Careers 

CELEBRATING CAREERS @ WHSC

The theme for Education Week 2019 is ‘Celebrating Careers’ so I would like to take this opportunity to showcase the valuable contributions that Wheelers Hill Secondary College makes towards offering students, parents and staff career and pathway support.

Every student has their own dreams and goals and at WHSC we offer Careers Education programs that provides each student with the opportunity to work towards meeting their own aspirations. In addition, we recognise the importance that parents and teacher’s play in a student’s life and endeavour to keep both parties informed on career events and programs. We are very proud to be able to offer the following Career Education programs/services at our College.

In keeping with the theme of ‘Celebrating Careers’ below are some staff member’s reflections on their own careers and what lead them to working for the Education Department.

Jacinta Wilson

Year Level Coordinator – Year 9

My career aspirations as a Year 9 (Form 3) student "in the last century" began with a Work experience week at Crawford Productions, an iconic Production house with a fascination of television productions and media. This led to part time work offer at Crawfords in each school holiday for the next eighteen

months, in various departments. I had dreamed of a career in the Media: journalism, production or politics. Following HSC (VCE) I was offered full time work with Crawfords working on TV series The Sullivans, Cop Shop and at Channel 9. During my time there I was fortunate to learn many skills, meet dedicated and creative people and make connections with professionals who believed in me and my skills. A television director from that time thought I "may like theatre" and this opportunity led to eight years working in Professional theatre in a range of musicals, operas and plays, whilst in a teaching career and balancing my life. The theatre work has availed me opportunities, travel, experiences, adventures and lifelong friendships amidst the creative and artistic lifestyle.

At the same time of working in television, I had always valued education, so completed a Bachelor of Education and 'fell into teaching'. I thought I would give "teaching a go for two years" when I started and now 32 years plus, I continue to learn, be challenged and be inspired by a career that makes such a difference for young people. Further study included Sports Management as I was interested in this area and thought it may have been a career move at the time into promotions and managing of sportspeople.

My roles in Education are far beyond the classroom: student programs, management, promotions, curriculum and sports. However it is the working with dedicated colleagues, part of an enthusiastic team, developing students' talents and respecting their potential that allows me to enjoy my teaching career. How fortunate I have been!

If you take on opportunities in whatever manner they present themselves and are prepared to work positively, your career can be as rewarding.

Voula Jakubicki

Careers Coordinator

My career started of rocky! My dream of moving into my ideal role in Human Resources after completing my Bachelor’s degree in Business was short lived! I remember applying for several jobs (over 80) but simply having no success. I knew I had to start somewhere so after nine months of applying for work I was offered a place in Westpac Bank’s Graduate program. This role was not even close to what I wanted to do but I saw the value of gaining some employability skills which I hoped would increase my chances of getting into a role that I really wanted later on in my career. After six years as a Retail Banker I entered into a Recruitment Consultant role which was right up my alley. Although I had no experience in recruitment, my role in the Bank provided me with several transferable skills which I used to land this job. So yes, deciding to start ‘somewhere’, earlier on in my career, even if not in my ideal role, really paid off.

Several years in Commercial Recruitment and Career Consulting roles led me to working for the Education Department as a Careers & Pathways Advisor at a local High School. That was back in 2006 and I haven’t looked backed since. Joining Wheelers Hill Secondary College in 2018 has provided me with wonderful career opportunities. This role has expanded my skills set and provided me with the challenges I was seeking. I am lucky enough to say that I am in my ‘dream job’. Careers Education is constantly changing which makes working in this space very exciting, however my major job satisfaction really comes from seeing students achieve their potential and achieve their career aspirations.😊

Voula Jakubicki

Careers Coordinator