Careers

Victoria Police | Careers Information Session, Melbourne

December 1, 2023

Victoria Police is hosting an information session for members of the community who are interested in a career with Victoria Police focussing on the role of a police officer.  

Learn more about the recruitment process, training at the Police Academy, general duties policing, career pathways and specialty units and more. It’s also your opportunity speak with local police members to ask questions you have about a career with Victoria Police.

Find out more

 

Work Experience 2024

3 rd June to 7 th June 2024

Our Year 9 students have know had the Work Experience introduction session and can start to research and confirm work experience placements for 2024. There is a wide range of resources on the Careers SPACE page in the Work Experience Folder and further information below.  

Work experience FAQs

Thinking of embarking on a work experience placement? It’s a great way to get first-hand insight into your dream job, learn valuable skills, and make important contacts. If you have some questions before you start, we’ve got you covered in this blog where we answer frequently asked questions (FAQs) students often have about work experience.

 

Work experience basics

Work experience is typically a short-term placement where you get the chance to observe (and sometimes participate in) a real job setting. Think of it as an opportunity to learn about a particular industry or profession – this way you can decide whether or not it suits you before diving into further study or work.  

 

Work experience FAQs

If you have questions about work experience, we have the answers right here. Let’s dive in.  

Is work experience mandatory for high school students?

 

It is in many schools, but not always. Some vocational and university courses may also include work experience (more commonly referred to as work integrated learning).

 

Is work experience paid?

 

Typically, work experience isn’t paid, as it’s considered a learning opportunity rather than a job.  However, some companies might offer a small stipend to help cover expenses. Keep in mind that if you’re not being paid, you should not be expected to perform any tasks a normal employee would.

 

Why is work experience important?

 

Work experience gives you a taste of what a particular job or industry is really like. It helps you develop skills, gain insights, and make more informed career choices. 

 

How do I find a work experience placement?

 

Your school can usually help you find a placement. They might have partnerships with local businesses or provide a list of approved options. You can also ask family or friends for suggestions,contact your chosen business directly, or search online databases (like ours).

What should I wear for work experience?

 

It’s best to ask your supervisor or the company beforehand, but generally, it’s a good idea to dress neatly and in clothes appropriate for the type of work you’ll be doing.

 

Should I bring anything with me to my work experience?

 

It’s a good idea to bring a notebook and pen to jot down any observations or things you learn. You might also like to bring something for lunch and a bottle of water.

 

How long does work experience last?

Work experience placements usually run between three to seven days. This is generally enough time to give you a good sense of the job.

 

What if I don’t like my work experience placement?

It’s totally OK if you decide it’s not right for you, but you can still use this as a learning opportunity.  Think about what you didn’t enjoy and why – this will help you make better-informed decisions inthe future.

 

How do I make the most of my work experience?

 

Be proactive, ask questions, observe, and show eagerness to learn. Treat it as an opportunity to gain as much knowledge and experience as you can!

 

Can I include work experience on my resume or university applications?

 

Absolutely! Work experience is a great addition to your resume or university applications. It shows initiative and gives insight into your interests and skills.

 

What if I have additional questions or concerns after my work experience?

 

You can always reach out to your Careers advisor or the business where you did your placement.  They’re there to support you even after your work experience is complete.

 

Find out more

If there’s still more you’d like to know about work experience, you can read more blogs and search for placements on our website here.

 

Prepare for your next interview with Interview Warmup

Google has released a new tool to help you practice answering job interview questions called Interview Warmup. It’s designed to help you become more comfortable with the interview process, allowing you to feel more confident going into your next big interview. Let’s take a look at how it works and how it can benefit you. 

How does Interview Warmup work?

You have two options for your practice session: you can either do a practice interview with five randomly-selected questions, or you can take your time and browse through all the questions available.  

To answer each question, just click “Answer” and start speaking. There’s also an option to type your answer if you don’t want to talk out loud. Don’t stress too much about your answer – just go with what feels natural and remember you can go back and edit it later. Your response is then transcribed in real-time, giving you the chance to review and reflect on what you said. (If you’re using Chrome on iOS or Firefox, you can only participate by typing your answer.)

After each answer, you’ll then be presented with some insights. These observations can help you identify key terms and patterns in your responses. It’s important to remember that this isn’t a “grade” of your answer, or to tell you what’s right or wrong – they just help you see if you’ve covered important talking points that employers usually like to hear in real interviews.

Why is Interview Warmup useful?

We get it – interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it’s your first time. Interview Warmup provides a safe space for you to practice without the pressure of a real interview. You’ll get valuable and instant insights into your answers, allowing you to catch any stumbling points, refine or expand your responses, and become more aware of your speaking habits. You also have the freedom to redo or edit your answers as many times as you’d like, allowing you to build confidence at your own pace.

While the tool uses AI to help detect insights and patterns in your answers, the questions in have all been carefully selected by real experts in various fields. This means you can prepare for the types of questions you’re likely to encounter in real life.

Importantly, your audio and transcript are never saved or shared with anyone while using Interview Warmup, so your data remains entirely confidential. If you really want to save your answers for future reference, you can download a copy of your transcript at the end of the interview.

Get started 

If you’d like to give Interview Warmup a try, you can access it for free here. You can also brush up onsome interview tips in our blog, or find lots of other job prep resources here.