Celebrating 10 years of experiential learning

There are many valuable Work Integrated learning (WIL) opportunities within the MPH that help students to apply their learning into practice and develop skills needed to enter the workforce after graduation. Perhaps the most obvious of these are MPH Capstone experiences which are often the launching pad for students to consolidate their experiences, strengthen existing skills, learn new ones, create networks and develop career pathway opportunities.

Since the beginning of the PPU placements in 2012 up to the end of this year, 215 MPH students have had placement experiences in a range of public health workplaces in Melbourne, rural and international contexts. Led by Sue Durham, many of these experiences have led to employment either directly via the hosting agency or networks, having references and often most importantly having passions realised.Valuable MPH alumni placement hosts continue their contributions to the school and extend and enrich the MSPGH community.

The Capstone research project has been running since the MPH started and for the last 3 years, Dr Alison Barr has been coordinating this with more than 300 students who have now come through the program.

As the PPU Coordinator Sue Durham highlights “it is always extremely satisfying to see students grow in skills and confidence within their placements, to contribute to important projects and to transition into varied public health roles. Over the past two years students have made a large and valuable contribution to supporting the COVID response workforce. This year there is a graduating group heading to Canberra to work in Government and at the end of every year I am left wondering what amazing careers they are starting and what valuable contributions they will make!” Sue Durham

“The Research Project students never fail to astound me. The project requires that students be very energetic and self-directed and work closely with their supervisors, they do such varied, exciting and accomplished research for beginner researchers. For example, this semester’s cohort have investigated contraceptive use among young Aboriginal people; Avian Influenza control in the Greater Mekong; the validity of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness estimates; and factors associated with male perpetrators of family violence, as just a few of many amazing topics. Students usually form quite close bonds with their supervisors, and as well as learning important skills, this allows them opportunities to professionally network, a key outcome of the capstone in fostering employment opportunities. The networking and outreach that research project students undertake is also an important outcome for the school, with new research opportunities opened up and collaborations formed with external research agencies that would never have happened if it wasn’t for our talented and energetic Capstone students. The students and supervisors together form a wonderful cohort of people engaged in exciting and innovative research which often starts careers – a remarkable endeavour to be part of.” Dr Alison Barr

A person we have all liaised with over the years is Elizabeth (Liz) Dent. As Manager of the Academic Programs Office, Liz is a lynch pin of the School and has been a huge contributor to the development of this report. Liz is pictured here with Sue Durham at a University Expo! Sue Durham and Liz Dent