Applying Organisational Psychology in Real-World Settings at Perth Festival
For Sarah, a placement with Perth Festival’s People and Culture team offered a rare chance to unite her two passions: workplace psychology and the arts.
Across four months Sarah led a project with lasting impact, designing and implementing an Employee Recognition Program that aligned with the Festival’s strategic goal of attracting and retaining talent while celebrating the creativity and dedication of its people.
Before developing the solution, Sarah began by immersing herself in the organisation – its values, culture and people – using surveys, focus groups and conversations to understand what mattered most. These early insights shaped the foundations of the program.
“We implemented a desktop and mobile app where staff could share thanks and recognition, both peer-to-peer and from leaders. The social-media-style feed allowed everyone to celebrate small and big wins, helping break down silos across the organisation,” Sarah explains.
By the end of her placement, Sarah saw her program in action: staff recognising each other’s contributions and small moments of success being celebrated across the organisation.
From theory to real-world impact
Sarah credits her UWA studies with giving her the skills and knowledge to successfully deliver the Program objectives.
“The coursework really grounded me in the theory, motivation, engagement, organisational culture, but seeing it play out in a real workplace brought it to life in a whole new way,” she says.
Her classroom experiences in group projects and stakeholder communication also proved invaluable as she facilitated workshops, gathered input, and built support for the program.
A passion for arts and people
For Sarah, the Perth Festival placement was more than just professional experience, it was deeply personal.
Sarah grew up playing in a brass band and competing in highland dance - experiences that shaped her lifelong passion for the arts. It was a clear example of how coursework comes alive when applied in a professional context. Working with Perth Festival combined that passion with her love of psychology, allowing her to explore how culture and creativity influence the way people connect and thrive in the workplace.
“It surprised me how creative and adaptable you need to be in this field. Sometimes the best ideas don’t come from textbooks but from conversations or unexpected feedback.”
Partnership in action
For Sarah, the highlight of the experience was seeing her project come full circle, from research to implementation and watching it spark real connection among staff.
For UWA and Perth Festival, it was a strong example of how industry partnerships can provide students with authentic, hands-on opportunities while delivering meaningful outcomes for organisations.
Looking forward
The placement has shaped Sarah’s career aspirations, giving her confidence to pursue roles that blend psychology with dynamic, creative environments.
“This experience showed me that I thrive outside the conventional career path. Organisational psychology is as much about listening and building relationships as it is about data and research and that’s what excites me.”
Sarah’s advice to future students? Stay curious and say yes to the unexpected. “Keep an open mind and be curious. Challenge yourself and lean into every opportunity. You really do get out what you put in.”
Sarah’s story demonstrates the value of UWA’s partnerships with industry, showing how placements with organisations like Perth Festival give students the chance to apply their learning, develop professional confidence, and make a meaningful impact both in their careers and within the wider community.
[If you’re inspired by Sarah’s story and want to explore how psychology can shape people, workplaces and culture, UWA’s Work Integrated Learning opportunities are a great place to start.]
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