Central Queensland University (CQU) student Maria Loth is about to get hands-on work experience to sharpen her prospects in the highly competitive graduate employment market. She is among eight CQU students to begin work placements with CQU Careers Services this week.

"It's very daunting returning to the workplace after a break. This will certainly be a confidence booster after years at home with the kids and then studying for five years," said Loth, a Rockhampton mother of two and Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/ Sociology) student.

"I'll be working on a research project examining the attitudes of employers who hire graduates, so it will be interesting to see the results. It is important to have current work experience when I approach employers at the end of the year." Formerly a youth worker, Loth has studied for her degree part-time and aims to join a government organisation when she finishes at CQU this year.

CQU Careers Service manager Robyn Kennedy said it was the first year the program had been offered to students.

"Employers now demand graduates who have workplace experience. For many students who have been out of the workplace for while, it can be very difficult to get that. It's just not enough to have a degree and good marks. Employers want those extra skills learnt in the workplace: time management, experience working in a team, goal setting, a good work ethic and communication skills." Kennedy said program participants would work in areas closely related to their degree including research, accounting, business and computing projects in the CQU Careers Service office at the university's North Rockhampton campus.

The program includes risumi writing and students are prepared for upcoming job interviews.

"It's very important in making the transition from study to the workplace to have that experience, and for many mature-age students it could be the advantage that helps them launch their career after university," said Loth.

Maria Loth and Robyn Kennedy are available for immediate interview. For details phone Ayesha Gottschleigh at CQU Community Relations on 07 4923 2506. A photograph is available.