Hospitality and tourism work integrated learning

Your final year in hospitality and tourism is a big milestone – and work integrated learning is where everything comes together. This is your chance to show your strengths, grow your confidence and take your skills into real workplaces with support every step of the way. Below, you’ll find what you need to feel prepared and get the most out of this experience.

This page has information for current students in:

  • Bachelor of International Hospitality Management
  • Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of International Hospitality Management conjoint programmes

In both programmes you complete work integrated learning as part of the course:

Where to start

Before you can begin work integrated learning (WIL), you must first enrol in the course HOSP797 Hospitality and Tourism Work Integrated Learning. You can do this by:

  • Enrolling through My AUT using your student login, or
  • Emailing the student administration team at csoc.general@aut.ac.nz for assistance

Once you’re successfully enrolled, you’ll get access to the course's Canvas site, which is the main platform for completing all WIL tasks, submitting forms and tracking your progress.

How to find your work integrated learning (WIL) placement

Not sure how to find a placement that's right for you? Don't worry. The Employability and Careers team can help you prepare for this by offering:

  • CV and cover letter workshops
  • Interview skills sessions
  • LinkedIn profile set-up and networking guidance
  • Career and job search support

These workshops run throughout the semester and are designed to help you feel confident and ready for your WIL placement.

If you’re already working in hospitality or tourism, your current role might count towards WIL – reach out to Dr Pola Wang, to check if it meets the requirements.

Getting ready on Canvas

Once you’re enrolled and your placement is confirmed, you’ll be added to the WIL Canvas course. There you can:

  • Find all the forms and instructions you’ll need for your WIL process
  • Complete pre-placement tasks like your work placement agreement form and academic checks
  • Get feedback from your WIL leader
  • Track your hours and progress throughout the semester

Canvas will be your main hub for communication and submissions during your placement.

Attend the poster showcase

Meet students who are currently completing their work integrated learning along with their industry mentors.

It’s a great chance to hear their experiences and ask questions about what to expect – and what you can look forward to.

When: Exam weeks (week 13-15) of each semester
Dress code: Business attire

Contact details

If you have any questions about the process, reach out to:

Dr Pola Wang
Work Integrated Learning Leader
Email: HospitalityWIL@aut.ac.nz

Office hours

Wednesdays 12pm-1pm
WH424, City Campus
or request a Teams video call

Hear from our studentsNatalie TsoiBachelor of International Hospitality Management“I did my final-year workplace experience as a guest service representative, which enabled me to look into what working in the hotel industry is like. I loved meeting people from around the world, especially as my placement was when New Zealand re-opened its borders for travellers. I enjoyed my small talks with guests at the hotel reception when they shared their journey and stories about themselves.”“I did my final-year workplace experience as a guest service representative, which enabled me to look into what working in the hotel industry is like. I loved meeting people from around the world, especially as my placement was when New Zealand re-opened its borders for travellers. I enjoyed my small talks with guests at the hotel reception when they shared their journey and stories about themselves.”
Hear from our studentsErin Marander-HigginsBachelor of International Tourism Management“The workplace experience is an opportunity to get your first career-focused experience and make connections in your industry. Although the idea of having to go out and find somewhere to complete a placement was daunting, it really helped in my personal and professional growth. Like many other students, I was also offered the chance to stay on after my workplace experience was complete.”“The workplace experience in the final year of your degree is an opportunity to get your first career-focused experience and make connections in your industry. Although the idea of having to go out and find somewhere to complete a placement was daunting, it really helped in my personal and professional growth. Like many other students, I was also offered the chance to stay on as part of the team after my workplace experience was complete.”
Hear from our studentsKiriana KoniBachelor of International Tourism Management“I completed my industry placement with The Haka Experience, a business that provides Māori cultural performing services nationally and internationally for corporate and formal events. My workplace experience involved managing the organisation’s social media platforms, developing social media content, strategic planning and physically attending the performances.”“I completed my industry placement with The Haka Experience, a business that provides Māori cultural performing services nationally and internationally for corporate and formal events. My workplace experience involved managing the organisation’s social media platforms, developing social media content, strategic planning and physically attending the performances.”
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