Vacation employment

Vacation employment is open to university students for 12 weeks over their summer holiday period between December and February each year. This program gives students the opportunity to gain experience in their field of study.

Placements are limited, but opportunities can be available in a variety of disciplines, including:

• engineering
• finance and economics
• business management
• law
• information technology
• marketing and communications.

What do you look for in an applicant?

We look for the relevance of studies that the student has undertaken, their interests and abilities and the quality of their application.

Preference will be given to students who have successfully completed three years of study.

When can I apply?

Applications close at the end of October each year.

University career centres in Canberra usually have information readily available at the start of October. You can submit your application there.

Will I be paid?

Successful applicants will be employed at a competitive vacation student rate. We pay fortnightly.

All costs associated with the employment, including travel and accommodation, are to be met by the student.

What are your work hours for vacation employment?

Students will be expected to work fixed hours of employment, and will in turn receive similar benefits to that of permanent employees.

This means:

• leave arrangements may be negotiated with the manager for the Christmas/New Year break
• any unused recreation leave credits accrued will be paid out at the cessation of the period of employment
• students will receive the same paid public holidays as permanent salaried employees.