Portfolio Projects

If you are looking to fulfil that all important "experience" criteria that many employers ask when you are job seeking, this program is a quick and easy way to check that experience checkbox!

Many students may be facing graduation wondering how they can boost their employability, or just want to boost their employability in general. Portfolio Projects give you the chance to gain practical leadership experience for your resume, including hard skills, soft skills, and all-important interview question responses.

If you’ve ever been asked “what was a time you’ve shown leadership?” or “what skills can you bring to this position?” in a job application and not known what to say, this is the program for you.

In this program you will take a pre-prepared idea for a small HASS-focused project i.e. a career seminar, trivia night or even a second-hand sale, and develop your employable skills by executing that project. Some projects will require funding, if needed, teams may be provided with up to $100 funding for their projects as well as clear instructions and guidance every step of the way. These projects can be implemented either on St Lucia campus or online. Off-shore students are strongly encouraged to participate.

Attend one of the projects!

Applications closed for S2 of this program on the 18th of June, please look back next year to apply for future rounds!

How will a Portfolio Project boost my employability?

How do I implement a project?

We know that ‘project implementation’ sounds scary, but it’s not as hard as it seems!

Working either in teams of 2-4, you will plan your projects with the aid of our Project Timelines and Project Checklist Documents (provided to you once your application is approved). These documents outline everything you need to do to implement your projects.

We’ll also be running an intensive workshop before the projects begin and this will help you develop the skills you need to make your projects the best they can be.

Finally, if you run into any issues along the way the Student Futures team will be there to help you out!

(Remember that we’re only talking small here, you’re not expected to run a UQ-wide project!)

Pre-Prepared Projects

Please note that if you are applying for a pre-prepared project, that you will be grouped into a team with other students that are interested in completing the same project idea, but don't worry, this isn't like regular course group work! Every student in this program wants to engage in these projects so you shouldn't have any issues in terms of committment or effort.

1. Mindfulness Workshop

Mental health is a growing concern amongst students, and this project provides the perfect opportunity to help address it! This project could involve a mindfulness workshop, or relaxation techniques, just to name a few. We may be able to assist in providing funding for instructors, equipment hire, catering, and other incidentals. This project can be run online or on campus.

2. Student Spotlight Podcast

Help provide students an opportunity to showcase their achievements in a podcast! Students could be brought in to discuss a wide range of experiences, from research to clubs and societies to student welfare. This project will be run online.

3. Career Seminar

Want to illuminate your peers on where their studies can take them? Gather a few speakers who graduated from your program and are now in different roles and facilitate a panel discussion that enlightens your attendees on their career options. We recommend narrowing in on a specific program of study. This event will be run online.

4. Professional Clothing Swap/Sale

Ever been stuck on what to wear for an interview? You’re not alone. What better way to help your peers than by organising a professional clothing swap or sale! We could help provide funding for incidentals (e.g. laundry). This project will be run on campus.

5. Public Speaking Practice Group

We know that for a lot of students this is a big fear or point of struggle! Whether you’ve got a talent for public speaking, or you like the idea of creating a safe space for students that empowers them to practice this skill, this project is yours to craft! We can help provide funding for any catering, information pamphlets, advertising etc. that might be involved with this group. This project will be run on campus.

6. Trivia Night

Everyone loves a fun round of trivia, and this project gives you to opportunity to put a HASS-spin on a classic! Write up some trivia questions (questions could be categorised by school, degree, etc.) and find out who is the true master quizster! We can help provide funding for catering and other incidentals (e.g. printing costs). This project can be run either online or on campus.

7. Peer Resume Review

Resumes are an essential for getting that first major job, and yet they are something that so many students seem to get wrong! Design a workshop which allows students to share resumes and give feedback as well as tips and tricks on how to improve. If you like, invite along a staff or industry expert to provide guidance whenever uncertainty regarding advice arises.

8. Boardgames Night

Dust off the games cupboard and get playing! This project allows for students to socialise and make friends over a fun (or ferocious) board or card game. We can help provide funding for catering and, if necessary, purchase of games or online game rental. This project can be run online (playing virtual games) or on campus.

9. Language and/or Culture Workshop

Do you have a passion for languages and culture and want a chance to share it with UQ? Run your own Language and Culture Workshop! This would involve teaching students the basics of your chosen language (think “hello, nice to meet you”) and a brief introduction to your chosen culture. Please include your language and culture of choice when choosing this project. We could help provide funding for catering and other incidentals (e.g. printing worksheets). This project can be run online or on-campus.

10. HASS Plant-potting Workshop

Plant-potting workshop - Being around plants is a great way to destress and make the world more green! You don’t need to be a green-thumb to do this project, simply find some hardy plants, some pots, and some potting mix and get planting! We can help provide funding for plants, pots, potting mix, and any other incidentals (e.g. tools). This project will be run on campus.

11. Speed-Friending Event

Give students the chance to get together and make new friends at a speed-friending event! Speed-friending involves getting a bunch of new people together and rotating them around a table (or break-out rooms) so they all get a chance to chat with each other and make new connections! We can help provide funding for catering and any other incidentals (e.g. name badges). This project can be run online or on-campus.

12. Movie Screening Night

For those who hate icebreakers but are keen to make some friends, why not kick back, relax, and bond over your favourite movie or Netflix show? We can help provide funding for snacks and beanbags etc. This project will be run on campus.

13. Paint and Chips

Have a knack for drawing or painting? Why not bring groups of friends together and guide them through a basic painting class? While we can’t provide you with budget for the alcohol, we can provide the paints, canvas’, and snacks, and we can book a space to hold this e.g. The Pizza Caffe. This project can either be run online or on campus.

14. Inter-school Picnic

Give HASS students the chance to mingle between schools at an inter-school picnic! Pair attendees with others from different schools to meet new people, and maybe even discover new study areas of interest! We can help provide funding for catering and other incidentals. This project will be run on campus.

15. Cupcake Creation Station

Relax and let your creativity flow! This will be a chance for students to gather and have fun decorating a baked good of your choice (cupcakes, sugar cookies, etc). We can provide funding for the ingredients and the space for you to cook on campus. This project will be run on campus. Optional: you could come up with theme categories to help guide decorating! Or turn it into a friendly contest?

FAQ’s

Who is eligible?

All current HASS students are eligible, including off-shore students. This means anyone who is currently studying a HASS degree or HASS-related dual degree (e.g. Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts).

Do I need to think of an idea?

Not at all! We’ve come up with all the ideas for you, see the pre-prepared projects tab above. When filling out the application formmake sure to include backup options in case we can't allocate you to your first preference of project (although we always try). Once completed, you'll be paired with other students who chose the same idea and will implement the project together.

I like the concept of a pre-prepared project, but would like to make a few changes..

These projects are YOURS! We simply create pre-prepared ideas to give you some guidance on what is possible. If your application is approved, you and your group can decide on the best course of action for implementing your project. We are happy to support you in whichever direction you take the idea.

Can I do an online project?

Absolutely! We have a number of projects that can be completed online (and in fact, are actually better if delivered online). When completing your application form, please identify whether you’re able to implement this idea online or on-campus (or either) this will ensure that we can group you appopriately.

When do the projects need to be done by?

All projects must be completed by the end of Week 5 in S2, 2023 (August 25th). For best engagement (and to make sure you’re not too busy with your studies) we recommend completing your projects as early as possible (you can start in week 1).

Can I do a project with a friend/s?

Absolutely! Provided they are a HASS student.
- Each of you should individually fill out the application form and select the same idea, then respond to the question which asks you to include the information of any friends you'd like to undertake the project with.

When do I need to sign up by?

Applications close for semester 2, 2023 on the 18th of June, 2023.

Are there any limitations on the project I can do?

If you are running an event, it must be for HASS students only, including HASS-related dual degree students. We cannot assist with purchasing alcohol for events. If you are implementing a content creation project (e.g. podcast) it must be HASS-focused, meaning most content on the platform must be related to HASS, but it can be accessible to the general public.
It is important to note that not all projects are funded, but also, not all of them need to be! However, if this concerns you, please know that we do have parterships with speakers, businesses, and other important stakeholders that allow us to obtain many free resources. You will receive more information on this when you are in the program.

Portfolio Projects

How will a Portfolio Project boost my employability?

How do I implement a project?

Pre-Prepared Projects

FAQ’s

Attend Current Projects