University of Wollongong (UOW) students will have even more opportunities to gain work experience and graduate employment in the Illawarra region, following a new partnership between the University and Mercer, one of the world’s leading firms for superannuation, investments, health and human resources consulting and products.
The business agreement has today been formalised during a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing at UOW’s Innovation Campus by UOW Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Wellings, CBE, and President EuroPac Region Mercer, Martine Ferland.
The new partnership aims to amplify joint research activities for students in the fields of health, wealth and career, and is part of a continued strategy to facilitate recruitment, innovation and greater community engagement.
Mercer’s increasing presence in the Illawarra will create highly sought-after graduate opportunities while also facilitating student engagement and learning via internships and scholarships with the global organisation.
Professor Wellings said the Mercer collaboration is a welcome addition to the University’s business community network.
“There are a number of natural synergies between our two organisations, namely our joint commitment to innovation and research.
“Mercer also shares the University’s desire to make an impact on the world by tackling real-world business problems by providing opportunities for students to be part of researching solutions.
“We are pleased to see this partnership come to fruition and provide even more pathways for graduates to obtain employment in the Illawarra,” Professor Wellings said.
Ben Walsh, Managing Director and CEO of Mercer Australia, said he was thrilled to be partnering with a leading University in the Illawarra Region and highlighted that the collaboration marked a significant milestone in cementing Mercer’s presence in the region.
“Both organisations share a deep passion on challenges such as wellness and ageing. This partnership will enable us to bring our different perspectives to the challenges of the day, leading to new thinking and striving for innovation, ultimately making a difference in the lives of millions of people every day.”
Jo-Anne Bloch, Head of Mercer Wollongong, added, “having previously led Mercer’s Global Innovation Hub, I am excited to be joining forces with the University, to not only drive the innovation programme, but to also facilitate student engagement and learning via internships and scholarships.”
Some of the areas UOW have undertaken to work with Mercer on include; engaging students to assist with data analysis, support with SMART Facility initiatives and research on a range of global issues including our ageing population.
Mercer is a global consulting leader in talent, health, retirement and investments. Mercer helps clients around the world advance the health, wealth and careers of their most vital asset – their people. Mercer’s more than 20,000 employees are based in 43 countries and the firm operates in over 140 countries. Mercer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), a global professional services firm offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy and people. With annual revenue of $13 billion and 60,000 colleagues worldwide, Marsh & McLennan Companies is also the parent company of Marsh, a leader in insurance broking and risk management; Guy Carpenter, a leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; and Oliver Wyman, a leader in management consulting.
For more information, visit mercer.com.au.
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