Some tips for course selection

We are currently in the thick of “Course Selection Season” for all year levels, which for many students and their families can be a source of added pressure. However, with a bit of planning, this time of year should be a time of excitement as you explore the options available, and work out which ones you will pursue. As mentioned in previous issues of this newsletter, the world of work is rapidly changing, and yes, these changes will present some unique challenges for our young people. But the new world of work also offers variety and opportunity in much greater quantities than ever before. The key for our young people is to equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to take advantage of these opportunities, and to readjust when things don’t go to plan.

The principles of course selection at each year level remain the same, although the focus may be different. At Year 11, for example, the decision can often feel more urgent and there is pressure to make the one “right” decision. It is worth stopping to reflect on the fact that this decision, whilst an important one, is just one of many you will make throughout your life, and that even if “mistakes” are made, we sometimes achieve the best outcomes through exploring avenues we hadn’t previously considered.

During the next few weeks, all students will continue to receive information and guidance from many sources. The following tips may help you to keep your thoughts in order as you process all this information and make decisions.

Think about:

What you want – start with what you would do if there were no barriers at all
What you like doing
What you are good at
What the world needs – reflecting on what the workforce is going to require of you in a more general sense is helpful in planning a well-rounded program
What you need to know more about – and where you will find this information
Who can help you with your research and planning
What you need to study or do in order to reach your goal and/or to keep your options open

Tips:

Keep good notes so you don’t have to waste time redoing research.
Calendar in visits to Open Days in Years 9-11 (see attached calendar for downloading) – do not leave this research until Year 12. Work out what each institution can offer you.
Be realistic about your strengths and areas that need improving – think about how you will capitalise on your strengths and address areas for improvement.
Recognise and plan to address specific challenges or barriers – e.g.: if a course you like lists a specific subject as a prerequisite, but this subject really isn’t your forte, make a plan to work around this. Similar challenges may be related to which Maths, folio pathways, some science subjects, whether to do a VET subject, or whether to pursue VCE or VCAL.
Don’t lock yourself into a single label – do some research about the breadth of opportunity within a specific industry (e.g.: aviation – not everyone in that industry flies planes or builds them)
Think more broadly about the skills you will need in the future – read the FYA reports on job clusters and enterprise skills, then think about how you will go about developing those skills).
Be open to other options – always have a Plan B.
Identify your allies & information sources – find people doing the kind of work that interests you, and ASK them how they got there (also what it’s really like in that profession).
Get good at navigating uni websites and the VTAC site (this applies to vocational pathways, too).
Use the staff at school to support you – your tutor, sub school and careers practitioner.

Useful links:

Please use the MyNorthcoteHigh Careers page to explore more, and if the information you are looking for is not there, let us know.

Important VTAC Dates 2018

Great Opportunity!

Are you, do you know anyone aged 18-25 who is living, playing, working or studying #Melbourne Northside? #YLab, in partnership with Clifton/North Fitzroy Bendigo Bank, is running a FREE 6 month change making workshop program FOR young people BY young people! Care about your local community? Have an idea to create something or make a change? This program also includes a chance to pitch for 10k funding to make some IRL magic happen. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gA453Gw Please share with your networks!

PwC Event invitation: Hack a career in cybersecurity

Is cybersecurity the job of the future?

The demand for talent in cybersecurity is at an all-time high. The rising threat level has prompted a hiring frenzy with employers head hunting IT students and graduates from across Australia.

If you're thinking of career options, you may want to consider a career in cybersecurity. In this session, our expert panel will explore the following topics:

The future of work
Cybersecurity as a profession
Public and private sector demand for cyber professionals
Career opportunities and entry points to a job in cybersecurity
Hear from PwC's Steve Ingram, Asia Pacific Cyber Lead, Hon Angus Taylor MP, Minister for Cyber Security and other cyber professionals including:
Gai Brodtmann MP - Shadow Assistant Minister for Cyber Security
MAJGEN Marcus Thompson, AM - Deputy Chief Information Warfare Division - ADF
Aadeeba Mou - PwC Associate

After the panel discussion, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and play PwC's Game of Threats™, an interactive based gamification product in an effort to simulate the pressure and intensity of decision-making in the midst of a cyber breach.

The event will be held next Tuesday 31st July, 5:00pm at PwC Melbourne offices.

Please see more info and register via this link:

https://events.pwc.com.au/ehome/index.php?eventid=100181456&

Hotel School Discovery Day

Did you know that the Tourism & Hospitality industry will create 123,125 new jobs by 2020*?

*Deloitte Australian Tourism Labour Force Report 2015-2020

The Hotel School Discovery Day will be held on Wednesday 29th August at Level 3, 399 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Agenda:

11:30am to 12:00pm - Registration
12:00pm to 12:30pm - 'How to Network' Workshop
12:30pm to 13:30pm - Networking Lunch with Hotel School Alumni
13:30pm to 14:30pm - Experience a Lecture – 'Tourism Planning - Environment'
14:30pm to 14:45pm - Campus Tour and Q&A with Sales Team

This is a FREE event. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-hotel-school-discovery-day-melbourne-tickets-47981539075.

Dance Audition Preparation Workshop

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 August: 10.00am - 4:30pm

This two-day short course is an immersive experience, providing an insight into the audition process and a hands on experience of VCA Dance. This practical two-day workshop is designed to assist students with how best to prepare for a tertiary dance school audition.

Focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on VCA Dance, it will also provide an insight into what a tertiary dance school is looking for in a potential student through the audition process. Led by VCA Dance leaders, the workshop is held over two days in order to provide potential for development through feedback.

Prior dance experience required, equivalent to Cecchetti / RAD Intermediate, or VCE level.

For more information and bookings, see: http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/study/short-courses/dance-audition-preparation-workshop-2018

Getting the most out of an open Day

Thanks to Jacky Burton from The Knox School for these tips:

Most institutional Open Days are held in late July and August. However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time.

What happens on an Open Day?

On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers and current students about what certain courses are actually like, and what is required to get into them.

Who should attend an Open Day?

Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend.

Why should you attend an Open Day?

Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea:

You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before.
What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live?
Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution?
What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds?
How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car?

If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day!

How to make the best of Open Days?

To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers:

Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses
Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses
On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools
Ask questions!
Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close
Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy
Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you that will be living there.
Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available.
Enjoy the visit!

Our House: get your tickets

Northcote High School's Production of the musical Our House