WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY CASE STUDY
WESTERN EDGE IS A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM. IT USES AI AND MACHINE LEARNING TO RECOMMEND LEARNING ACTIVITIES, RESOURCES AND EXPERIENCES FROM ACROSS WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY TO HELP STUDENTS BECOME MORE EMPLOYABLE AND MAXIMISE THEIR POTENTIAL.
| Project Type | Custom Learning Management Portal |
| Shakewell’s Service | Discovery | Design | Development | Consulting |
| Technology | Laravel, Next JS |
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
Students too often navigate through their university career feeling unsupported and unprepared to enter the real world and be confident when applying for jobs.
It can be challenging to juggle the demands of university study as well as work experience.
The employability team at WSU identified that students often undervalue their life experiences.
We needed to create a ‘personal career coach’ in the students pocket, that would guide them on a path which helps to align their purpose, maximise potential, and discover the skills and experiences that make them a desirable candidate to their dream employer.
SOLUTION:
Western Edge is a digital solution that students can easily access.
Through innovative features like Story Bank, students can self-review their experiences and learn how to interpret those experiences as new skills they are acquiring. The more experiences a student logs on their profile, the more they will see their “Personal Capacities Wheel” come to life.
The personal capacities wheel is an evolving map which shows the student where they are in their development, and where they might like to be in the future.
Incorporating playlists, a student can plot their own course of discovery or let Western Edge guide them with curated playlists of inspiring videos and informative articles. WSU also partners with employers and learning specialists to co-design a range of activities and playlists to ensure the content is always relevant and targeted to a students current needs and development goals.
We also identified the value in current students having an easy way to connect with Alumni. Students can connect with WSU Alumni to build their network, find a mentor, or just have an inspiring chat.
The ultimate objective is to maximise the student’s potential for employability.
As students progress and develop, Western Edge will match them to relevant job and intern opportunities. There are also resources to help you hone their application and job interview skills.
Students can also earn development and skills badges as they complete playlists and build their story bank; they're able to share their achievements digitally across social channels, including LinkedIn.
“I’ve worked with Michael and the Team for a number of years
now on a web development project of strategic value to the
University. Michael and the team work in deep partnership and
are genuinely invested in the success of the project and the
maximising the impact it can deliver to end users. Always
exceeding expectations, you will not find a more amiable,
grounded and technically proficient team!”
Kelly WhitneyWSU Associate Director; Careers, Talent & Organisational Success