UOW Management Cadetship Program

Cadets receive a competitive starting salary of $43,064 with annual increments over the five-year program. Additionally, Cadets are provided with an education allowance to cover university tuition fees, meaning that they are able to graduate without any HECS debt. 

 *16th in the world – QS Top 50 Under 50 Rankings 2020

The UOW Management Cadetship is a five-year program designed to optimise a Cadet's employability so they graduate with a broad range of skills applicable to their degree with work experience.

We recognise that no two cadets are the same, which is why Cadets are able to tailor placements to their degree and interests. With guidance from supervisors and mentors within the program, Cadets have the opportunity to work in, but are not limited to, the following areas:

The UOW Management Cadetship is aimed at high-achieving Year 12 students. To be eligible for the 2023 intake, applicants must have graduated Year 12 in either 2021 or 2022, and not have started a University degree.

Eligible bachelor's degrees include (but are not limited to):

• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Economics and Finance
• Bachelor of International Studies
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Mathematics and Finance
• Any other UOW undergraduate degree with a business-oriented major

Every year two applicants are chosen to join the Management Cadetship Program. The online application consists of three main parts: the cover letter, resume and selection criteria.

To apply for the program, you must complete the following:

• A cover letter briefly describing your interest in the Cadetship and why you think you are right for the position
• Your resume
• Copies of your school reports and assessments from Years 11 and 12. This includes HSC trial marks (or your residing state’s equivalent) when available
• Contact details of two referees 
• Written responses addressing the selection criteria

In regards to the selection criteria, applicants will be assessed on their ability to provide specific examples which address the following:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated initiative and creativity
• Demonstrated ability to set goals, plan activities and manage time to achieve objectives in the face of competing demands
• Ability to communicate with people across all levels of the organisation and from various cultural backgrounds
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and to quickly grasp new concepts and knowledge
• Consistent record of strong academic achievement. Applicants who anticipate Band 5s and Band 6s (or your residing state's equivalent) are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you would like more information about the UOW Management Cadetship or the selection process, please email Professional and Organisational Development Services or phone (02) 4221 5941

Q. What are the most rewarding aspects of the Management Cadetship?

Many Cadets consider the most rewarding aspect of the Management Cadetship Program is the opportunity to combine university study with work.

This provides the rare opportunity to relate the different concepts and theories learned in class with real life experiences. In the work environment, you are able to see first-hand how the theoretical concepts and ideas exist in a practical sense.

Similarly, you can relate day-to-day work experiences to class discussion and use realistic examples in coursework and assignments.

Q. To what extent would you recommend the program? What has the experience been like for you?

“The UOW Management Cadetship drew me in by offering real world experience right out of high school, even before you graduate. This is an opportunity that will set you up for life. As well as this, Cadets graduate with no HECS fees and are given generous allowances to pay for textbooks and student fees. The flexibility of the Cadetship has allowed me to see a dynamic and broad workforce straight out of high school. I am completing a Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean’s Scholar) and I have been fortunate enough to be able to mould my degree into my work placements in the Cadetship. For example, I recently completed a placement in the Information Management and Technology Services, working on a number of projects really relevant to my career. I have also been able to complete a Psychology minor, adding flexibility to my degree and tailoring to my interests.”

Megan Moss

Bachelor of Computer Science (Dean’s Scholar) majoring in Software Engineering, and minoring in Psychology

Q. What are the most challenging aspects of the Management Cadetship?

At times the workload can be quite demanding and the challenge lies in successfully balancing study, work and your personal life. To remain productive in the workplace and excel in your chosen university subjects, you need to develop skills in time management and strategies for coping with stress.

Q. How do you find combining full-time work with part-time study?

Initially it can be quite challenging, but finding the right balance comes with practice and experience. The other Cadets provide a good support network and are always willing to help with work or study. Opportunities for training and mentoring are also available.

Q. Do you find you receive enough time to get your study done?

Cadets are allocated study leave during session, ranging from 4.5 hours per week to 8.5 hours, depending on the number of subjects undertaken. This is typically ample time to attend lectures and tutorials, as well as complete private study. However, university face-to-face study requirements is dependent upon faculties and majors, and as such there can be no definitive figure placed on the study hours required by Cadets.

Q. With working and studying, do you miss the social element that university life is synonymous with?

No, successful study and a good social life often go hand-in-hand.

There are many social activities you can still be involved in, for example, lunchtime sport, clubs, societies and committees. The campus atmosphere itself is quite sociable and the facilities and services at UOW are very good.

In addition to teaching and learning services, such as the Library and IT labs, there are also general services, shops and retailers (including a wide range of food outlets, UniShop, post office, hairdresser, travel agency and banks), and recreation and entertainment facilities (including UniActive with swimming pool and gymnasium, UniMovies and UniBar).

Q. Does working give you a significant edge in your studies?

The real-life work experiences gained through employment support a deeper understanding of your university studies and working and studying together, most definitely gives you an 'edge' in becoming a young professional.

For example, the ability to multi-task is one of the most sought after skills in the business sector. The Cadetship not only enhances this skill but also provides evidence to future employers that you are capable of handling and prioritising a number of important tasks.

Q. What is it like working for the University of Wollongong?

It’s an exciting and innovative place, where you have the opportunity to work with and learn from very talented professionals across a diverse range of areas.

Q. What sort of work do you do as a Cadet?

The work of each Cadet varies greatly, depending on their placements and interests. Cadets rotate through a series of placements during the program providing experience in a wide range of business functions. The program is designed to challenge and engage Cadets with placements, including, but not limited to:

• Professional and Organisational Development Services
• Workplace Health and Safety
• Employment Relations
• Recruitment
• Governance
• Student and Accommodation Services
• Student Recruitment
• Global Strategy
• Strategic Planning
• Academic Quality and Standards
• Information Management and Technology Services
• Business Improvement and Assurance
• Strategic Marketing and Communications
• Research and Innovation Division

The actual tasks assigned to a Cadet vary with each placement, depending on the goals of that unit or department, and the projects available at the time, as well as the individual strengths and interests of each Cadet. The work is generally a combination of day-to-day operational tasks together with specialised project work.

Cadets are given the unique opportunity to work on and manage projects with University-wide significance and importance, such as the annual Vice-Chancellor's Awards, student enrolments and orientations and graduation ceremonies.

During their final 18 months, Cadets work in a specialised placement, tailored to their degree major and areas of interest. This is often in one of the areas they have already worked in, however placements in other areas of the University may be negotiated.

Q. What are the entry requirements?

The UOW Management Cadetship is aimed at high-achieving Year 12 school leavers who have, or will have, completed their HSC (or their state equivalent) in the year of recruitment, and are willing to study an eligible degree.

Students who have graduated Year 12 in the previous year of recruitment (i.e. gap year students), are also encouraged to apply.

Q. If I receive an offer for the Management Cadetship, am I guaranteed a place at UOW?

No, a Management Cadetship position is conditional on the basis that you receive an offer to study at UOW. If you are offered the position, you will need to ensure that you have applied via UAC for entrance into a relevant undergraduate course at UOW and that your preferences are such that your desired UOW course is first. Please refer to the UAC website for more details about preferences.

The position application and entry into a UOW undergraduate degree are two different application processes. Make sure you are aware of the application deadlines for both.

Q. What career prospects are available for graduates of the Management Cadetship program?

The Cadetship provides Cadets with a unique combination of work experience and education that opens the door to a myriad of positions in the competitive graduate job market.  Graduates of the Cadetship program have gone on to positions, such as:

• IT Consultant
• Marketing Coordinator
• Human Resources Specialist
• Financial Project Manager
• Marketing and Corporate Strategy Manager
• Strategic Performance Analyst
• Governance and Policy Coordinator
• Analyst at the Department of Treasury
• Graduate roles at Qantas, Westpac, Reserve Bank of Australia, Department of Human Services and other public sector roles