CAREERS NEWS

Work Experience Reflection - Doncaster Veterinary Hospital

Work experience week is an opportunity to participate in the workforce, allowing you to make decisions regarding your future career, and I chose to go to the Doncaster Veterinary Hospital. I spent the week doing a range of different things, I helped prepare the animals for surgery or dental procedures then observed the operation. I participated in doing practical tasks like listening with a stethoscope to record animals heart rates, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, cages and rooms,  plus other small jobs. I really enjoyed watching them perform the surgeries because I found it very interesting and educational. In the week I learnt how to keep a dog’s vital signs at the right rate, how to set up fluid bags, what to look for when an animal is waking up after a procedure as well as many other things.  I spent a lot of time standing which I was not expecting; I wish I could have prepared myself for this as it was tiring and uncomfortable.

The staff were kind and made me feel part of the team, this made my experience more enjoyable and I feel they taught me very well. I chose this field because I enjoy and have an interest in working with animals and this experience has helped me decide what I want to do in the future.

My suggestions to future year 10’s who are looking at going to a vet placement is to ring them up yourself, not your parents, and enquire if they do school work experience and ask questions from there. It is really important that you do it early, to make sure that you can get the placement that you want.

Work experience was an amazing opportunity and you don’t want to waste it, make it count.

Julie, 10G

Work Experience Reflection - Players Theatre

I completed work experience with Players Theatre company in Oakleigh. I worked alongside a not for profit theatre organization as apart of the backstage crew for the musical Alice in Wonderland Jr. I learnt many things from my experience and it is definitely not something you can learn in the classroom. My abilities were put to the test and I had to take initiative for what I was responsible for. I was challenged and I had to step outside of my comfort zone. I was given different jobs by many different people. I was lucky enough to be able to work with a group of people who were patient and understanding. They let me try a range of different things. Not everything I did was fun and interesting, but that’s what comes while you work. My daily activities were never the same. I was able to try out each and every aspect that comes along in the theatre industry. I helped with painting some of the costumes, I helped create props, and I helped backstage to remove the set pieces on stage.

My most thrilling experience would be de-rigging the lights from the lighting bar. It was a very different experience and I definitely had to push myself outside of my comfort zone. Working backstage on this production really made me appreciate the technical side of theatre. Whilst people only focus on the acting aspect of theatre; they don’t appreciate the backstage crew for doing what they do. The hard work everyone puts in just to make this production as good as it can be. After completing work experience, I have a better vision of what I want to do in the future. I highly recommend doing your work experience in the industry you want to work in, it really helps you make decisions for your future.

Heba T. 10K

Work Experience Reflection - Pioneer Cafe

During the last week of Term 2, I was lucky to be given a position at the Pioneer Cafe for my work placement. It is a family owned business, located in Station Street, Rosanna. My hours of work were from 10am - 2pm. 

The Manager Luis managed staff members and liaised with suppliers and managed all the financial reports. During the week there were four other employees, Luis and myself. 

The new skills I learned were, how to make coffee, use the cash register, create Spanish dishes, plate them and how to use a blender. I also learned how to bake muffins and cookies. 

My role at the cafe was to wash dishes, chop vegetables, sweep floors, wipe down tables, greet customers and serve customers, as well as cooking and making drinks. 

I really enjoyed my time at the cafe. Everyone was very warm, friendly and welcoming. Luis was very understanding and told me it was good to make mistakes so that I would learn to improve my skills. I absolutely enjoyed working and learning new skills from "Mama" who is Luis' mother, the chef. She taught me how to make Spanish soup. She was the best.

Working at the Pioneer cafe was the best experience and gave me so many skills and an understanding of what is really like to work in the hospitality industry. 

I am so appreciative of all the support that Luis and the staff at the Pioneer Cafe gave me. 

Sarah L. 10H

Senior Year Careers Expo