The exceptional professional-development initiative Momentum, an extra-curricular offering at The Australian National University (ANU) College of Business and Economics (CBE), has been recognised at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Triple E Awards for Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence in Higher Education.
Momentum was announced as the winner in the Skills and Employability Enhancement of the Year category, recognising that the initiative goes beyond common practice in the field, is a true example of excellence, and is an inspiring and impactful example for others.
CBE also received the People’s Choice Award via community voting in the same category.
“These awards come amidst strong competition from other leading universities that have also demonstrated outstanding support in enhancing students’ skills and employability,” says Professor Ying-Yi Chih, CBE Associate Dean (Students and Industry Experience).
"So, this recognition is truly a testament to the exemplary career and employability services that the College provides to our students."
In today’s fast-moving world, well-rounded graduates who possess technical knowledge as well as robust professional skills are highly sought after. To address this demand for soft-skill development, CBE established Momentum in 2017, designing it in partnership with industry collaborators and basing it on global best practices.
Momentum sees students complete five targeted workshops focusing on key employability skill pillars: communication, critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and personal branding.
Each student is also carefully matched with an industry mentor to support their strengths-based reflective journeys and offer industry perspectives. This meaningful mentorship adds significant value to the students' professional development, as well as allowing mentors to gain personal and professional enrichment.
“Since its inception, with the support of more than 700 industry partners, Momentum has successfully equipped over 660 students to become well-rounded, job-ready graduates,” Ying-Yi shares.
Students have reported significant growth in understanding the latest industry trends and critical professional skills. They have also experienced a boost in confidence and gained a greater appreciation for the importance of lifelong learning and adaptability in career planning.
Ying-Yi recognises the contributions of all industry partners that have supported the initiative, and CBE Careers and Student Employability team members Caitlin Wood, Cayla Biti, Kara Walkington, Hayley Calderwood, Kimberley Duong and Tanya Ali, who worked tirelessly to reinvigorate Momentum post-COVID.
Professor Steven Roberts, CBE Dean, acknowledges the CBE staff and industry involved.
“Congratulations to the College team behind Momentum for this important initiative, which seeks to improve the experience and employability of our students. On behalf of the College, I also thank the mentors and industry partners for their time and outstanding support, without which the program would not be possible.”
View Momentum’s finalist page in the 2024 Asia-Pacific Triple E Awards here. Find out more about becoming an industry mentor with Momentum here, or explore other engagement opportunities.
Student applications for Momentum in Semester 1, 2025 are open from Monday 16 September. Find out more here.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs. Click here for more details.