Program Overview

Introduction to the Vacation and Internship Program Accelerator

The Vacation and Internship Program Accelerator (VIPA) is a mid-year program designed for early and mid-degree students who want to find and apply for internships, vacation programs, or work experience outside of their degree or course requirements.

Program Overview

Over three weeks, participants will learn to prepare competitive applications through a combination of online and in-person practical activities. This program is flexible, and designed to be completed around mid-year break commitments.

Why Participate in VIPA?

• Learn about paid degree-related internship and vacation employment programs outside of your degree.
• Find out about the recruitment practices used by employers, such as resume tracking systems, video applications, assessment centres, and psychometric testing.
• Practice interview skills and receive personalised feedback on how to improve interview technique.
• Practice career conversations by attending a program-exclusive event where you will get the opportunity to network and learn from members of the Western Sydney University Alumni community.
• Receive a personalised online credential upon completion of the program, with a special credential for High Achievers within the program.

Program Details

July 2026 Program Dates

• Applications Open: May 2026
• Applications Close: June 2026
• Program Commences and Welcome Session: TBC
• Online Mock Interviews: TBC
• VIPA Networking Event: TBC
• Program Closes: TBC

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a cost to participate in the program?: There is no cost to participate in any part of the Vacation and Internship Program Accelerator.
• What is the time commitment for the program?: The program is designed to be completed flexibly around your winter break commitments. Online content is approximately 2 to 3 hours a week and can be completed at any time during the assigned week. The online mock interviews session will have a range of timeslots to choose from.
  • There are only two firm time commitments:
    • Welcome Session: Monday, time TBC
    • Program Closing Networking Event: Thursday, time TBC
• I will be overseas during the break, can I complete the program?: To complete the program, you must attend all of the online and in-person components. As such, if you are overseas during any of the above event times, you will not be eligible to complete the program.

Acknowledgement of Country

With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands in Greater Western Sydney and beyond.