Xavier was studying electrical engineering at Swinburne University when he decided to apply for a work placement program with Goulburn-Murray Water and found success with being offered a placement opportunity with the organisations IT team.
Xavier took the opportunity of a break between semesters to undertake the placement.
“It was a great experience,” Xavier said.
“I had probably been leaning towards a career as an engineer beforehand, but the placement gave me a taste of what working in IT would be like, and I really enjoyed it.”
Not long after the placement, Xavier was offered a 12-month contract within G-MW’s IT team.
He remains at G-MW as a service desk operator, five years after that first introduction
“I’m very grateful things worked out the way they did,” he said.
“If I hadn’t applied for the work placement, it could have been completely different.”
G-MW is relaunching its Undergraduate Placement Program, after a pandemic-caused hiatus, to give local university students opportunities similar to Xavier’s.
It will be run this summer between the 2024-25 academic years.
G-MW business partnering HR manager Sophie Riddell said the program was beneficial to all involved.
“As one of the major employers in northern Victoria, we’re eager to help local students advance their careers and get hands-on experience,” Ms Riddell said.
“The Undergraduate Placement Program is a great way for us to do this and is fantastic for helping students develop new skills while making valuable industry connections.”
G-MW has opportunities across various areas, including engineering, water resources, business management and human resources.
More information can be found at www.gmwater.com.au/undergraduateprogram
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