Work integrated learning experiences aim to prepare students for the workplace by
developing both generic and specific competencies that will enhance employability.
Sleap and Reed (2006) and Bell et al. (2003) highlight the importance of work
placements in developing appropriate competencies for the graduate in the sport
science and leisure management areas, respectively. To maximize the learning
opportunities, students need to be capable of contributing to the workplace
environment and encouraged to reflect on their experiences in order to acknowledge
that new learning has occurred (Ferkins & Fleming, 2007). Researchers have
investigated the competencies relevant to business, science and technology graduates
(Coll & Zegward, 2006; Hodges & Burchell, 2003). However, there is little published
research on the perceptions of the skills or graduate competencies that employers
desire of sport and recreation graduates entering the workforce.