In this issue

Next week sees the release of Year 12 student results – an awaited day!  Whatever the outcome there is always a pathway and alternatives to explore for future study or employment.  So students are encouraged to come in and chat before 14 December if they would like to look at 2020 in a different way from what they originally planned!  One of my favourite quotes is from Ovid: “Let your hook be always cast; in the pool where you least expect it there will be fish.”

There are many exciting prospects around the corner for all our students – we just might not know exactly what they are just now!

I wish everyone a well-earned rest, a merry festive season and a safe and happy new year!

Mrs Deb Cumming
Head of Careers

Passionate about writing?

SkillsRoad invites you to submit stories about dealing with work, life, studies, travel and everything in between to their #JobDiaries project.  They want you to know you are not alone in trying to navigate the journey of finding employment.  If your work is published on their platform, you can add ‘SkillsRoad Content Creator’ to your resume.  For information and to submit your story visit, https://bit.ly/34nHPdw

Careers with STEM articles

What do computer science graduates do at banks?   Thinking of studying computer science or software engineering but not sure where your degree could take you?  Tertiary tech qualifications do not always equal what you would think!  Meet five computer science graduates all working at a major bank, https://bit.ly/33lYxc2

Aussie NASA engineer, Will Reid:  Engineer Will Reid works for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, writing the code that lets robots roll over tricky terrain.  An average day on the gig?  Unit testing prototypes on Alaskan glaciers!  https://bit.ly/2rquR0d

Dr Alisa Glukhova, curing cancer on the job:  L’Oréal UNESCO For Women in Science fellow and structural biologist Dr Alisa Glukhova, is doing groundbreaking research into the molecular behaviour that is responsible for causing cancer, https://bit.ly/34jASdG

Animal Career Discovery Day

RSPCA Victoria is running a careers day for students who are passionate about working with animals.  Students will be able to meet, listen to and talk with experienced education staff and industry experts, take a behind the scenes tour of the RSPCA Burwood East facility and participate in Q&A sessions with presenters including Vets, Vet Nurses, Behaviourists, Inspectors, Animal Attendants and Customer Care Officers.
When:  Tuesday 10 December, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Where:  RSPCA Education Centre, Burwood East
Cost:  $75
Information and RSVP:  https://bit.ly/2OmrK29

Medicine, nursing and health sciences at Monash

Read stories from students who are currently studying a health course at Monash and find out about their experiences and clinical placements, http://bit.ly/2iU5IDI

RMIT University events

Bendigo Flight School Information Sessions:  Come along to one of our personalised ‘walk and talk’ information sessions where you can speak with our experienced flight instructors about how to become a tertiary qualified Professional Commercial Pilot and about the range of career opportunities as a pilot.
There are multiple dates to choose from.  For information and to book your place visit, https://bit.ly/2rqwrPx

Business Information Sessions:  If you are interested in studying business at RMIT, you can book a thirty minute tour of the campus on the one of the following dates:
•  Friday 29 November
•  Wednesday 4 December
You will be able to speak to course advisers and current RMIT business students.  Book at this link, https://bit.ly/2qMjjEk

Careers in Early Childhood Education

The Victorian Government has developed a fantastic website promoting careers in early childhood education and care.  The site contains information about careers in early childhood education, study pathways, financial support to study, free TAFE courses and more!  For information visit, https://bit.ly/2OlxoSl

Interested in a career with the Victoria Police?

Victoria Police are currently in the midst of their biggest recruitment drive ever.  They are looking to recruit over three thousand new Police Officers by 2021, so there has never been a better time to consider a career in policing!  Victoria Police has four different roles available for students who might be interested in pursuing a career in policing.
•  Police Officer
•  Protective Services Officer
•  Police Custody Officer
•  Victorian Public Servant
For a brief overview of each role, watch this recruitment video, https://bit.ly/2KU6P4w

Experience and attributes the Force is looking for:
Not every eighteen year old will be ready to apply but those who are gathering life experience whilst they are in high school will be more competitive throughout the recruitment process
For example:
•  Part-time work experience in a customer service environment – provides exposure to people of all works of life and develops communication, teamwork and conflict resolution skills. For example, working at McDonald’s one day a week.
•  Volunteer experience – develops a sense of community-mindedness and communication skills.  For example, working at the local surf life saving club or community centre.
•  Sporting club experience – develops teamwork, communication and leadership skills, not to mention the healthy level of fitness that is a requirement of the role.
•  Overseas travel – provides exposure to other cultures, religions and languages fosters a sense of independence and assertiveness.
For information on eligibility criteria and the recruitment process, visit the Victoria Police careers website, https://bit.ly/35x4nJ9
To view upcoming recruitment information sessions visit, https://bit.ly/34nHPdw

Higher Education Traineeship through Swinburne University

Swinburne University offers an Associate Degree in Applied Technologies.  This is an engineering and digital technologies course developed in conjunction with their industry partners.  It will equip you with essential professional and technical skills in one of three specialisations: Advanced Manufacturing, Building Information Modelling or Cloud Technologies.  Students will study on campus whilst undertaking paid employment with an industry partner.  For information on the course and the entry requirements go to, https://bit.ly/2OKsxcb

Collarts – Industry Partners

Collarts is a private college located in the Melbourne area offering courses in the following study areas:
•   Animation and VFX
•   Audio Engineering
•   Comedy
•   Content Creation
•   Entertainment Journalism
•   Entertainment Management
•   Fashion Marketing
•   Fashion and Sustainability
•   Interior Design
•   Music Performance
•   Music Production
They have a heavy focus on industry partnerships and industry based learning.  To view a list of Collarts’ industry partners visit, https://bit.ly/2Olr7Gh

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) School Holiday Programs

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment offers courses in game art and animation, game programming, game design and production, and 3D animation and VFX for film.
The academy is running a series of school holiday workshops for prospective students over twelve years of age in January 2020.
Students can choose from:
•  Game development in Unreal 4
•  Gotta Make ‘em All
•  Game programming in Unity
For information, dates, location and to register visit, https://bit.ly/37EHXr9

EducationUSA School Holiday Sessions

•  General Session: 16 December, register here, http://bit.ly/EdUSASessionDec16
•  Your Next Steps Workshop: 16 December, register here, http://bit.ly/EdUSAYNSWorkshopDec16
•  General Session: 2 January 2020, register here, http://bit.ly/EdUSASessionJan2
•  Your Next Steps Workshop: 2 January 2020, register here, http://bit.ly/EdUSAYNSWorkshopJan2

Interested in a Traineeship for 2020?

Local opportunity:
Money Talks Planners are offering a Traineeship within the Financial Services Industry.
All that is required is a resume to start the application.
To enquire, contact Ms Honi O’Connor  honi@moneytalkplanners.com.au

Australian National University

The Australian National University Advisory Days are being held across Australia to answer questions from students to give them an insight into what life at Australian National University is really like.  Students will be able to meet current students and staff who will share their experiences of learning in Australia’s capital.
The event in Melbourne is as follows:
Date:  Wednesday 18 December 2019
Time:  12:00 noon to 4:00 pm
Location:  State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne
Students can register online via the Australian National University events page here, https://www.anu.edu.au/study/events

Casual Employment

With Christmas just around the corner, it is a very busy time for many businesses and employers are now hiring casual staff.  You can sign up for employment opportunities at the following websites:
Coles, https://bit.ly/383OETN
IGA Supermarkets, https://bit.ly/382p4yw
KFC, https://bit.ly/33N7mM1
Woolworths, https://bit.ly/2RptgTp
Hungry Jacks, https://bit.ly/2qkwIU8
Kmart, https://bit.ly/2Y8U2Rd
Target, https://bit.ly/2qZ76MZ
McDonald’s, https://bit.ly/380Uvtb
Bunnings, https://bit.ly/2LfB2Ls
Donut King, https://bit.ly/2YbqYIy
Boost Juice, https://bit.ly/2P36v4I
Red Rooster, https://bit.ly/2Lf35Le
Myer, https://bit.ly/2sHiEov
Cotton On, https://bit.ly/2LjebPj
Sportsgirl, https://bit.ly/2RfT2cC
Officeworks, https://bit.ly/361GkCp
Apco, https://bit.ly/33F09xz
About eighty per cent of all job vacancies are not advertised, so it is crucial that you market yourself to businesses with an excellent resume and cover letter.  Make sure you tell as many people as possible that you are looking for work as often employers rely on ‘word of mouth’ to recruit for their positions.

For excellent job seeking tips, and resume/cover letter templates, check out the resources at Youth Central, https://bit.ly/2DIg04a
Also, check out job options at Explore Careers website, http://bit.ly/2iDtTqe

Work Experience

The Florey Institute:  Students interested in neuroscience, brain diseases and disorders, biomedical science, mental health, medicine and more are invited to apply for the work experience program at The Florey, Melbourne.
Eligibility:  In Years 10 to 12 in 2020
When:  One week block placement in 2020 at either the Parkville or Austin Campus
Cost:  Families are responsible for all costs associated with the experience such as transport and accommodation
How to apply:  Email the application form and your CV to studentsupport@florey.edu.au by the end of 2019.   You can obtain the application form from your school.
Information:  www.florey.edu.au/

Work Experience Directory

Students can bookmark the Work Experience Directory website and check regularly for work experience opportunities.  You will need to create an account and you can then search for opportunities in your area.  Go to, https://bit.ly/2sDABUN

Examples of University Internships

Law work experience through Victoria University:  All students who study Law at Victoria University have the opportunity to apply for work experience at an organisation such as:
•  Victoria Legal Aid – Magistrates Court Program, Family Law Clinic, Infringements Clinic, General Clinic
•  Victoria Police – Prosecutions Division
•  State Trustees Program
•  Young Workers Victoria
•  County Court Internship Program
•  Supreme Court Internship Program
•  WEstjustice – Fines Clinic, Sunshine Youth Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Refugee Clinic
For information on these internships go to, http://bit.ly/2fjDXA5

Sport internships at La Trobe University:  The university offers sport courses in areas such as:
•  Exercise Science
•  Sport Development and Management
•  Exercise Physiology
•  Sports Journalism
•  Physical Education
A website has been developed to promote La Trobe students engaging in internships called ‘Intern Diaries’.  If you are considering studying a sports related course in the future and would like to start exploring the internships you could apply for, you can view the website here, http://bit.ly/2fX545r

Bachelor of Arts internships at Monash University:  Monash Arts offers and encourages internships for all students.  Students gain course credit, practical experience and a great networking opportunity.  Opportunities currently available to students can be viewed on the internship’s website, http://bit.ly/1WVjIwT

Bachelor of Science internships at Australian National University:  You can explore the large range of science internships available to Australian National University students at https://bit.ly/34KOxdN  You can also read about some the exciting careers that graduates are undertaking.  To explore the Bachelor of Science visit, https://bit.ly/35WYh4T and read about overseas learning opportunities, field trips, facilities and also take a virtual tour of the buildings, classrooms and labs.

Global Logistics and Maritime Management

Exploring logistics at the Australian Maritime College (AMC), Tasmania:  Imagine life without logistics – nothing would get from A to B.  Shops would be virtually empty, you would not have fuel for your car, and the ‘order now’ button would be obsolete.  The maritime and logistics industries are booming.  Thanks to international trade and online shopping, there are more goods and services being transported around the globe than ever before.  Explore the Australian Maritime College website to get an understanding of the role logistics plays in daily life and to explore the amazing courses on offer, www.amc.edu.au

Study in the United States

Have you considered studying in the US in the future?  You can contact EducationUSA Melbourne for information on education and cultural exchanges between Australia and the US.  EducationUSA runs general and sports scholarship information events and you can book in for a meeting to discuss your options.  For information go to, http://bit.ly/1MwBv6B

Focus on Volunteering

The following article has been taken from the My Career Match website and has been adapted for the Weekly Career News, http://bit.ly/2k2LN9g

Volunteering is the single most overlooked skill on resumes.  If you knew that as many as eighty-six per cent of influencers believe that volunteering would make you more competitive among a pool of job seekers, would you not make sure to put that activity front and centre on your resume?  If you are a student and are told that most scholarships are given to people who volunteer would you not go out and volunteer?  If you are a student applying for entry to a university medical course and you are told that doing volunteer work in a hospital or aged care facility increases the chances of entry, would you not volunteer?
According to the 2016 Deloitte Impact Survey there is a huge disconnect between how important it is to hiring influencers and how much candidates are leveraging their volunteerism to get jobs.  Survey respondents found that only thirty per cent of resumes list volunteering.  In the recruitment world of jobs and job seekers, recruiters are overwhelmingly in favour of volunteering as a professional development tool.  Among the findings:
•  Ninety-two per cent believe volunteering expands an employee’s professional skill set
•  Eighty-five per cent are willing to overlook resume pitfalls when an employee includes volunteering on a resume.
•  Eighty-two per cent are more likely to choose a candidate with volunteering experience
•  Eighty per cent believe volunteering is an effective way to boost leadership skills
•  Seventy-three per cent believe people who volunteer are more successful.
On this last point a European study found young people’s involvement in volunteer initiatives stimulates the development of creative thinking and the ability to quickly adjust in new situations, it forms tolerance for others’ values, social sensitivity and an active civil stance – skills which can be capitalised on when both searching for a job and starting a business.

These skills make young volunteers much more successful on the labour market, compared to their peers, who lack volunteering experience.  One of the important conclusions from the study analysis is that there is a correlation between the skills young people acquire while volunteering and the skills employers look for.  For students having volunteer experience on their resume is extremely beneficial and an advantage over those who do not.  People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons.  For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them.  For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge.  Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.
Resource Links:
•  How to find volunteer work, Youth Central, http://bit.ly/1T6hG57
•  Volunteering Australia, https://bit.ly/2q8vqsy
•  GVI – Under 18 international programs, https://bit.ly/2DKc18e

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

DECEMBER

• 7:  Graduate Exhibition and Runway, Whitehouse Institute of Design, Melbourne, https://bit.ly/33eSDtR

• 10:  Animal Career Discovery Day, RSPCA, Burwood East, https://bit.ly/2OmrK29

• 18:  Australian National University Advisory Day, Melbourne, https://www.anu.edu.au/study/events

JANUARY

• 3 to 21:  Filmmaking Summer School, International House, The University of Melbourne, https://bit.ly/35hc465

• 5 to 9 or 13 to 17:  Campion College Summer Program, Toongabbie, NSW, https://bit.ly/33KGwVY

• 6 to 17:  VCE Summer School, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, https://bit.ly/2NB6KTZ

• 13 to 16:  The ConocoPhillips Science Experience, various locations, https://bit.ly/2rPTwLE

• 13 to 24:  AIE School Holiday Programs, Academy of Interactive Entertainment, Melbourne, https://bit.ly/37GgPrW

• 20 onwards:  JMC Academy Short Courses, Melbourne Campus, https://bit.ly/2X9hHQQ