Pre-Placement Report & Placement Preparation – Lecture 2 Notes

Session Context & Purpose

The second online meeting served to (1) apologise for the earlier reschedule caused by illness, and (2) walk students step-by-step through the Placement Application and, in far greater depth, the Pre-Placement Report (PPR) assessment.

Key Administrative Dates & Milestones

• Week in Session: Week 2.
• Placement Application due: $30\,\text{July}$ (one week from the meeting).
  • Extensions are possible – email Judy (WIL Team) in advance.
• Census Date: $8\,\text{August}$ – a placement must be organised (not necessarily commenced) before this date because it is a core subject requirement.
• Pre-Placement Report due: $Wednesday\,13\,August$.
• Next online meeting: $Monday\,11\,August$ – guest speaker from Career Development Services; focus on the upcoming Mock Job Application assessment.

Placement Organisation & Support Channels

1. Finding a Host Organisation
   • Use the CSU WIL (Work Integrated Learning) website lists.
   • Email Judy for a customised regional list and/or a templated cover letter.
2. Stream Distinctions
   • Stream 1: brand-new host; typically more unknowns.
   • Stream 2: existing employer; you must clearly explain how placement duties differ from your routine employment.
3. Communication Principle – “Help me help you.” Provide rich context in every submission (placement application, PPR, post-placement report) so the academic assessor can approve quickly and give useful feedback.

Overview of the Pre-Placement Report (PPR)

• Purpose: A reflective, forward-looking document completed before Day 1 of placement.
• Word guide: $2\,500$ minimum (can exceed).
• Template: Must download from Brightspace – contains three tabs (PPR, Post-Placement Report, Reflection matrix). Do not attempt to write via the brief alone.
• Reflective writing is expected – first-person “I” language acceptable; focus on feelings, expectations, personal growth.
• Post-Placement Report linkage: Many PPR answers are later copied into the post-placement template followed by a $\ge 100$-word reflection; therefore, write with future reflection in mind.

Academic Integrity & Referencing

• AI Tools Prohibited – all responses must be original.
• Marking model: Criterion-referenced, pass/fail per criterion. ALL left-hand-column criteria must be ‘Satisfactory’ to pass.
• Mandatory referencing minimum: $\ge 5$ distinct in-text citations + corresponding $\ge 5$ APA references.
• Common referencing aids:
  • Free Microsoft Word (CSU offering) – use the in-built citation manager.
  • Library / Academic Skills site for APA guidelines.

Section-by-Section Guidance

1 Executive Summary

• Write last; ≤1 page; stand-alone narrative (not bullet points).
• Summarise host, duties, learning aims, anticipated value.

2 Introduction

• “Scene-setter” – identify host, industry sector, size, history.
• First likely citation (e.g.
  company’s “About Us” page).

3 Body of Report

3.1 Usefulness of Placement

• 2–3 sentences on expected benefits (skills, exposure, networking).
• Will later form benchmark for reflection.

3.2 Role in Degree

• Link placement to at least one prior/current subject (e.g.
  Audit theory ↔ audit team rotation).
• Emphasise practice–theory integration.

3.3 Responsibilities & Obligations

• You → Host: punctuality, confidentiality, accurate work, ethical behaviour (APES 110).
• Host → You: supervision, safe workplace, learning opportunities.
• FAQ Handbook lists can furnish citations.

3.4 Attitudes / Interpersonal Expectations

• Anticipated levels & styles of interaction with supervisors, peers, clients.
• Keep concise yet specific.

3.5 Learning Approach

• Identify primary mode(s): shadowing, scheduled check-ins, mentoring, self-directed tasks, software tutorials, etc.
• If uncertain, discuss with supervisor now – fosters preparedness.

3.6 Careers & Employability

3.6.1 Types of Accountants

• Compare & contrast at least three varieties beyond classic trio (financial, management, tax); e.g. forensic, environmental, systems/IT, insolvency.
• Provide citation(s).

3.6.2 Employability Skills Framework

• Provided PDF contains eight domains (Communication, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Self-Management, Planning & Organising, Technology, Learning, Initiative & Enterprise).
• Task:
  1. State which domains dominate your placement area and why (suggested: pick two for depth – not a rigid rule).
  2. Identify one skill you already possess ("possess" column) with concrete evidence, and one skill to improve ("improve on") with action plan.
• Optional citations allowed.

3.6.3 Professional Bodies

• Australian accounting bodies: Chartered Accountants Australia & NZ (CA ANZ), CPA Australia, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA).
• Compare scope, entry requirements, CPD, code of ethics, global recognition.
• Cite websites / academic articles.

3.6.4 Benefits of Membership

• Employers: credibility, assurance of standards, tax-agent eligibility, access to technical updates.
• Employees: networking, CPD resources, legislative alerts, career branding.

3.6.5 Professional Networks

• Google "professional business networks" + hometown.
• List options – Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters, Rotary, industry-specific meet-ups, Women in Finance groups, etc.
• Explain how attendance could aid visibility, mentoring and job prospects.

3.7 Duties / Activities Table

For each significant task:

• Copy-paste much of this from the approved Placement Application (with any refinements).

3.8 Potential Issues & Barriers

• Identify contingencies (supervisor illness, software access delays, covid resurgence, conflicting paid-work hours, family care duties).
• For each issue, state mitigation (backup supervisor, IT pre-testing, clear timetable, communication plan).
• Demonstrates proactive thinking.

4 Conclusion

• Synthesize—not repeat—the major insights.
• No new data; about ⅓–½ page recommended.

5 Reference List

• Remove all template red text.
• APA; double-spaced; hanging indent.
• At least five unique sources; common examples – host website, WIL FAQ handbook, Employability Skills PDF, professional body sites, journal articles on accountant roles.

Reflective Writing & Future Workflow

1. Throughout PPR: Write genuinely – surface-level or copy-pasted generic prose triggers resubmission.
2. Post-Placement Report: After $105$ hours, you will
   • copy each original answer under “Reflection” headers, then
   • compose ≥$100$-word reflections describing change in perception, skill growth, or surprises.
3. Mock Job Application: Parallel assignment; upcoming session (11 Aug) will deliver industry tips and current labour-market insights.

Ethical & Professional Considerations

• Confidentiality: Do not reveal client names; provide context without breaching privacy.
• APES 110 Compliance: Integrity, objectivity, professional competence, confidentiality, professional behaviour – relevant both in placement and when describing duties.
• Continuous Professional Development: Membership bodies require documented hours; placement tasks contribute to lifelong learning mindset.

Practical Reminders & “Next-Steps” Checklist

1. Submit Placement Application by $30\,July$ (or request brief extension).
2. Talk to supervisor NOW to clarify duties, learning approach, networking options.
3. Draft PPR early; have at least a working version before placement Day 1.
4. Use template, hit ≥$2\,500$ words, include ≥5 citations.
5. Consult Academic Skills site if rusty on executive summaries or APA.
6. Attend 11 Aug meeting with Career Development Services (bring questions about job market, résumé tailoring, etc.).
7. Communicate difficulties promptly – email lecturer or Judy.

Meta-Connection to Broader Curriculum & Real World

• Integration with Core Subjects: Tax, Audit, Management Accounting theories are stress-tested in live client files and software.
• Graduate Attributes: Communication, ethical awareness, problem solving, and teamwork developed through real-world constraints.
• Employability Edge: A polished PPR, followed by a reflective post-report and mock job application, directly produces résumé language and interview anecdotes.
• Philosophical Shift: From “accountant as calculator” to “accountant as trusted advisor,” the placement forces students to articulate value in human and strategic terms.

Closing Lecturer Messages

• Treat the subject as partnership – “help me help you” through rich context.
• Reflective writing may feel foreign but leads to deeper learning.
• Early, proactive communication prevents most issues.
• Good luck, enjoy the journey, and reach out whenever obstacles appear.