Program Description
Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) is a network of over 38,000 students, studying at more than 1,500 universities around the world, who endeavour to use classroom knowledge to address socio-economic problems in their local or international communities. With the assistance of academic and business leaders, SIFE students are committed to making a difference by creating sustainable economic opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
SIFE teams manage a diverse portfolio of projects which operate on the principles of market economics, education and training, entrepreneurialism, financial management, business ethics and sustainability. At a global level, SIFE is supported by hundreds of leading companies and organisations that believe in securing a future led by ethical business leaders with a broad worldview and a commitment to helping others. Every year, SIFE students are changing the lives of millions of people, whilst developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders.
The University of Melbourne SIFE team is helping those left out of the free market economy to gain the education, skills, and experience to achieve increased access, opportunity and success. They see growing social inequality and environmental degradation as market failures, and are working to close these gaps – one student-led initiative at a time – for positive change.
The University of Melbourne SIFE grew 400% in 2007, making it the largest SIFE team in Australia with an active membership of over 70 students, a portfolio of 6 ongoing projects, and an impact of 915 changed lives. In July 2007, the team was named SIFE Australia National Champions and reached the semi-finals of the SIFE World Cup in New York, representing Australia amongst 44 other teams from around the globe.
In 2008, the focus has been on harnessing the team’s potential by investing in improved management and team development. The introduction of three key functional roles – human resources, public relations and IT – has facilitated the following developments.
- Targeted recruitment
- Professional training seminars
- 360-degree performance reviews
- Mentoring programs for future leaders
- New website and e-newsletter
- Media campaign
- Improved campus network
- Corporate sponsorship
MISSION STATEMENT
The University of Melbourne SIFE mission is to work with diverse communities to enable significant and lasting change in an organisation where every member is happy.
By December 2012, we will:
- Sustainably manage 5 ‘quality’ projects
- Directly impact 3000 people per year
- Reach 100,000 gross impressions per year
- Have 2 projects continuing independent operations
- Ensure that 90% of team members are ‘happy’
AWARDS
The team’s high level of success is demonstrated by the following results.
2008
- SIFE Australia National Runners-Up
- Winner, Best Team Sustainability Strategy
- Winner, Best Business Ethics Project
- Winner, Most Supportive Business Advisory Board Member
- Winner, Most Supportive Vice-Chancellor
2007
- SIFE World Cup Semi-Finalists, New York
- SIFE Australia National Champions
- Winner, Best Team Sustainability Strategy
- Winner, Best Business Ethics Project
- Winner, Best Competitive Skills Training Project
Who we look for?
ELIGIBILITY
- You are an enrolled student at The University of Melbourne until at least December 2010.
- You are available to attend the SIFE National Conference in Sydney from the 10th to 13th July 2009.
- You are willing to commit a minimum of 5 hours per week (including meetings) during non-exam periods.
GENERAL SELECTION CRITERIA
- Passion for helping others
- Strong commitment to the team
- Outstanding oral and written communication
- Consistently proactive, taking initiative whenever possible
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to work effectively in a team
- High level of professionalism
Application Details
SIFE runs a round of targeted recruitment at the beginning of each semester. In 2009, recruitment deadlines are 22nd March and 9th August. All recruitment information and application packs are available at http://www.unimelbsife.org.au
Contact Details
Websites: SIFE University of Melbourne | SIFE Global | SIFE Australia
Email: info@unimelbsife.org.au
President – Richmond Glasgow president@unimelbsife.org.au
Human Resources – Ying Qin hr@unimelbsife.org.au
Public Relations – Zoe Nagara pr@unimelbsife.org.au
Location
0ffice 18 Level 3 The Spot
198 Berkeley St
The University of Melbourne
Testimonials
“SIFE has provided me with an extraordinary opportunity to make the change that I want to see in the world. SIFE has allowed me to excel personally and professionally in a way that I never thought possible at university. I continue to be inspired by this growing network of socially responsible students who represent the future leaders of our world.”
– Richmond Glasgow, President, The University of Melbourne SIFE.
