Work Integrated Learning

Vi Lam undertook a placement with fashion label byfreer as part of her Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Textiles) degree.

As a designer, it is important that my values align with the place I am working, which is how I found byfreer. The fashion label produces slow, trendless fashion, aims to reduce waste and work sustainability.

As a student about to graduate, the thought of going into the fashion industry was intimidating. With the world changing rapidly, particularly with technology, it was difficult to see the future of designers and artists. This was until I started my internship. byfreer helped me realise the immense need for human hands, creativity and skill in the fashion industry.

I trust in my education, my abilities and skillset to succeed in what I am passionate about, regardless of how difficult the path to get there. This placement helped me understand my role in the industry, and I encourage students to do the same. 

Gen Morrow undertook a placement with jewellery company Paspaley as part of her Bachelor of Design (Industrial & Product Design) degree.

Throughout this placement, I gained a deep understanding of professional practice in a luxury creative context, while becoming increasingly aware of organisational, social, and ethical responsibilities.

I encountered considerations around the sourcing of materials, particularly precious stones and mother of pearl, prompting me to reflect on sustainability and ethical sourcing in the jewellery industry. Discussions with the design team about material provenance highlighted the growing importance of transparency and environmental stewardship, values I now recognise as integral to contemporary design practice.

This placement significantly strengthened my professional communication, research, and organisational skills. I also deepened my knowledge of branding, marketing, and design methodologies within luxury jewellery, including visual merchandising principles that align brand identity across physical spaces. This experience has helped me identify areas for future development aligned with my career aspirations in the creative industries.

Caitlin Michael undertook a placement with designer and ceramicist Milly Dent as part of her Bachelor of Design (Industrial & Product Design) degree.

One of the biggest lessons I took from my placement with Milly Dent is how much learning happens through a balance of observation and hands-on involvement. Working in a professional studio environment has reshaped how I approach problem-solving. Watching processes closely, asking questions, and applying knowledge through making has accelerated my learning.

Spending time in a dynamic working ceramics studio has given me a deeper understanding of studio practice beyond the classroom. From being immersed, hands-on, in sustainable making, packing and preparing work, to observing how a studio functions day to day, this placement has strengthened both my technical confidence and my awareness of the realities, care and intention behind material-driven design.

Janelle Cheong undertook a placement with the Biennale of Sydney as part of her Bachelor of Fine Arts / Law degree.  

This opportunity challenged me both professionally and personally, building upon my existing adaptability and communication skills. Over these few months, I reviewed partnership agreements with Arts Industry sponsors, drafted benefactor correspondence, engaged with event management first-hand, while proficiently utilising Tessitura and Excel software.

Through this experience, I witnessed the tireless dedication of our Arts Management workers, in elevating artists and shaping a dynamic, vibrant cultural scene in NSW. It was an absolute pleasure to learn under the Development team, and I firmly believe this experience has shaped a stronger sense of purpose and passion to advocate for our artistic community, as the drivers of cultural change within Sydney.

Faiz Zahirul undertook a placement with design agency ReCo Digital as part of his Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation & VFX) degree.  

My placement provided me with a unique opportunity to explore how my animation and VFX background could be applied within the context of digital marketing and creative campaigns.

A key learning was the strategic integration of AI tools into a professional creative workflow. While I had previously experimented with AI-generated content, this project demonstrated how such tools could be used purposefully rather than superficially. I developed a critical understanding of when and how AI can enhance creativity, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding its use in professional projects.

This placement was transformative in both professional and personal terms. It challenged my assumptions about where creativity can thrive and demonstrated the versatility of my skills in new contexts. Through hands-on experience, collaboration, and reflection, I developed stronger technical expertise, organisational awareness, and ethical sensitivity. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence to see my career as not confined to a single pathway but enriched by multiple creative avenues.

Annie Kang undertook a placement with animator and academic Melody Li as part of her Master of Animation & VFX degree. 

Collaborating within a small team to create a short, animated film, was an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience. Throughout this project, I gained a much deeper understanding of what it truly means to collaborate within a team to produce an animated film. In addition to the technical and creative growth, the experience taught me the importance of adaptability and clear communication in a production setting.

Being part of a collaborative team required flexibility and a willingness to pivot when necessary, and I found that this adaptability was crucial in maintaining momentum. Overall, the project helped me grow both as a teammate and as a 3D artist, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a shared creative vision.

Gosha Heldtz undertook a placement with the Art Gallery of NSW as part of her Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) degree.

This was a unique opportunity to engage with one of Australia’s most prestigious art events – the Archibald, Wynne, and Sulman Prizes – working closely with professional installers, curators, and artists. The internship immersed me in a dynamic and highly professional environment, requiring new practical skills and a deeper understanding of the logistical and ethical responsibilities behind large-scale art exhibitions. Throughout the experience, I was engaged in a wide range of practical and organisational tasks that were essential to the successful execution of the exhibition.

Beyond these skills, I gained a richer understanding of the cultural and institutional machinery behind a major art event. It became clear how much of an exhibition's success depends on the invisible labour of installation crews and administrative staff. The experience broadened my perspective on the various professional roles that sustain the art world.

Cassandra Karam undertook a placement with experience consultancy Neon Dynamo as part of her Master of Animation & VFX degree.

This placement not only equipped me with new skills but also renewed my excitement for the endless possibilities within the animation and motion design industry. The amount of skill and creativity that I have seen being executed in the last few months have been so inspiring and there is still so much more to learn.

Working on projects including VIVID and Glastonbury I deepened my technical knowledge of After Effects, especially in complex compositions and expression-based workflows. I also appreciated the moments where I was given creative freedom, and the team have been nothing but supportive and patient with me learning the ropes.

These opportunities revealed to me how much I enjoy contributing both technically and creatively to a project. I realized that trust within a team is built not just through skill but through consistent reliability and willingness to take initiative. I am extremely grateful to have had the chance to not only work on incredible projects during my time with them but also work with incredible people.