The Work-Integrated Learning Program: Developing Employability Skills in Psychology Undergraduates

Abstract

The current chapter focuses on the Work-Integrated Learning program (WIL) in the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ), Ipswich campus. Specifically, the chapter examines how the WIL program helps to develop employability skills in undergraduate psychology students. The WIL curriculum, which is embedded in the Psychological Skills program, aims to assist undergraduate students to develop their skills, knowledge, and expectations as a professional working in psychology and psychology related-fields. The chapter argues that the WIL program helps to broaden and strengthen students’ general work-related capabilities. It does this through a combination of career learning development, skills training, and field experience. This program enables students to not only develop a comprehensive skill set, but also strengthens awareness of their personal employability.