Drawing on exemplars and your peers

In practice, WIL leaders approach the implementation of systematic WIL programs in different ways: because WIL programs are as diverse as the stakeholders and contexts involved. However, while your context, goals and approach will be unique, much can be gained by examining and leveraging the experience of others, especially those with similar interests and issues.

Wil leaders in all of the projects described in the Adapting to your local context section, found that a valuable source of support was their peers. In addition to peers within your Faculty, peers from other Faculties or universities can be valuable assets. Do not just seek experts, the best mentor may be ‘access to a ‘fellow traveller’ in the same role but further down the same learning (i.e. change) path with whom to compare tactics’ ^{4.9Scott et al. (2008). Learning leaders in times of change: Academic leadership capabilities for Australian higher education. Australian Council for Teaching and Learning.}.

You might also look for opportunities to become involved in a community of practice focused on WIL in science or on WIL or employability more generally.