Student Guide - Student Workflows

Complete guide for students using the Curtin Capstone Connect platform to discover projects, express interest, and manage their capstone journey.

🎯 Overview

As a student, you can:

🚀 Getting Started

Step 1: Registration

  1. Visit the Platform
  2. Student Information
    • Student ID (must be valid UC student ID)
    • Full name as registered with UC
    • UC email address (@student.curtin.edu.au)
    • Phone number
    • Current program and year level
    • Academic major/specialization
  3. Skills and Profile
    • Technical skills and programming languages
    • Previous project experience
    • Industry interests
    • Career goals and aspirations
    • Portfolio links (GitHub, LinkedIn, etc.)
  4. Account Setup
    • Create a secure password
    • Verify your UC email address
    • Complete your academic profile
    • Upload a professional photo (optional)

Step 2: First Login

  1. Login Process
    • Visit the login page
    • Enter your UC email and password
    • You’ll be automatically redirected to your dashboard
  2. Dashboard Overview
    • Browse available projects
    • View your applications and their status
    • Access your favorites list
    • Update your profile and skills

📋 Project Discovery Workflow

Browsing Projects

  1. Access Project Listings
    • From your dashboard, view the “Available Projects” section
    • Or click “Browse All Projects” for complete listing

  2. Project Information

    Basic Details:

    • Project title and description
    • Industry partner organization
    • Required skills and technologies
    • Academic term (Semester 1, 2, or both)
    • Project type and deliverables

    Requirements:

    • Team size (individual or group projects)
    • Time commitment expectations
    • Meeting requirements
    • Prerequisites or specific skills needed

    Logistics:

    • Project location (on-campus, remote, client site)
    • Access to resources and tools
    • Timeline and key milestones
  3. Project Filtering and Search
    • By Skills: Filter projects matching your technical skills
    • By Industry: Focus on specific industry sectors
    • By Type: Development, research, design, analysis projects
    • By Term: Semester 1, 2, or year-long projects
    • By Location: On-campus, remote, or hybrid options

Project Details View

  1. Comprehensive Information
    • Detailed project description and objectives
    • Client organization profile and background
    • Success criteria and expected outcomes
    • Learning objectives and skill development
  2. Client Information
    • Organization overview and industry sector
    • Contact person and role
    • Previous projects with students (if any)
    • Company culture and work environment

💼 Interest Expression Workflow

Expressing Interest

  1. Choose Your Projects
    • Review project details thoroughly
    • Consider your skills and career goals
    • Check time commitments and requirements
    • Ensure project aligns with your academic program

  2. Interest Expression Form

    Personal Message:

    • Why you’re interested in this specific project
    • Relevant skills and experience you bring
    • What you hope to learn and achieve
    • Your understanding of the project requirements

    Availability Information:

    • Academic term availability
    • Time commitment you can provide
    • Any scheduling constraints
    • Preferred communication methods
  3. Submit Your Interest
    • Review your message before submitting
    • Confirm your contact information is current
    • Submit your expression of interest
    • Receive confirmation notification

Application Tracking

Interest Statuses:

📊 Dashboard Management

Student Dashboard Sections

Projects Tab:

Applications Tab:

Favorites Tab:

Profile Tab:

Managing Applications

  1. Application Overview
    • View all submitted expressions of interest
    • Track status changes and updates
    • Review client responses and feedback
    • Monitor application deadlines
  2. Communication Management
    • Messages from industry partners
    • UC staff communications
    • Project updates and announcements
    • Interview invitations and scheduling
  3. Application Updates
    • Withdraw applications if needed
    • Update availability or preferences
    • Respond to client questions
    • Provide additional information

⭐ Favorites System

Adding Favorites

  1. Save Interesting Projects
    • Click the “❤️ Add to Favorites” button on any project
    • Add personal notes about why you saved it
    • Set reminders for application deadlines
    • Organize favorites by priority
  2. Managing Your Favorites
    • Review saved projects regularly
    • Update notes and priorities
    • Remove projects that are no longer relevant
    • Quick apply from favorites list

Favorites Organization

Categories:

🔍 Project Search and Filtering

Advanced Search Features

Search by Keywords:

Filter Options:

Search Tips

Effective Searching:

Staying Updated:

📞 Communication Guidelines

Communicating with Clients

  1. Professional Communication
    • Use formal, professional language
    • Respond to messages promptly
    • Be clear and concise in your communications
    • Ask thoughtful questions about the project
  2. What to Include in Messages
    • Specific reasons for your interest
    • Relevant skills and experience
    • Questions about project details
    • Your availability and commitment level
  3. Communication Etiquette
    • Address clients respectfully
    • Proofread messages before sending
    • Be honest about your skill level
    • Show enthusiasm for learning

Working with UC Staff

Academic Coordination:

Support Services:

🎓 Project Participation

Once Selected for a Project

  1. Project Kickoff
    • Attend initial meeting with client
    • Understand project scope and deliverables
    • Establish communication protocols
    • Set up project management tools
  2. Throughout the Project
    • Maintain regular communication with client
    • Update progress on platform dashboard
    • Attend scheduled check-in meetings
    • Document your work and learning
  3. Project Documentation
    • Keep detailed records of your contributions
    • Document technical decisions and challenges
    • Prepare regular status reports
    • Build portfolio materials as you work

Academic Integration

Course Coordination:

Learning Objectives:

🏆 Project Completion and Portfolio

Completing Your Project

  1. Final Deliverables
    • Complete all agreed-upon project deliverables
    • Prepare final presentation materials
    • Document project outcomes and impact
    • Gather client feedback and testimonials
  2. Academic Assessment
    • Submit required academic assignments
    • Participate in project presentations
    • Complete reflection papers or reports
    • Ensure all academic requirements are met

Portfolio Development

  1. Project Showcase
    • Add completed project to platform gallery
    • Write compelling project descriptions
    • Include screenshots, demos, or samples
    • Highlight your specific contributions
  2. Professional Portfolio
    • Update your LinkedIn profile
    • Add project to your resume
    • Prepare case studies for job interviews
    • Document technical skills gained

🔧 Profile Management

Keeping Your Profile Current

Academic Information:

Skills and Experience:

Career Interests:

Profile Optimization Tips

Make Your Profile Stand Out:

🎯 Tips for Success

Project Selection Strategy

Choose Wisely:

Application Strategy:

Professional Development

Skill Building:

Career Preparation:

Academic Success

Balance Your Commitments:

🔄 Common Workflows

Workflow 1: First Project Application

Register Account → Complete Profile → Browse Projects → 
Express Interest → Wait for Response → Project Interview → 
Selection Notification → Project Kickoff

Workflow 2: Ongoing Project Management

Attend Kickoff Meeting → Set Up Communication → 
Regular Progress Updates → Client Check-ins → 
Milestone Deliverables → Final Presentation → 
Project Completion

Workflow 3: Building Your Portfolio

Document Project Work → Gather Client Feedback → 
Complete Academic Requirements → Add to Platform Gallery → 
Update Professional Profiles → Prepare for Job Search

💡 Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

Q: How many projects can I apply for? A: You can express interest in multiple projects, but consider your time commitments carefully.

Q: What if I don’t get selected for any projects? A: UC staff will help match you with available projects. Keep your profile updated and consider expanding your interests.

Q: Can I work on projects outside my major? A: Yes, interdisciplinary projects are encouraged, but ensure they meet your degree requirements.

Project Participation

Q: What if I have conflicts with my client? A: Contact UC staff immediately for mediation and support.

Q: Can I change projects once started? A: This is discouraged but possible in exceptional circumstances with UC staff approval.

Q: How much time should I spend on my capstone project? A: This varies by project and academic requirements. Typically 10-15 hours per week.

Platform Usage

Q: How do I update my skills and profile? A: Go to your dashboard and click the “Profile” tab to make updates.

Q: Can I see who else applied for a project? A: No, applications are confidential to protect student privacy.

Q: What if the platform isn’t working properly? A: Contact UC technical support or use the platform’s help features.

Ready to find your perfect capstone project? Start by browsing available projects and building your profile to attract the best opportunities!