JCU’s careers services voted best

JCU’s careers services voted best

First published November 15, 2013

James Cook University’s Careers and Employment Services team have been named the best in the country for their work with employers.

The team, located within the Equity and Student Engagement Directorate, was awarded the Best Careers Service at the 2013 Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards.

The 2013 winners were announced at the annual AAGE Gala Dinner in Sydney.

The award is determined by employers participating in the voting process. JCU beat a number of other universities for the title, including QUT, Adelaide University and the University of Wollongong.

Emma Thomas, Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement at JCU, said it was particularly pleasing that the award was based on nominations from employers.

"Our careers and employment team liaises closely with employers, and we are grateful for their guidance in ensuring our service is a good fit for both employers and graduating students."

"In the Good Universities Guide's category of 'getting a full-time job', JCU has scored a five-star rating for three years in a row. We could not have done that without the assistance of employers, whose advice and support helps us to ensure JCU graduates are job-ready.

"In addition to important events such as our annual Careers Fair, employers are involved with industry panels, speed networking events, mentoring and curriculum advice.

"We look forward to working closely with employers as this year's graduates prepare to enter the workforce and in growing our future graduates through their degree programs."

Townsville City Council’s Director Corporate Services Kim Corrie said the organisation valued JCU’s career program.

“Townsville City Council employs more than 1,700 staff across a range of disciplines so it is important that we showcase those career opportunities that are available to students locally,” Ms Corrie said.

“Council has hosted numerous interns from James Cook University over the years from a broad range of degrees including planning, engineering and media – and we have received wonderful feedback from students about their time with council.

“It is great that JCU provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world career experience and similarly provide organisations like ours with the opportunity to mentor our city’s future leaders.”