Careers & Pathways

Careers News

Here in the Careers Resource Centre we have been busy organising Careers Action Plans interviews, assisting students with subject selections and Pathway choices, VTAC applications, SWL placements, Open Days and Careers 'Exploring Options' Expo.  

If you require any information regarding Careers and Pathways please contact the Careers Team at the College on 5990 0200.

VTAC Applications

VTAC course applications for 2020 are opening on Monday, so if you are in Year 12 and intending to study at a Victorian University, TAFE or independent tertiary college next year, it’s time to ensure that you have started your VTAC application preparation.

All applications are made on the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) website (www.vtac.edu.au) as VTAC receives, collates and forwards all student applications to institutions including special consideration (SEAS) requests, scholarship applications and any other relevant or required documentation.

Here are some tips to get started:

Research!

• Research the courses on offer in your chosen field and preferred institution(s).
• Use ‘CourseSearch’ on the VTAC website and VTAC App (see quick link) as the primary source of course information.

Refine your list!

• Establish your course preferences (you will do this after visiting open days too) and ensure you are aware of the selection criteria for each course that you wish to apply for, as each course and institution’s entry requirements do vary i.e. interview, admission tests, audition, folio presentation, or extra form/documents that need to be completed. Note: This information can be found on each college website. Important: Take note of all relevant dates and deadlines.

Register!

Create a VTAC user account and have all your details close at hand i.e. educational history, student numbers to ensure that you complete your application accurately.

• Place your eight courses in your order of preference. You won’t be able to save a draft of your application, but you will be able to change your preferences after it is completed. Remember: It is important to list your ‘dream course’ at the top of your preference list, as adjustment factors can affect your overall score and you will always be offered a place in the highest course in your list for which you meet the requirements.

Important to note: You have until 30th of September for a ‘timely’ application where the normal application fee is $39.00, after this date the fee increases. 

Handy tip –

The ‘How to apply’ page on the VTAC website is very helpful and may answer any questions you may have. You will also find some very useful YouTube VTAC video links about applying for courses, SEAS, scholarships, the offer process and changing preferences.

A handy resource to download at your app store –

VTAC App: https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/vtac/id1119361879?mt=8

Scholarships Resource for 2020

Melbourne Principal’s Scholarship

Offered to Victorian Year 12 students, this $5,000 scholarship is being offered and will be awarded to students in recognition of their academic achievement and contribution to their school or wider community.  Eligible students nominated by their school principal as a student with an excellent academic record and a strong record of contribution to the school or wider community will be automatically considered for this award. 

Find out more at Melbourne Principal’s Scholarship

Key Dates for Tertiary Applications for 2020 Entry

Year 12 students are reminded of the key application dates for all states:

UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

Students considering applying for a course at an interstate university or campus might like to consider also applying for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).  The Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS) enables schools to recommend current Year 12 students – who are also UAC applicants – for early offers of undergraduate admission.   The aim of SRS is to help more Year 12 students gain access to higher education, especially those students who might otherwise not be offered a place. 

SRS applications close at midnight on 30 September 2019.

Students keen on finding out more should visit UAC - Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).

Snapshot of Box Hill Institute (BHI) in 2019

• Box Hill Institute, formally known as Box Hill TAFE, began operating in 1984
• Box Hill Institute (BHI) offers a qualifications range from certificates I to IV, diplomas and advanced diplomas, even associate, bachelor, and master’s degrees - Courses at BHI
• BHI’s vocational and higher education qualifications are nationally accredited and internationally recognised
• BHI offers apprenticeships, traineeships, and pre-apprenticeship courses across a range of trade and industry areas - Apprenticeships and Traineeships
• BHI has three campuses - Box Hill Institute Campuses and through its partnerships with international educational institutions and other organisations, it has more than 20 international campuses delivering Australian qualifications to residents throughout the Asia-Pacific region and in the Middle East.  The Lilydale Lakeside Campus is BHI’s new higher education facility based in Lilydale in partnership with William Angliss Institute
• BHI has a number of excellent facilities including its new, one of a kind, Integrated Technology Hub which provides collaborative and innovative learning spaces for the air conditioning, refrigeration, mechanical, plumbing and electrical technologies industries
• There are excellent Workplace Training Facilities where students get access to real and simulated work environments in order to gain lots of practical hands-on experience. The environments are real, the tools and equipment are the latest, and the customers are paying members of the public.  Some of our workplace training facilities:
• Spa and Salon on Elgar, providing spa treatments and services
• The Health and Wellbeing Hub
• Pets on Elgar, a veterinary clinic and dog-grooming centre
• Fountains Restaurant, delivering excellent food and beverage to diners
• BHI offers its students Study Abroad opportunities
• BHI has a range of Student Support Services, including study support, and personal and career counselling
• BHI has libraries at all its campuses
• BHI offers offer a number of scholarships that:
• recognise the academic achievement of students
• help students who need financial assistance

News from ACU

Faculty of Education and Arts

Education insights

ACU Impact have put together some great information for prospective students who are interested in a career in education.

Everything you need to know about teaching placements

Teaching placements are a big part of undergraduate education students’ lives. Here’s what they’re all about. 

Learn more 

Perspectives on teaching 

The role of education keeps changing and the expectations on our teachers are high. So, what does it take to be a teacher today? And why would you want to be one? What are the highlights, and the challenges? 

Learn more

Arts

Mentor with impact

Students can make an impact on future generations, their environments, and their communities through gaining the knowledge and skills needed to foster young people’s emotional and social development through Bachelor of Youth Work. Students can help disenfranchised individuals, play a role in reducing youth crime, and mentor vulnerable people with their wellbeing and mental health. Students that choose to undertake a youth work degree will have the option to pair their studies with sociology or electives that focus on outdoor experiences, exercise and nutrition.

Read more

One degree, many courses of action

When students study at ACU, they can design and accelerate their degree to set themselves up for the future. Prospective students can take control of their studies by fast-tracking and undertaking a 2.5-year degree at ACU with the new Bachelor of Arts option. We will provide students with options to study a range of units on campus or overseas during summer and winter, in addition to our university’s regular semester offerings. 

Read more

Faculty of Theology and Philosophy

2019 Simone Weil Lecture on Human Value

Virtue in a changing climate.

How do we respond morally to global warming?

The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy is delighted to announce details of the 2019 Simone Weil lecture on human value.  The lecture is inspired by Simone Weil’s ethical vision that is rooted in the attentive compassion and obligation to others, her unwavering desire for the good and her commitment to justice. 

Date: Thursday 19 September 2019

Location: ACU Melbourne Campus

More information and to register: acu.edu.au/simoneweil

Global Science and Technology Program at Deakin

The Global Science and Technology Program aims to recognise, reward, and support high-achieving students, by providing opportunity for overseas study.  It aims, therefore, to add an international experience to a students’ degree, supporting them in developing new skills and a broader world view while studying overseas. 

A minimum ATAR of 80.00 is required for entry into this course, and students must also meet the entry requirements of Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.

Successful applicants will be offered a monetary scholarship to assist with travel costs and will be required to participate in the Deakin Global Citizenship Program. 

Scholarships will be awarded across the faculty to students undertaking any course offered by the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment.

Find out more at Global Science and Technology Program

New Courses at Deakin University

Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology)

This new course sets itself apart from both the Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing Major) and the Bachelor of Psychology by providing graduates with psychological theory and practice alongside the marketing skills and knowledge to apply these to real world situations.  With the increases in globalisation, market fragmentation, and the advent of emerging technologies and new data practices, there is a growing need for expertise in psychology among marketing professionals.  A dual expertise in psychology and marketing thus provides graduates with a competitive advantage as they enter into employment.   

The VCE prerequisites are: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and an anticipated ATAR of 73.00 is expected. 

Browse Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology)

Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts combined degree is designed to train students in transferable skills that allow them to seamlessly move between the roles of the future, all while fostering their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.  For those students who are interested in the professional and quantitative demands of economics, finance and accounting the BCom/BA is available.  The ATAR difference between BBus and BCom reflects the market profile of the single degree programs.

The VCE prerequisites are:  Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL and an anticipated ATAR of 63.00 is expected.

Browse Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Cyber Security

This new combined course offers Law students dual qualifications that will equip them with the additional expertise required to pursue careers in contemporary areas of legal practice as well as alternative career pathways outside of competitive legal practice.  Cyber law is an important and developing area of contemporary legal practice and there is a growing need for cybersecurity legal specialists with an understanding of the regulatory and legal framework relating to privacy and data management and security. There is an equal need for cyber professionals who understand the policy and legal context in which they operate.

The VCE prerequisites are: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL and an anticipated ATAR at the Burwood Campus of 91.00.

Browse Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Cyber Security

Pathways to Deakin University

Monash Entry Schemes

At Monash, we know that a student’s ATAR might not accurately reflect their ability. Life can be a bumpy road, and there are all sorts of circumstances that can get in the way of a student’s academic achievement.

We operate two schemes – the Monash Guarantee and the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) – that can help students enter their preferred course, even if their ATAR is below the lowest selection rank.

By having two schemes, Monash wants to create a level playing field for everyone who aspires to an exceptional education.  By operating both schemes, Monash can also help as many students as possible reach their full potential.

Students do not have to choose between the two schemes – depending on their situation and background, they could be eligible for one or both.

The Monash Guarantee

The Monash Guarantee can get a student into a Monash course even if they do not reach the course’s lowest selection rank.  Students could be eligible for the Monash Guarantee if they:

• have experienced financial disadvantage
• live in a low socio-economic area
• are an Indigenous Australian
• attend a Monash list under-represented school

So, every Monash undergraduate degree has a Monash Guarantee ATAR, which is lower than the expected selection rank for that course.  For most courses, if a student meets the eligibility criteria, achieves the Monash Guarantee ATAR (starting at 70.00), and completes all course prerequisites, they will be eligible for a place at Monash.  To be considered for the Monash Guarantee, Year 12 students must submit a VTAC course application, complete a Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application including any required documentation, and complete a VTAC Scholarship application.

Find out more at The Monash Guarantee.

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)

SEAS adjusts a student’s ATAR in recognition of circumstances that may have affected their education.  This gives students a better chance of getting an offer for the course they want.  Monash uses this adjusted ATAR for selection into a course. 

Find out more at Monash SEAS

Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours) at Monash University

The Bachelor of Science Advanced – Global Challenges (Honours) includes all the elements of a Bachelor of Science, but with more. If you love science, and you are curious, adventurous, creative, and prepared to challenge the status quo, then this course is for you.

In addition to studying the scientific discipline of their choice, students will also receive high-level training in leadership, persuasive communication, entrepreneurship, policy, ethics, and corporate social responsibility. 

To be eligible for consideration, students need to attain a minimum ATAR of 86.55 and meet the pre-requisite Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 35 in English (EAL) or at least 30 in English other than EAL; Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in one of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. 

Students may also be required to submit an online Supplementary Information form through VTAC by 15 November 2019.

To find out more, visit Science Advanced - Global Challenges (Honours)

University of Melbourne Entry Schemes

Guaranteed Entry Scheme

The University offers four types of guaranteed entry pathways to its professional entry graduate courses.  For each pathway, students must enrol in an undergraduate degree at the University of Melbourne to be eligible.  A guaranteed entry is available for most graduate degrees, depending on the ATAR a student achieves:

Find out more at Guaranteed Entry to Graduate Degrees

Access Melbourne

Access Melbourne is special entry and access scheme offered by the University of Melbourne to domestic students.  By applying through Access Melbourne, students can be assured that any circumstances that have affected their education will be considered when the university assesses their Year 12 results.  Access Melbourne can assist eligible students to enter a course even if their ATAR is below the lowest selection ranked ATAR and to also be considered for a scholarship.

Year 12 students can apply using one or more of the following categories:

• Disadvantaged financial background
• Applicants from rural or isolated areas
• Under-represented school
• Difficult circumstances
• Disability or medical condition
• Non-English-speaking background
• Recognition as an Indigenous Australian

Access Melbourne categories that provide a guaranteed entry are:

• Disadvantaged financial backgrounds
• Applicants from rural or isolated areas

Students eligible to apply as a rural or financially disadvantaged student, and meet course prerequisites, may apply for guaranteed entry to the University of Melbourne with an -

ATAR of 78.00 for a place in Design or Science

ATAR of 80.00 for a place a place in Arts

ATAR of 88.00 for a place a place in Commerce

ATAR of 90.00 for a place a place in Biomedicine

The University now also offers guarantees for Indigenous students who meet course prerequisites and apply with an ATAR of:

• 50.00 Arts (Extended)
• 55.00 Science (Extended)*
• 70.00 Design
• 75.00 Science
• 75.00 Arts
• 83.00 Commerce
• 85.00 Biomedicine

*Applicants for guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Science (Extended) also require a passing score in a Year 12 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Physics subject.

Even if a student's ATAR falls below these levels, they may still be considered for a place.  To apply for the Access Melbourne scheme, students must make use of the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application on the VTAC website.  There are also several Melbourne Access scholarships available through the University's scholarships program, so students are encouraged to browse Melbourne Access Scholarships. 

Visit Access Melbourne to find out more about Access Melbourne. 

Fine Arts or Music at the University of Melbourne

Then don’t forget VTAC applications and in some cases supporting forms are due Saturday 31 August, 5pm for the following courses: 

VTAC applications closing Saturday 31 August, 5pm

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Animation): selection tests will be sent to applicants in early September
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance): supplementary form including physical exam results from a physiotherapist also due by this date
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film and TV): selection tests will be to applicants in early September
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Screenwriting): selection tests will be sent to applicants in early September

Our other Fine Arts specialisations and Bachelor of Music specialisations have a later closing date.

VTAC applications including supplementary application form closing Monday 30 September, 5pm

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
• Bac

Studying Osteopathy at VU

Osteopaths diagnose, treat and provide preventative advice about disorders that affect the body's musculoskeletal system, using manual techniques to alleviate stresses and dysfunction to improve the body's function (Good Universities Guide - Osteopath)

VU offers one of only three of these accredited double degree programs in Australia.  Core studies include anatomy, osteopathic science, physiology and biochemistry.  Students undertake fieldwork and clinical practice to prepare them for their osteopathy career. 

Students considering a career in osteopathy need to complete the Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy) first; this is a 3-year course and provides an entry into an osteopathy career.  Completion of the Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy) course alone does not make graduates eligible for registration as Osteopaths.  Students must also complete the Masters of Health Science (Osteopathy) in order to be eligible to register as an Osteopath.  So, the double degree program is:

Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)  - 3 years

Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) – 1.5 years

On completion of both programs, students will be eligible for:

• registration with the Osteopaths Registration Board of Victoria
• registration as an Osteopath in all other Australian states
• membership with the Australian Osteopathic Association

For further information about registration requirements, visit the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency website.

VU has a an Osteopathy Teaching Clinic which operates over 40 weeks per year, and students are required to attend clinical sessions on a rotation basis including outside of semester hours to maintain a public service and provide continuity of patient care.  Clinical training, including fieldwork, is crucial in the preparation to becoming an Osteopath.

For more information about studying osteopathy at Victoria University, visit Osteopathy at VU

Fashion Programs at RMIT

RMIT has updated its Bachelor programs in Fashion to the following suite of courses:

Bachelor of Fashion (Design)

• Bachelor of Fashion (Enterprise)
• Bachelor of Fashion and Textiles (Sustainable Innovation)
• Bachelor of Textiles (Design)

Also, on completion of any of the above mentioned courses, students can opt to progress into the one-year  Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours).

CASPer Test for Teaching

The CASPer test is an online tool designed to evaluate key personal and professional characteristics of all applicants applying for courses in Medicine, Veterinary Science and Education. The test measures traits like professionalism, ethics, communication and empathy, reviewing characteristics that make for successful students and graduates.

It runs for 60-90 minutes and comprises of 12 sections. Each section contains either a video-based or word-based scenario followed by a series of 3 open-ended questions. Test takers are asked to type in their responses within a 5-minute time limit.

The CASPer Test is compulsory for students wishing to apply for degrees in teaching, so it is important to be aware of the test dates, fees and technical (computer and internet) and security requirements you will need to follow.

You will need to register for your test at least three days before your preferred test date and time to account for identity verification and payment processing timelines.

If you have any education courses on your list of preferences, please visit the CASPer website to diarise your test date and read further on test preparation: https://takecasper.com/dates-times/

Career Focus – (Medicine) Surgeon

There are many areas of Medicine that you can undertake your training and work in, for example; Paramedicine, Pathology, Medical Practitioner, Ophthalmology, Pediatrician, Anesthetist and the list goes on! Training usually starts with an undergraduate degree in Medicine or Biomedicine and then post graduate study follows in a specialist area.

One specialist area in medicine is to become a Surgeon. Surgeons treat diseases, injuries and deformities by using a range of different methods and instruments, and may specialise in a particular field, such as cardiovascular or plastic surgery.

Surgeons:

• Operate on patients to repair injuries, fix deformities, treat disease and improve function.

• Examine patients to determine medical state and surgical risk.

• Prescribe pre-operative and post-operative treatments to patients including sedatives and antibiotics.

• Analyse patient medical history, allergies and examination results to decide the best courses of action.

• Refer patients to other medical specialists and exchange relevant medical details.

Surgeons can work in private practice alone or with fellow medical practitioners, in a group practice, in community health centres or at a (public or private) hospital. They work in cities, suburbs and rural towns. There are a number of specialisations of surgery:

• Brain Surgeon

• Cardiovascular Surgeon

• Orthopedic Surgeon

• Plastic Surgeon

The important personal requirements to be a surgeon are:

• Good communication skills

• Ability to exercise high ethical standards

• Compassionate towards others

• High level of motivation and self-discipline

• Excellent hand-eye coordination

To gain entry into undergraduate courses in medicine, you usually need to gain your VCE with particularly good results. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Some universities offer medicine as a double degree and may have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements.

Training also involves experience in approved hospitals and the passing of examinations leading to membership of the appropriate professional college. Specialist training programs and examinations are administered by the colleges. Entry into these courses is highly competitive and based on a combination of academic achievement, performance on the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and a structured interview. The UCAT is a two-hour computer-based test which assesses a range of mental abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine, dentistry and clinical sciences.

Entry into the graduate-entry courses is based on prior completion of a bachelor degree, performance in the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) and a score resulting in a semi-structured interview. Studies in behavioral, social, biological and physical sciences and humanities are likely to enhance performance in the test, and are offered at most universities.

Following course completion, graduates must undertake one year of full-time employment (internship) at a recognised teaching hospital to be able to gain full registration as a surgeon with the Medical Board of Australia. Prior to commencing clinical placements, students will be required to undergo a National Police Check and a Working with Children Check and provide evidence of immunisations. It is a legal requirement that graduates to be registered with the Medical Board of Australia before practicing in any state or territory in Australia.

Below is a list undergraduate tertiary study options to consider as a pathway into the specialist area you wish to enter:

Note: * NA – Not applicable or under 5 offers were previously made or not available, ATAR is based on the lowest selection rank plus adjustm

Career Profile – Medicine

Name: Dr Adam Peterson

Current Position: Advanced trainee in Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Can you tell us where you studied, how long your course duration was and where you undertook your work experience (if any) to become qualified as a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist?

After school, I studied a Bachelor of Physiotherapy for 4 years at Monash University. Following this, I undertook a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery as a post-graduate student at Monash University for a further 4 years.

I could then start working as a doctor, completed my medical internship at Austin Health and stayed on there to complete basic physician training over 3 years. I am now 1 year through advanced training in gastroenterology and Hepatology. This training position takes 3 years and I will then be a qualified Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, although many people undertake further training or research in an area of interest before commencing full time clinical work.

Whilst you were studying at secondary school, did you know that medicine is what you wanted to get into?

I knew I wanted to attend university and initially thought about engineering. My chemistry teacher in year 12 suggested I consider a career as a pharmacist after I expressed an interest in organic chemistry. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but preferenced multiple health degrees (pharmacy, physio, medicine, biomedical science) in my university application.

What do you love about your job?

I get to learn something new most days! I get to apply my understanding of science to diagnosing and managing a wide variety of medical conditions. I get to help patients through some of the most difficult periods in their lives and hopefully do this in such a way that returns them to the things that they love to do.

What personal requirements would you say are necessary in your position?

As you can see above, the training to be a doctor takes a really long time! A commitment to not only that training but to lifelong learning is mandatory for a career in medicine.

Being a skilled communicator is essential for dealing with patients, but also other doctors, nurses, pharmacists and allied health professionals that make up the wider healthcare team. Having leadership skills is also necessary, as often the doctor takes a leading role in those teams, but these can be learned over time.

What are the challenges of your job and the best ways to overcome those challenges?

Working in life or death situations can be very stressful! Developing healthy strategies to deal with stress and to learn from your experiences helps you become better at meeting those challenges. It’s important that you not only have support at work, but also at home.

This job can be very busy, I often have 14-hour work days, and/or work for 2 weeks at a time without a break! Time management is essential for looking after sick people, but also looking after yourself as you juggle ongoing study, teaching, research, as well as your own family and friends.