How ICPU boosted Larissa's employability and prepared her for success

Bridging the gap between university and the workplace

For Larissa Venhorst, a recent Bachelor of Economics graduate, the Industry and Community Project Unit (ICPU) was a transformative experience. This unique program, offered by the University of Sydney, connects students with industry partners to solve real-world challenges, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional environments.

“The ICPU program allowed me to translate the skills I developed during my degree into a project with real professional impact,” Larissa explains. “It helped me refine my ability to work collaboratively in a professional setting, which has been invaluable in my graduate role.”

Larissa’s ICPU project involved collaborating with Are Media on a generative AI initiative. Coming from an Economics background, she initially felt out of her depth. However, the interdisciplinary nature of the project pushed her to grow both personally and professionally.

“The project challenged me to approach complex problems from multiple perspectives,” she says. “I leveraged my research skills and understanding of economic markets to contribute meaningfully to my team’s solution. This experience not only expanded my technical knowledge but also strengthened my ability to adapt and learn in unfamiliar domains.”

For industry partners like Are Media, the ICPU program offers a unique opportunity to tap into the fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets of students. For students like Larissa, it’s a chance to gain hands-on experience and build confidence in tackling real-world challenges.

Building employability through collaboration

One of the most valuable skills Larissa gained from the ICPU program was the ability to collaborate effectively with people from different academic and professional backgrounds.

“Learning how to navigate different working styles and approaches to problem-solving gave me a strong foundation for teamwork,” she says. “Being able to articulate how I adapted to an interdisciplinary environment made a real difference in securing my graduate role.”

This skill has proven particularly useful in her current position as a Graduate Extreme Weather Coordinator at the Insurance Council of Australia, where she works with colleagues from diverse fields to develop innovative solutions.

A broader perspective on career aspirations

The ICPU experience has not only enhanced Larissa’s employability but also broadened her perspective on potential career paths.

“The program gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond my initial expectations,” she says. “It also helped me develop the self-assurance to advocate for myself during job interviews and within professional environments.”

Larissa’s advice to students considering the ICPU program is simple: “Just go for it. You don’t need prior knowledge of the specific project topic - what matters most is having an open mind and a willingness to learn. Don’t be afraid to speak up about your strengths, even if they come from a different discipline.”

The skills and mindset Larissa gained through the ICPU program continue to benefit her in her graduate role. “The ability to approach problems collaboratively and adapt to new challenges will be crucial throughout my career,” she says. “Being able to communicate effectively, think critically, and embrace different perspectives will continue to be an asset.”

For Larissa, the ICPU program was more than just an academic requirement, it was a stepping stone to a successful career.

A win-win for students and industry partners

The ICPU program not only prepares students for the workforce but also provides industry partners with access to a pool of talented, innovative, and adaptable graduates. By collaborating with the University of Sydney, industry partners can tackle complex challenges while nurturing the next generation of professionals. 

For students, it’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience, build employability, and transition seamlessly into graduate roles. For industry partners, it’s a chance to shape the future workforce and drive innovation.