The Mazenod College ‘Discover Tomorrow’ Careers Expo will be held in the Provence Centre on Friday 8th May 2026. Year 10, 11 and 12 students will have the opportunity to engage with universities, TAFE institutes, private training providers and Mazenod College Alumni representing numerous industries and employers.

Careers expo can feel a little overwhelming. With so much on offer and so many people to speak to, it’s easy to wander from stall to stall without really getting what you came for. The key is knowing what you want before you arrive. With the right questions in your back pocket, you can walk away with useful information that helps you make decisions about your future.

Whether you’re there to explore study options, scope out potential employers, or simply get a clearer picture of what’s out there, here are some questions to help guide your conversations.

QUESTIONS TO ASK UNIVERSITIES AND TRAINING PROVIDERS

Many careers expos feature representatives from universities, TAFE and vocational institutions, private colleges, and other training providers. If you’re thinking about further study, this is a rare opportunity to get answers directly from the people who know the courses best. It’s easier than trawling through websites hoping to find the right page and you’ll get the latest information, with human insight.

What courses do you offer?

Even if you have a rough idea of what you want to study, it’s worth asking directly. Course names vary between institutions, and some providers offer specialisations or combinations you might not have come across in your own research. You might also discover something exciting that you hadn’t considered.

What are the entry requirements?

Before you invest time and energy into an application, find out what’s actually required. Ask about minimum scores or grades, any subject prerequisites, and whether there are specific skills or experience they look for. Entry requirements vary significantly between courses and institutions, so it’s best not to assume anything.

What if I don’t meet the entry requirements?

This is worth asking even if you feel confident about your results. Institutions often have alternative pathways — bridging courses, portfolio entry, or adjustment factors based on your background or circumstances. Knowing your options ahead of time means you won’t be caught off guard later, even if something happens and you don’t get the results you need for the course of your dreams.

Do you have an early entry program?

Lots of universities allow students to apply before they’ve completed their final school exams in Year 12. If that’s something you’re interested in, ask what the process looks like, what it’s based on (school reports, interviews, personal statements), and when applications open.

Where can this qualification take me?

Even though graduation might seem like a distant future, it’s worth thinking about what you might be able to do with your qualification when you graduate. Ask about the typical career paths graduates follow, and whether the institution has data on employment outcomes. It’s also worth asking whether the qualification is recognised by relevant industry bodies or professional associations — particularly for fields like engineering, nursing, law, or education.

Think about your passions and what you enjoy, as well as what you’re good at – do the careers your chosen qualification leads to sound like something you’d enjoy and be good at?

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships aren’t only awarded for academic achievement. Many are based on financial need, location, background, or personal circumstances. Ask the representative whether there are scholarships specific to your situation, and how to find out more.

What support is available for students?

Academic life comes with challenges beyond the lecture theatre. Ask about student support services available, things like mental health resources, disability support, academic tutoring, and career services. Knowing what’s available could help to make a real difference to your experience.

What are the accommodation options?

If you’re considering studying away from home, ask whether the institution has on-campus accommodation and what the application process looks like. Some providers also have partnerships with private accommodation providers or can point you towards resources for finding somewhere to live. If you’re thinking about moving away to study, it’s worth knowing what your options are when it comes to accommodation. They might have on-campus accommodation, or they might have some providers or recommendations for external accommodation.

What else is available beyond the course itself?

Student life often extends well beyond lectures and assessments. Industry placements, international exchange programmes, student clubs, volunteering opportunities, and competitions can all add real depth to your experience and your CV. So, it’s worth finding out what’s available.

QUESTIONS TO ASK EMPLOYERS

Employers and alumni of our college attend careers expos because they want to meet people like you. It’s a low-pressure environment to have an in-person conversation about what working in their organisation or industry actually looks like. Don’t be shy, they’re there to talk and have generously given up their time to talk to you! Here are some questions to ask employers/alumni at our careers expo.

What qualifications or experience do you look for?

This gives you a concrete starting point. Rather than guessing what you’ll need, ask directly. Some roles require specific degrees; others are more interested in transferable skills, a portfolio, or relevant work experience. Knowing this early means you can plan your path accordingly.

Are there opportunities for school-aged students?

You don’t have to wait until you’ve finished school or a degree to start building experience. Many organisations offer work experience placements, holiday programmes, or internships for younger students. These are worth asking about specifically, as they’re not always advertised widely. Finding opportunities for work experience is always worthwhile, you might find your passion or even decide it’s not quite right for you.

What does a typical day or week look like in this role?

Job titles can be misleading or even hard to understand. A role that sounds exciting on paper might involve a very different day-to-day reality — and vice versa. Asking someone who works in the field what their week actually looks like gives you a much more grounded picture of whether it suits you.

What skills are you looking for in new staff?

Technical skills matter, but employers increasingly value things like communication, problem-solving, adaptability, and the ability to work in a team. Ask what they genuinely look for when hiring and use that to guide what you develop over the next few years.

How competitive is it to get a job in this field?

Some industries are highly competitive; others have significant skills shortages. Understanding the landscape could help you make informed decision. Whether that’s about how to differentiate yourself, which pathways are more direct, or if there are adjacent roles worth exploring.

What steps can I take now to prepare for a career in this industry?

Even if you can’t start working now, that doesn’t mean you can’t start preparing. There might be current employees at the expo who can share their experiences with you or give you some tips on how you can build the skills you’ll need for your dream job, whether it’s through volunteering, work experience, casual work, or short courses.

Are there any networking or mentoring opportunities available?

Some organisations run formal mentoring or networking programmes for students or early-career individuals. If you’re serious about a particular field, staying connected to people through networks or mentorship is one of the most practical things you can do. Even a business card and a follow-up email can open doors.

What do you wish you’d known before starting in this industry?

This one often gets overlooked, but it tends to produce the most honest, useful answers. People in the workforce have hindsight you don’t yet have, and most are happy to share it if you ask.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME

Come prepared with a few questions written down so you’re not trying to think on the spot. Take notes as you go and pick up any brochures or materials that look useful, you might not remember every detail of every conversation once you’re home.

Most importantly, don’t worry about asking “obvious” questions. The exhibitors are there to help, and there’s no such thing as a question that’s too basic when you’re just starting to figure things out.

Mazenod College ‘Discover Tomorrow’ Career Expo delegates include:

Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)

Auditor, DS Audit Services, Alumni

Australian Defence Force Recruiting

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Bond University (QLD)

Box Hill Institute

Chisholm Institute

Civil Engineer Alumni

CMP Consulting

Collarts

Construction Management student Alumni

Deakin University

e-Commerce business owner Alumni

Film & TV student Alumni

Graphic Communication Alumni

Hawthorn College of Sport

Holmesglen

Information Technology Alumni

IVE Group, Marketing

JMC Academy

Landscape Gardening/Café business owner Alumni

Latrobe University

Law/International Studies student Alumni

Lawyer Alumni

Medical Doctor Alumni

MEGT Career Hub

Melbourne City Institute of Sport & Business

Monash University

NECA Education & Careers

Para Legal/Law student Alumni

Personal Banking Manager, NAB, Alumni

PGA Institute

Photography Studies College (PSC)

Plumber Alumni

Protective Services Officer (PSO) Alumni

Registered Builder, Carpentry Trade Alumni

Richmond Institute

RMIT University

Royal Victorian Aero Club

SEDA

Sports Data & Analytics Alumni

St Kilda Football Club

State Member Politician

Swinburne University of Technology

Torrens University

The University of Melbourne

Victoria University

William Angliss

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Ms Vivian Seremetis

Careers & Pathways Leader

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