ATAR Notes: Forum

Uni Stuff => Universities - Victoria => Monash University => Topic started by: jsimmo on May 19, 2008, 04:43:46 pm

Title: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on May 19, 2008, 04:43:46 pm
Whats it like?  - I'm interested in the IBL Stream.. Whats the application and interview process like?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: cara.mel on May 19, 2008, 04:54:29 pm
I shall get Excalibur to come to this thread and comment. (2nd year, IBL stream)

He starts the actual placement part of it in july :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on May 19, 2008, 05:33:39 pm
Okay thanks :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on May 19, 2008, 06:04:57 pm
The application process into the IBL stream for school leavers is pretty simple. In August, a form will be released which you just fill in and send back. Can't remember how long it was, but be sure to mention the usual fluff: leadership, initiative, communication skills etc.

Then come the interviews, which are in the week in which your ENTER comes out (after that day). Basically, there are three components if things haven't changed:

- a presentation on the program
- a group interview (~1-1.5hr long)
- a one on one interview (~10-15min long)

The group interview tries to see how you are in a team environment. You'll probably do some teamwork-based activities...try to shine out as the 'leader' of the group as that'll look good in the interviewer's eyes.

The one on one is just to get to know you really. Just answer honestly...
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on May 19, 2008, 06:08:26 pm
Okay thank you for replying I have some other questions:

- When do you find out if you are successful (i'm really only interested in the IBL stream and i would think about doing another course if I wasn't selected - so would there be time for me to choose my other preference before the uni offers finish?)
- How many people apply and how many people get selected?
- Can you select which company you go to?
- How difficult is the course?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on May 19, 2008, 06:44:46 pm
- When do you find out if you are successful (i'm really only interested in the IBL stream and i would think about doing another course if I wasn't selected - so would there be time for me to choose my other preference before the uni offers finish?)

> The next day.

- How many people apply and how many people get selected?

> Numbers of those who apply are variable, but about 20 or so are accepted.

- Can you select which company you go to?

> No. However, you can choose to perform badly for certain companies at the IBL placement selection meeting (aka interview battery) in May of your 2nd year.

- How difficult is the course?

> It has its easy moments and its difficult moments. Provided you do some work and leverage your friendship network when you do get here, you'll get through it.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on June 18, 2008, 12:38:58 am
jsimmo - I will be in attendance at the Open Day if you would like to enquire more about the IBL stream. I will be on placement at that stage and thus able to reflect on it at a personal level.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on June 28, 2008, 09:40:55 pm
Can you apply for IBL if you are under the first round clearly in score - but above the 1st round fringe enter?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on June 28, 2008, 11:41:23 pm
IBL application is a separate process to the VTAC.

You have to be successful in both to be admitted into the IBL stream of the BBIS. If you are unsuccessful at IBL, but successful at VTAC, you will be admitted into the coursework stream (this is the ENTER clearly-in stuff etc). Failing entry at VTAC, irrespective of IBL admission, will prevent you from entering the BBIS at all.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on July 06, 2008, 12:34:33 pm
Thanks for your reply.

So for example:

- I apply for IBL before getting my ENTER
- I receive my ENTER and get 85 (however last year, the clearly-in for the course was 87)
- I have the interviews the following day
- The next day, I find out I got into the IBL program**

**If the 87 remained the same and the second-round score stayed the same as last year (78) can I still get into the course even though I am below the clearly in score but above the second round? - or will they only accept me into the program if my ENTER was above 87?

I hope that made sense.

Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on July 06, 2008, 05:23:59 pm
i thought the clearly in was 88, the VTAC book says different to the monash uni site.

we are going for the same course jsimmo
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on July 06, 2008, 06:49:12 pm
i have always thought it was 87 because thats what it says on the VTAC website and the monash website

are you going to go for the IBL stream?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on July 06, 2008, 09:16:35 pm
Thanks for your reply.

So for example:

- I apply for IBL before getting my ENTER
- I receive my ENTER and get 85 (however last year, the clearly-in for the course was 87)
- I have the interviews the following day
- The next day, I find out I got into the IBL program**

**If the 87 remained the same and the second-round score stayed the same as last year (78) can I still get into the course even though I am below the clearly in score but above the second round? - or will they only accept me into the program if my ENTER was above 87?

I hope that made sense.



The score you're interested in is the first-round fringe ENTER. Basically, due to the lack of students entering IT courses and industry demand, you'll generally get into the course if you are in the 80+ range.

I know some who received first-round offers with an ENTER of 78.

You apply for IBL before the closing date :), otherwise you are correct. Your IBL offer is contingent on you entering the course at all via VTAC. I do believe the clearly-in was 88.45 or something in that region.

There are, of course, alternate methods of entry if you do not get in via VTAC.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on July 25, 2008, 12:00:46 am
I wlll be at Open Day all day, but will be in the foyer of the Central 1 lecture theatre for open discussion and questions on BBIS and other IT courses at the Clayton School of IT from 1pm onwards. In the morning, I will be running some kind of activity.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on July 30, 2008, 10:02:37 am
Reverse that, morning will be in chat sessions.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 12, 2008, 04:47:25 pm
anybody going to BBIS IBL interviews next thursday? i am! :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 13, 2008, 11:55:10 am
There's a few of them! I counted at least 4 now :) - there's also two or three (that I'm aware of) that are current IBL students on this board.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 13, 2008, 04:55:42 pm
I'm having trouble deciding which course I would prefer out of:

Business Information Systems - IBL Stream

Business Information Systems/Commerce

I've heard that you can also get work experience in the double degree, but I'm unsure of which to choose (providing my enter is high enough for both), would you guys be able to share some opinions with me? :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 13, 2008, 05:21:53 pm
It really does depend on what you want to do post-degree. If you intend to get into the Big 4, I'd take the bottom option. You do have the ability to do one IBL placement (and receive a $15,000 scholarship) with this. This is if you don't mind studying for another 2 years before getting into the workforce.

If you want to get into the workforce fast and start your career earlier, the former option is the best. One of the valuable things you can take away from an IBL placement is the networks you create - in some places, they'll offer you a graduate position on the spot.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: ell on December 13, 2008, 05:22:30 pm
I'm having trouble deciding which course I would prefer out of:

Business Information Systems - IBL Stream

Business Information Systems/Commerce

I've heard that you can also get work experience in the double degree, but I'm unsure of which to choose (providing my enter is high enough for both), would you guys be able to share some opinions with me? :)

Mmm, I was thinking of doing that double degree too. Too bad Monash is too far for me.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 14, 2008, 12:16:05 pm
Thanks a lot Excalibur, right now the IBL is looking like the better option.. we'll just have to see what happens at the interviews hehe
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Kairubin on December 14, 2008, 05:24:34 pm
So far everyone i know that has applied for IBL placement has got an interview. Which asks the question does everyone get an interview? lol
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Wst on December 14, 2008, 11:25:21 pm
I got accepted into the IBL stream!   :D 2009 is going to be a busy year though...


Just some advice.. you can still be accepted into the IBL stream if you missed out on applying for it in Year 12 and are currently studying the normal coursework stream, which I did. 1st year for both streams are pretty much the same in terms of subjects taken, but I did miss out on the 1st year scholarship of $6000 and various extra-curricular activities (e.g. excursions, debating).

The application and interview process was slightly different though to the Year 12 method that Excalibur mentioned previously. I only had to attend a short 15 minute individual interview with two people from company offering placements (ANZ in my case), meaning my 1st year results (make sure you don't fail any units!) would have played a greater role in my selection.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on December 15, 2008, 11:09:28 am
wait so the one on one interview isn't in front of a panel of IBL partner reps? THANK GOD


GOOD AS
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 15, 2008, 12:38:14 pm
So far everyone i know that has applied for IBL placement has got an interview. Which asks the question does everyone get an interview? lol

Most people who don't submit rubbish paper apps will get an interview. In fact, the majority of people who attend interviews enter the IBL program (they take about ~30 people, and when I did the interviews a similar amount of people attended the interviews). They'll take as many as the sponsors deem suitable because the demand for potential grads is that high (I mean, they're throwing $36k at each IBL student!).

wait so the one on one interview isn't in front of a panel of IBL partner reps? THANK GOD


GOOD AS
The group activities are in front of a panel of IBL reps, but the one-on-ones are just that - with the one rep. This probably speeds the process up :P
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: dazza on December 16, 2008, 02:27:20 pm
the scholorships and the working experience thing sounds nice to me..
but personally i dun think i will be really good at Computer programming..@@
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 16, 2008, 02:36:45 pm
You don't do much programming as part of the BBIS - the focus is on how the business uses IT. You will have to do a few (emphasis added) units, but the aim of them is to introduce you to technical concepts so you are at least aware of them.

Who knows, you might find that you are actually good at it.

There are people in my cohort that came into the course with absolutely no technical experience or skills and are doing quite well overall. Quite a few placements for IBL are also very non-technical as well.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: itsme on December 16, 2008, 03:55:44 pm
 

The score you're interested in is the first-round fringe ENTER. Basically, due to the lack of students entering IT courses and industry demand, you'll generally get into the course if you are in the 80+ range.

I know some who received first-round offers with an ENTER of 78.

You apply for IBL before the closing date :), otherwise you are correct. Your IBL offer is contingent on you entering the course at all via VTAC. I do believe the clearly-in was 88.45 or something in that region.

There are, of course, alternate methods of entry if you do not get in via VTAC.


What do you mean, by alternate methods of entry excalibur?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 16, 2008, 05:19:21 pm
You can apply through Monash College, if you're willing to pay.

You can also apply for any other Monash IT degree (BITS (Bachelor of Information Technology and Systems), Computer Science or Software Engineering), do well in it and get an internal transfer into BBIS (not sure what the process is, but I know someone who did this).

That being said, as of next year, all degrees (BBIS, BSE, BCompSc and BITS) will be offering IBL placements. The guy replacing me at Monash as a Business Analyst is studying BITS, apparently.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: dazza on December 17, 2008, 11:55:35 am
i would like to clarify something..

So if i missed out the application this year..then i still can get into the course but i will miss out the scholarship thing??but can i still apply for the IBL in the first year?

And what kind of jobs do graduates normally get??

thanks alot mate
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 17, 2008, 12:01:15 pm
If you didn't apply for it this year but are interested in the program, you should apply for the BBIS course through VTAC. You will then enter the course in the coursework stream.

At the end of your first year, contingent on maintaining a credit average, you can then apply to join the IBL stream from 2nd year onwards. This will mean that you do miss out on the inital $6000 given to the IBL first years, but you will receive the $30,000 balance of the scholarship.

A fair majority of graduates enter structured graduate programs at the Big 4, banks or other professional services firms; but where you end up going is, of course, up to you. These programs tend to lead onto jobs as consultants, project officers/managers or business/system analysts.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: flame on December 17, 2008, 02:36:42 pm
I too have applied for the IBL scholarship, and have my interview tomorrow @ 11.30 :o

Any last minute tips? Do I need to freak out trying to get my answers sorted, or just take it as it comes? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to form some responses to obvious questions such as "Why do you want to be a part of the IBL program?".

Any hints at the questions asked? Reading this thread has definitely boosted my confidence (hearing about the high acceptance rate for instance!) but I'm still a bit unsure..what on earth do you do for more than an hour with a group of other applicants?!

Will be interesting nevertheless, but I'd just appreciate some last-minute tips - what not to do, what to wear etc.

Cheers :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on December 17, 2008, 02:50:35 pm
I didn't realise there was this many on here going for an interview! Mine is at 8.45am! Good luck everyone.

Quote
I too have applied for the IBL scholarship, and have my interview tomorrow @ 11.30

Any last minute tips? Do I need to freak out trying to get my answers sorted, or just take it as it comes? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to form some responses to obvious questions such as "Why do you want to be a part of the IBL program?".

Any hints at the questions asked? Reading this thread has definitely boosted my confidence (hearing about the high acceptance rate for instance!) but I'm still a bit unsure..what on earth do you do for more than an hour with a group of other applicants?!

Will be interesting nevertheless, but I'd just appreciate some last-minute tips - what not to do, what to wear etc.

Cheers

I think the questions will be the basic; 'what are your main interests', 'why do you want to be part of this program...'.. The one-on-one interview is only short so I don't think they will ask broad-style questions as such. Anyway, hopefully excalibur can answer your question.

I haven't really "prepared" any answers - but I have a few things i'd like to say for specific questions. The main thing is just to be yourself!

BTW - Would the IBL partners know our ENTER scores?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 17, 2008, 03:00:09 pm
I didn't realise there was this many on here going for an interview! Mine is at 8.45am! Good luck everyone.

Quote
I too have applied for the IBL scholarship, and have my interview tomorrow @ 11.30

Any last minute tips? Do I need to freak out trying to get my answers sorted, or just take it as it comes? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to form some responses to obvious questions such as "Why do you want to be a part of the IBL program?".

Any hints at the questions asked? Reading this thread has definitely boosted my confidence (hearing about the high acceptance rate for instance!) but I'm still a bit unsure..what on earth do you do for more than an hour with a group of other applicants?!

Will be interesting nevertheless, but I'd just appreciate some last-minute tips - what not to do, what to wear etc.

Cheers

I think the questions will be the basic; 'what are your main interests', 'why do you want to be part of this program...'.. The one-on-one interview is only short so I don't think they will ask broad-style questions as such. Anyway, hopefully excalibur can answer your question.

I haven't really "prepared" any answers - but I have a few things i'd like to say for specific questions. The main thing is just to be yourself!

BTW - Would the IBL partners know our ENTER scores?

They will ask for it during your one-on-one.

I too have applied for the IBL scholarship, and have my interview tomorrow @ 11.30 :o

Any last minute tips? Do I need to freak out trying to get my answers sorted, or just take it as it comes? I suppose it wouldn't hurt to form some responses to obvious questions such as "Why do you want to be a part of the IBL program?".

Any hints at the questions asked? Reading this thread has definitely boosted my confidence (hearing about the high acceptance rate for instance!) but I'm still a bit unsure..what on earth do you do for more than an hour with a group of other applicants?!

Will be interesting nevertheless, but I'd just appreciate some last-minute tips - what not to do, what to wear etc.

Cheers :)

It's hard to gauge what kinds of questions they will ask in the one-on-one, but you can count on getting the 'why do you want to do this?'-type questions.

As for the group stuff, you'll find yourself doing team-based exercises (the same kind as you'll find in graduate testing) which will probably involve a team presentation in front of the candidate group. I'm guessing that they'll get you to do the 'you're on the moon and your spaceship has crashed / your ship sunk and you have a life raft [pick the top 15 things you'd take with you]' activity.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on December 17, 2008, 05:29:38 pm
I know the dress type is 'business' for tomorrow, but is anyone going to play the suit card?

I really am thinking about just going with a black pants/white shirt/nice tie but then again the outfit could have an effect on whether or not you will be considered. Not sure.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 17, 2008, 05:33:51 pm
I know the dress type is 'business' for tomorrow, but is anyone going to play the suit card?

I really am thinking about just going with a black pants/white shirt/nice tie but then again the outfit could have an effect on whether or not you will be considered. Not sure.

Business dress = suit jacket, slacks and a tie.

First impressions do make a difference. I suggest you dress to impress.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on December 17, 2008, 05:35:09 pm
SWEET AS
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Kairubin on December 17, 2008, 07:10:56 pm
I know the dress type is 'business' for tomorrow, but is anyone going to play the suit card?

I really am thinking about just going with a black pants/white shirt/nice tie but then again the outfit could have an effect on whether or not you will be considered. Not sure.
I'm def going for the suit card. Apparently you will feel really out of place if you go for anything less!
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on December 17, 2008, 08:48:08 pm
SWEET AS

What time are you at?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 17, 2008, 10:18:00 pm
Go get some sleep guys.

Best of luck for tomorrow! I look forward to seeing all the YAY I GOT AN IBL OFFER threads tomorrow :)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 18, 2008, 03:53:35 pm
Hey guys! didn't realise there were so many of you there today, who was who? LOL the only names i remember are Calvin (Kalvin?), Kingsley and Xi.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: clinton_09 on December 18, 2008, 03:56:51 pm
What did you have to do today?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 18, 2008, 04:15:51 pm
The day started at 8:45am, with my one on one interview scheduled for 11:00am. Finished at roughly 12:30pm after a presentation that started at ~11:45am

Group Activities: "You had a plane crash, what items would you keep for yourself" (as someone pointed out before) and "where would you like to be in 5 years?" - make a poster and present

Interview: Really short interview with one of the business partners, just general questions about what subjects you found easy/hard, where you see yourself in 5 years.. that kinda stuff.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: flame on December 18, 2008, 04:18:58 pm
Hey. I had the afternoon session, so didn't know many of the morning people..I was Sebastian.

Goddam. Group activities were alright, but 1-on-1 was kinda gay. I had Fleur (no complaining there :P) and got asked some questions I just wasn't ready for..such as a tough period of time I've experienced where I've had to build a bridge to get past it or some crap!

Argh. I'm pretty sure I answered everything..just not very well :(

Didn't leave feeling very confident. Guess I just need to wait until tomorrow...

P.S. Damn girls and their 100% guarantee of getting in :P
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: clinton_09 on December 18, 2008, 04:21:24 pm
do girls have a 100% guarantee of getting in?? how come?
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Simonnn on December 18, 2008, 04:23:34 pm
LOL because we need more girls in IT/Engineering.. so uni people usually let them in regardless (or so it seems) :P
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: clinton_09 on December 18, 2008, 04:24:50 pm
lucky for them!!
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: flame on December 18, 2008, 04:27:02 pm
LOL because we need more girls in IT/Engineering.. so uni people usually let them in regardless (or so it seems) :P

Yeah that's pretty much it. It's not an 'official' thing as such, but it's how it goes.

They also get that bursary..ah well, good on them!
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on December 18, 2008, 04:34:33 pm
omg fuck rachel and fleur made me jizz hard as

i didnt realise that flares wouldnt work on the moon because there was no oxygen, fuck sigh getufcked fucking asshole fucking idioit psiceo fhsit FUCK
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: phagist_ on December 18, 2008, 04:38:43 pm
omg fuck rachel and fleur made me jizz hard as

i didnt realise that flares wouldnt work on the moon because there was no oxygen, fuck sigh getufcked fucking asshole fucking idioit psiceo fhsit FUCK
flares rely on the chemicals in them to burn - not an atmoshphere/external oxygen.. I think (i.e some flares work underwater)
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: flame on December 18, 2008, 04:39:17 pm
^^ wtf?

Who were you btw.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: vcestar on December 18, 2008, 04:40:51 pm
^^ wtf?

Who were you btw.

dont worry thats just droodles u will get used to him.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: droodles on December 18, 2008, 04:43:29 pm
i follow the art of ninja styles where secrecy and disguise leads to enlightenment of ultimate ninja stealth
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: vcestar on December 18, 2008, 04:49:24 pm
i follow the art of ninja styles where secrecy and disguise leads to enlightenment of ultimate ninja stealth

you are not meant to say that, thats part of the mutual agreement we share over the preservance of this ninja-boy game of urs.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: Tina on December 18, 2008, 07:00:38 pm
Oh i hope you all get in! If you do I look forward to seeing you all at orientation and maybe even mentoring some of you!
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: excal on December 18, 2008, 07:09:37 pm
do girls have a 100% guarantee of getting in?? how come?

Unwritten rule of thumb because of the epic shortage of them in the industry :P

But, that being said, they won't accept trash resembling a female. I hope, anyway.
Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: flame on December 19, 2008, 02:11:22 pm
Well..I didn't get it :(

Sucks to be me. Oh well, will still try for the course and give it another go at the end of next year.

Approximately how many positions do they offer in the second intake?


Title: Re: Business Information Systems
Post by: jsimmo on December 19, 2008, 02:51:36 pm
Well..I didn't get it :(

Sucks to be me. Oh well, will still try for the course and give it another go at the end of next year.

Approximately how many positions do they offer in the second intake?




Sorry to hear. On the Monash IBL website it says 40 scholarships will be available - roughly 20 placements will go to year 12 students - while the rest will go to first year university students.