Senior School

Future Proof: Helping Our Students Navigate Tomorrow's Opportunities 

Article by Kate Runchiman, Career Development Leader 

As the world of work continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, preparing our young people for the future has never been more important. This year's annual Careers Expo, themed "Future Proof", will bring together a range of exhibitors to help our students explore pathways, opportunities, and the skills needed to thrive in a changing landscape. 

The evening is designed for students from year 9 through to year 12 and their parents, and will showcase insights from those who have successfully navigated their own career journeys. Attendees will have access to almost 30 different Old Collegians, who will share firsthand experiences of life beyond Overnewton and the lessons they have learned along the way.  Parent Exhibitors will also provide valuable perspectives on emerging industries, workplace expectations, and the attributes employers are increasingly seeking. 

Our Expo includes representatives from a broad range of industries, including Aviation, Telecommunications, Transport and Logistics, Building Trades, Architecture, Engineering, Hairdressing, Nursing, Medicine, Cloud Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Law, and Communications.  

We will welcome Electricians, Financial Advisors, HR Consultants, Business Analysts, Economists, Surveyors, Paramedics, Content Creators, Physiotherapists, Clinical Nurse Educators, Solicitors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Mental Health Clinicians, Exercise Physiologists and a Homelessness Network Coordinator to our event. 

Alongside these professionals, our program features current university students studying Ecological Modelling and Conservation, Botany and Plant Biology, Engineering, Design, Psychology, Biotechnology, Biomedicine, Science, Chemistry and Pure Mathematics, and Law.  

Students are encouraged to speak with representatives from our tertiary institutions and training providers for information on university and TAFE courses, apprenticeships, and alternative pathways. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions 1:1 with exhibitors and gather information. Accessing the online Program prior to the Expo is recommended to ensure students identify exhibitors that align with their individual interests and aspirations. 

A highlight of the evening will be three seminar sessions led by highly accomplished professionals from our Overnewton community: 

• Medicine Through My Eyes – Presented by Dr Cimenkaya, a cardiologist and medical leader. As the inaugural Director of Cardiology at Werribee Mercy Hospital, he has helped shape a new cardiology service for one of Australia's fastest-growing and most culturally diverse regions. He has also led regional cardiac care as Director of Cardiology at Bendigo Hospital and advises the Department of Health on improving cardiovascular care. Dr Cimenkaya will share insights into the realities of a career in medicine, and the opportunities and challenges of working in healthcare today. 

   

• Artificial Intelligence: Building the Future – Presented by Saranya Nagarajan, Principal Research Engineer at nbn Australia. Saranya is passionate about helping young people understand the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence and technology. She will share practical insights into AI, explore real-world applications across industries, and discuss potential career pathways for students interested in shaping the future through innovation. 

   

• Commerce and Financial Services: People and Performance in a Big Four Firm – Presented by Miriam Scerri, a strategic and passionate HR leader and Executive Coach with more than 16 years of experience. Currently working at EY, one of the world's leading professional services networks, Miriam will provide valuable insights into the people side of business, leadership, organisational culture, and the diverse career opportunities available within commerce and financial services. 

The Careers Expo reflects our commitment to ensuring students are equipped not only for their first destination after Overnewton, but for a future that may include multiple careers, industries, and opportunities. By connecting students with graduates, parents, educators, and tertiary representatives, the evening aims to generate meaningful conversations and informed decision-making. 

Explore Your Future Pathways and Subjects 

Families are also encouraged to take advantage of the Subject Selection Information Evening, which will be held concurrently with the Careers Expo. Faculty staff from the College will be available to discuss senior subject offerings, course content, and the opportunities that different subjects can open for future study. Choosing senior subjects is one of the most important decisions students make during their secondary education.  

The VCE Vocational Major coordinator will host a seminar outlining the senior qualification and how it compares with the VCE.  

Conversations with our experienced teaching staff can help students better understand how their interests, strengths, and aspirations align with subject choices, ensuring they are well positioned for success in their final years of schooling and beyond.  

By combining the Careers Expo with the Subject Selection Information Evening, students and families can gain a comprehensive understanding of both the pathways available after school and the subject choices that can help them achieve their goals. 

We encourage all families to attend this valuable event and join us in helping our young people become truly Future Proof. 

Each fortnight, the College Careers Team publishes a newsletter providing students and parents with the most up-to-date career information, events and opportunities.  

Please access via the following link.