The Special Industry Project (SIP) is a work-integrated learning course at the ANU College of Business and Economics (CBE) that has contributed to business solutions for organisations across Australia.
Every semester, ANU undergraduate students have the unique opportunity to participate in SIP. They work closely with two industry partners – a business client, who provides the business case, and a team of mentors from Scyne Advisory, who coach the participants.
Mimicking the real-world consulting environment, students enrolled in SIP take on a consulting role, working in teams to devise the best solution for the client.
In Semester 1, 2024, students worked with Aspen Medical, a multiple award-winning global healthcare solution provider, on their business case:
What will be the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and future technologies on the care of chronic diseases in emerging markets, and what should Aspen Medical do to prepare for these changes?
The winning team comprised of six students: Alexander Simms, Anna Wilde, Bridget Leibold, Natasha Aliyah Ahmat Najah, Saša Vanek, and Vivien Reed.
Hear from some of the team and discover why taking part in SIP is such a valuable professional-development opportunity.
"SIP presented an opportunity to develop real-world experience and have some differentiation from the standard class format of lectures and tutorials. The biggest challenge during the project was developing my understanding of a field I had very little knowledge of. As a group, we had to become quasi-experts on chronic-disease management, emergency-department procedures, AI software and developing hardware devices. We worked to make sure we were all on the same page and had a proper understanding of the solution we were proposing."
"Working with Aspen Medical has opened my eyes to the potential of working in the medical world, even without a relevant degree. There are a lot of companies that are making significant leaps in developing medical technologies and providing life-saving goods and services, something I would love to be a part of."
Alexander Simms
"Aspen Medical tasked us with finding ways in which AI could be used to treat chronic diseases in emerging markets. Our solution tackled emergency room inefficiencies – and involved a two-pronged approach, using a vital-sign monitoring wearable – and a triaging AI software to reduce this inefficiency and improve patient outcomes. We spent a lot of time creating a detailed solution, thoroughly outlining the implementation, costs and potential barriers – which made us stand out to the judges."
"I feel a lot more prepared to work with and coordinate a team successfully. We were able to foster a collaborative, supportive and ultimately fun environment – something I will be trying to recreate in future jobs and university subjects."
Bridget Leibold
"I applied for SIP to challenge myself and develop both professionally and personally. It provided an opportunity to address real-world issues and enhance my communication skills through client interaction. Prior to this, my English-speaking confidence was limited, but active participation in SIP boosted it significantly. I learned the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone to overcome communication barriers, preparing me for greater responsibilities."
"Collaborating with diverse group members also made me more agile and prompted continuous learning. This experience has sparked my curiosity, leading me to explore healthcare and programming industries beyond my academic focus."
Natasha Aliyah Ahmat Najah
"The format of SIP piqued my interest, and the client and topic sealed the deal. Participating has affirmed my future career plans. I am set to start as a graduate at a small consulting firm in February 2025. Although I did not know where I was going to be working when I applied for SIP, it’s provided me with an insight into working in the consulting industry."
"I’ve found that I have really enjoyed the diverse and fast-paced thinking that course has necessitated, and I anticipate doing plenty more of that next year, which SIP has now made me very excited for!"
Saša Vanek
Semester 2, 2024 Applications for SIP close soon, Wednesday 17 July. Click here to find out more and apply.
The ANU College of Business and Economics offers an extensive range of specialised programs. Click here for more details.