German Careers Day 2023

After several years’ absence, Heathmont students again took part in the Goethe-Institut’s German Careers Day, in person. Held in the beautiful grounds of the University of Melbourne on Friday 27th October, students heard from speakers about the many exciting opportunities available to those who continue to study a language beyond Year 8, with a focus on German. 

31 students from Years 9 to 11 and three staff travelled by train and tram to Melbourne Uni’s Parkville campus, touring the historic grounds on the way to our meeting point – the Old Arts Building. The day began with a “Willkommen” from Professor Birgit Lang from the University of Melbourne and Dr Axel Fliethmann from Monash University. We also heard from Michael Pearce, the Honorary Consul-General of Germany, who shared his experiences growing up in a monolingual household in Australia and learning German at school. This led him to further study and job opportunities in Germany. The keynote address was given by Tevvi Bullock, who talked about her own monolingual background. Becoming a fluent German speaker enabled Tevvi to conduct research in German speaking countries, expanding the scope and validity of her studies in Gender, Peace and Environmental activism. 

The second session of the day allowed students to hear more about how German linked in with their personal interests, choosing from seminars on Careers, Further Study and Research in Germany, German in Melbourne and German in the Economy. Speakers at these sessions gave students an insight into their own experiences with learning and using German after school, including taking part in cultural exchanges, opportunities provided by the many internships offered by German businesses, music scholarships available for students who have studied German and how acquiring a second language gives students an advantage when studying in areas such as international law.  

We also heard from Intercultural Consultant, Astrid Hoffmann, who emphasised the advantages that second language learners gain from their development of intercultural skills. These skills translate well in business settings and are now highly sought after by employers, regardless of any international ties. She quoted the German poet and writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who was himself a multilinguist and said: “Those who know nothing of foreign languages, know nothing of their own.” 

Growing up in Boronia, Julian Perry talked of his experiences learning German throughout his schooling and the pathways that were opened up to him as a result. German helped him to follow his passion for music. He was able to study, work and perform in Berlin, before returning to Australia where he took up teaching positions in Music and Languages. 

Thanks go to the Heathmont students who attended and made us proud on the day, and to Frau Lucy Ho and Frau Julie Prior for accompanying the group.  

Jenny Ryan

German Teacher and Languages Curriculum Area Leader 

 Photographer: Julie Prior 

On the 27th of October, year 9, 10 and 11 students studying German hopped on the train to spend the day at Melbourne Uni to understand what areas they can apply their German skills and abilities to beyond high school. The day began with an introductory lecture introducing a few key speakers for the day and their own experiences of how helpful continuing to learn German has been. Then students were later given the opportunity to individually decide which lecture they would like to attend. Lectures for students covered a variety of options discussing how they can continue studying German at a university and what career pathways they could follow. This was an important day for students as we were able to understand how we can apply these amazing skills we are developing now.

Patrick Knight

Year 11