation in a not-for-credit research experience program whether it be internal or external of the UQ community.
Consider checking with your faculty or school for opportunities specific to your discipline.
Examples of programs include:
- [Research Experiences at UQ (Summer & Winter Programs)](https://employability.uq.edu.au/summer-winter-research)
- [Adelaide Summer Research Scholarships](https://scholarships.adelaide.edu.au/Scholarships/undergraduate/all-faculties/adelaide-summer-research-scholarships)
- [ARC Centre for Excellence - Climate Extremes](https://climateextremes.org.au/undergraduate-scholarship-application/)
---
**Sports Representative**
Includes your involvement in competitive sport at a representative level, for a UQ or an external sporting club.
Sports represenatation includes:
- UQ College Sport Tournaments
- Intervarsity/Elite Sporting Competitions
- Voluntarily coaching or managing an external sporting team
Excludes social sport competitions and personal recreation activities.
---
**Student-Staff Partnership Projects**
Includes the completion of a student-staff partnership project at UQ.
This program seeks to empower [Student and Staff Partners](http://employability.uq.edu.au/ssp-projects) to effect positive change within the teaching and learning, student experience and governance/strategy environments at UQ.
- [How to achieve the Award](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/overview)
- [Activities Guide](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/activities)
- [Support & Resources](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/resources)
- [Conditions of Participation](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/conditions)
- [Application Stage - Written Task Guide](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/application-guide)
- [Application Stage - Interview Guide](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/interview-guide)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://employability.uq.edu.au/award/faq)
This information and Activities Guide is subject to change. Last updated 11 January 2024.