Student consultancy a win-win situation

Postgraduate students and industry are reaping the rewards of a strategic alliance forged between the UQ Business School and consulting company, tuscon.
iexchange, a program developed by tuscon, enables students to undertake paid employment in Australia while completing their studies.
Justin Robinson, tuscon CEO and founder of iexchange, said: “Once on site, these students are able to draw on tuscon’s vast bank of intellectual property to further add value to clients. Feedback mechanisms are also in place to ensure expectations and deliverables are met.”
Master of Technology and Innovation Management student and Master of Business graduate, Alexander Stathakis, from Germany, has been consulting through tuscon under the iexchange program since March this year.
According to Mr Stathakis, extensive testing assures businesses the person hired has the knowledge and experience needed to consult on the particular project.
“The success of this program stems from the comprehensive assessment process developed by tuscon, including Belbin team-profiling, behavioural assessment, career-path mapping, skills-gap analysis and reference checks,” Mr Stathakis said.
Mr Robinson said Mr Stathakis epitomised his motivation for developing the iexchange program in the first place.
“Since joining tuscon, Alex has been involved in strategic reviews and business plans for both the cattle and the mining industries and collaborated on a new start-up venture for the commercialisation of a patented off-road vehicle,” Mr Robinson said.
“He has exceeded our expectations and as such, his contract has been extended at tuscon. He has a bright future ahead of him.”
As a skilled international student, Mr Stathakis brings a global perspective to the projects he works on, and at the same time, says he values the work experience he has gained in Australia.
“The iexchange program has given me the exact experience I was looking for. I now work in my area of interest while still being able to complete my full-time studies at UQ,” he said.
“The program also caters for international students as it allows me to work 20 hours per week which satisfies my student visa regulations.
“It allows me to gain knowledge of the Australian work environment and culture and work on interesting and challenging tasks in an amazing working environment with great people. It is an exciting opportunity and an interesting platform to both enhance my skills and develop professional networks.
“I would encourage both students and employers to embrace this program.”
For iexchange program information, contact Naomi Todd (telephone 07 3310 8786 or email naomit@tuscon.com.au). For other inquiries, contact UQ Business School Employment Services Officer, Heather Shapton (telephone 07 3365 6884 or email h.shapton@business.uq.edu.au). Media inquiries: Shirley Glaister at UQ Communications (07 3365 1931).