Getting Ready for Work
Why Networking is Important for High School Students
As a high school student, you might think networking is something reserved for adults in the workforce. However, building connections and relationships with others is important for people of all ages, including high school students. Whether you’re looking for a job, seeking advice on university applications, or exploring different career paths, networking can open up countless opportunities. Here are three examples of why networking is important for high school students.
Discovering career paths
Networking can help you explore different career paths and get a better sense of what you might want to do in the future. By talking to professionals in fields that interest you, you can learn about their experiences, ask questions, and gain insight into the day-to-day aspects of different jobs. Additionally, networking can help you learn about job and internship opportunities that you might not have known about otherwise.
Finding mentors
Mentors are invaluable resources for students. They can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your academic and professional journeys. Networking can help you find mentors who can provide you with personalised advice and help you develop the skills and knowledge you need to achieve your goals.
Building a professional network
Networking can help you build a professional network that you can rely on throughout your career. The people you meet and connect with in high school can become valuable contacts down the road, whether you’re looking for job opportunities, seeking advice, or simply looking to expand your circle of professional acquaintances.
Networking is a valuable skill that high school students should start developing now. Whether you’re exploring career paths, seeking mentors, or building a professional network, the connections you make can help you achieve your goals and open up countless opportunities. So don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in fields that interest you, attend networking events, and start building your network today.
Find more resources to help you find your dream career here.
Mental Health in the Workplace
When we hear of Workplace Health and Safety (WHS), we tend to think of things like hard hats and steel cap boots. Of course, keeping people safe from injury and physical harm is incredibly important at work – but what about our mental health?
Recently, WHS Regulations have been updated to include the management of psychosocial hazards. Essentially, these are things in the workplace that might harm someone’s mental health or wellbeing. This can include things like:
- Bullying and harassment;
- Extreme job demands;
- Violence and aggression;
- Low job control;
- Poor support;
- Traumatic events;
- And many more.
Who is responsible for Workplace Health & Safety?
It’s the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that a workplace is safe and welcoming for everyone involved (both physically and mentally). This includes workers, contractors, and even visitors (including customers).
However, workers still have some responsibilities as well, such as being respectful to fellow employees and customers, and wearing personal protective equipment properly.
Why were these changes made?
These changes aim to increase the importance of looking after mental health in the workplace, as it can be just as important as physical health. Instead of being optional company policy, it is now a legal requirement for businesses and workplaces to eliminate or minimise the risk of both physical and mental harm to workers.
These changes will hopefully do two things:
- Make it less likely for workers to experience stress leading to mental harm in the workplace; and
- Provide better options for recourse or compensation if something does go wrong.
Where can I go for help?
Remember, if you feel like something isn’t quite right at work, you can always speak up. If you’re uncomfortable talking to your boss or manager, consider talking to a parent, teacher, or other trusted adult. Or if you need advice, you can contact either the Fair Work Ombudsman or Safe Work in your state or territory.
And if you need mental health support, you can always call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.
You can read more about the importance of workplace health and safety in our blog here.
5 Exciting Career Paths for History Lovers
For students who are interested in history, there are lots of career opportunities available that can enable you to work with your love of the past while earning a living. If you consider yourself passionate about history and culture and want to explore this further in your career, we’ve come up with some potential jobs that may interest you.
Museum Curator
Museum curators are responsible for managing, preserving, and exhibiting collections of historical artefacts and artwork. They work in museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions, and are responsible for acquiring new items, cataloguing and preserving existing items, and creating exhibitions for public display. Curators will need a degree in history, art history, or museum studies, as well as excellent communication, organisation, and research skills.
Median salary in Australia: $64,000 per year.
Archivist
Archivists work in libraries, museums, government agencies, and other institutions to manage and preserve historical documents, photographs, and other records. They evaluate, organise, and describe materials to make them accessible to researchers, and may also assist with research inquiries. Archivists usually have a master’s degree in library science, archival science, or a related field, as well as strong analytical, organisational, and research skills.
Median salary in Australia: $65,000 per year.
Historian
Historians are experts in the study of history, and conduct research, analyse historical data and events, and interpret findings. They may work in academia, government agencies, non-profit organisations, or the private sector, and are often responsible for creating reports, articles, and books that provide insight into past events. Most historians have a master’s or doctoral degree in history, as well as excellent research, writing, and analytical skills.
Median salary in Australia: $75,000 per year.
Cultural Heritage Manager
Cultural heritage managers work to protect and promote sites of cultural significance, such as historic buildings, landmarks, and landscapes. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organisations, or private companies, and are responsible for developing strategies to preserve and interpret cultural heritage sites, as well as for managing budgets and staff. Cultural heritage managers normally require a degree in history, archaeology, architecture, or a related field, as well as excellent communication, management, and planning skills.
Median salary in Australia: $77,000 per year.
Genealogist
Genealogists research family histories, tracing family trees and uncovering information about a client’s ancestors’ lives and connections. They may work for genealogy companies, government agencies, or private clients, and are often self-employed. Genealogists should have a degree in history, genealogy, or a related field, as well as excellent research, analytical, and communication skills.
Median salary in Australia: $60,000 per year.
Find out more
There are tons more jobs and pathways to explore on our website here.