Resources

Cool New Courses in 2023

Each year, universities and other institutes update their courses and often add new ones. So if you’re looking for something new and exciting, or just something a little bit different, we’ve found some of the best cool new courses on offer in 2023. Check them out below.

Human Rights at ACU

This new degree from ACU will prepare you to become a leading activist for human rights across the world. The Bachelor of Human Rights provides you with a holistic understanding of human rights, from a legal, philosophical, and humanitarian standpoint. Career options from this degree are nearly endless, equipping you to work in law, business, international relations, social work, or communications.

Find out more here.

Climate and Social Justice at Swinburne

Prepare for a greener and fairer world for all with this new course from Swinburne. Learn about how climate change and social inequality are intertwined and gain the skills and knowledge needed to lead the world into a better future.

Find out more here.

Superannuation Tips for Teens

There has been a fair bit in the news recently about superannuation. But retirement is so far away, why should you worry about it, right? Well, it’s actually something you probably need to start thinking about now. So read on to get some handy superannuation tips for teens.

What is superannuation?

Superannuation (also commonly referred to as ‘super’) is a way of saving for retirement. It’s a bit like a big savings account (called a ‘fund’) that both you and your employer put money into over your working life, so that when you retire, there’s money set aside for you to keep living.

This is why it’s important to start thinking about early – the sooner you start saving, the more you’ll have when you retire. Makes sense, right?

Where does the money come from?

Most of the money in your super fund will probably come from your employer. If you’re over 18 and earning more than $450 a month, your employer must pay a minimum amount of money into your super fund. The amount paid is a percentage of your earnings (at the time of writing, it’s 10.5%). So based on earning $450 a month, your employer should be putting at least $47.25 into your super fund every month.

Your employer must pay super regardless of whether you’re employed full-time, part-time, or casually.

Note that if you’re under 18, employers only need to make contributions to your super if you earn more than $450 a month and work at least 30 hours a week.

You can also make what are known as voluntary contributions to your super fund – this is where you choose to top it up with some extra money.

Your super will also grow over time because the fund where it’s stored will invest the money for you. You can choose where and how your super is invested, and pick between safer and more risky options.

How do I pick a super fund?

If you don’t nominate your own super fund when you start working, you’ll probably get started with a MySuper account. But you can definitely pick your own super fund and tell your employer that’s where you’d like your super sent to as well.

Each time you move to a new employer, you’ll need to tell them you already have a super account, or a new one will be opened for you instead. It’s usually a smart idea to keep all your super consolidated into one fund. It means you’ll pay less fees, and make it much easier to keep track of how much you’ve saved.

When it comes to choosing a fund, there are quite a few things to consider, including:

Fees – all funds will charge fees to hold your money, so finding one with low fees is usually a good idea.
Performance – what kind of return do other members usually see on their investment?
Insurance – super funds often give you peace of mind with insurance options in the event something happens and you can no longer work.
Investment options – see if your chosen fund gives you flexibility in how you choose to invest your money, and lets you pick where your money is invested (if you’re a keen environmentalist, for example, you probably won’t want your money invested in a coal mining company).

All getting a bit confusing? Don’t worry – there are tools out there that will help you compare super funds. Canstar has one you might like to check out. But remember there are some things you should keep in mind when using comparison tools online.

Where can I find out more?

There are heaps of resources out there that can help you understand more about super. One of the best includes the government’s Moneysmart website, which also has heaps of tips for other things like banking, loans, and investments too.

We also have more superannuation and money tips for teens on our website here.

7 Mental Wellbeing Apps Teens Need to Know About

Between study, work, friends and family, life can get pretty stressful. If there’s a lot going on, it’s important to make sure you’re doing ok mentally.

The good thing is there are heaps of tools out there to help. There are lots of apps made especially to help with mental health, whether it be connecting with a community of people to help you feel less alone, to relaxation and meditation guidance.

Here are some of the top apps we’ve found.

Kooth

Kooth is an online community for young people, designed to provide free, safe and anonymous support. You can find helpful articles, join discussions with the community, live chat with the Kooth team, and keep track of your emotions with a daily journal.

Find out more: https://www.kooth.com/

Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a mindfulness and meditation app, packed with a ton of exercises, including some designed especially for young people. The best part is it’s totally free.

Find out more: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/smiling-mind-app

Catch It

Catch It is a diary app that lets you record your feelings, and encourages you to reflect on your mood and how you can change it.

Find out more: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.ac.liv.catchit

Woebot

Woebot is an AI therapist you can chat with, who will offer you insights and guidance when you’re struggling. Check-in with Woebot whenever you need, any time of the day or night.

Find out more: https://woebothealth.com/

Finch

Who said self-care couldn’t be fun (and cute!)? Finch gives you a cute virtual pet to take care of while caring for yourself. Finch can help you track your moods and habits, and suggest exercises to help build your mindfulness.

Find out more: https://finchcare.com/

Calm

Calm is a meditation app, packed with tons of guides and videos to help you meditate, focus, relax, and sleep better. You need to pay for most of the content, but there’s some available for free too.

Find out more: https://www.calm.com/

Happify

Happify is an app that uses science-based activities and games to help you take control of your emotional wellbeing. Use Happify to help you overcome negative thoughts, stress and life challenges.

Find out more: https://www.happify.com/

Want more?

You can also take a look at all of the wellbeing resources on Study Work Grow here.

If you need urgent help and support, you can always call Lifeline on 13 19 40, or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Apply now for the adventure of a lifetime with Young Endeavour

Looking for a personal development opportunity? We’ve got just the thing. Applications are now open for young Australians aged 16-23 to take part in 11-day youth development on STS Young Endeavour, Australia’s National Sail Training Ship. Voyages sail from July – December 2023 and sail to ports in NSW and QLD. On board youth will have the chance to learn about all aspects of sailing the ship – sail theory, sail handling, climbing the 30 metre mast, navigation, cooking in the galley and much more!

Meet new people, explore new places and discover how capable you really are. Financial assistance is available to youth who meet eligibility criteria.

Applications are now open, and places are offered via a ballot (like a lottery) system.

Find out more and apply here: https://youngendeavour.gov.au/apply-now

University of Melbourne Girl Power in Engineering and IT

A program for female high school students, contributing towards gender parity in engineering and IT disciplines. For girls from Australia with an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Inspire your female students about the exciting possibilities of Engineering and IT through our Girl Power program, including a three-night camp at the University of Melbourne, work experience and mentoring opportunities.

Stage 1: Year 9 students

Commencing in Year 9, approximately 40 students are selected to participate in the camp during the July term holidays, where they will have the opportunity to:

Learn about careers in engineering and IT
Participate in hands-on interactive workshops
Interact with University of Melbourne engineering and IT students
Hear from industry and our academic staff about engineering and IT issues
Form a network of like-minded individuals

Stage 2: Year 10 students

In the second stage of the program, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to complete the Faculty of Science work experience program and can choose from a range of disciplines including engineering and IT. This week is the final week of Term 2.

Students applying for Girl Power should check with their schools to see if this date is suitable for their work experience program.

Stage 3: Year 11 & 12 students

The final stage of the program facilitates mentoring opportunities between Year 11 and 12 students, and University of Melbourne engineering and IT students.

Approximately 40 female students will be selected to participate in the program in 2023. To participate in the subsequent stages of the program, students must have participated in the Girl Power in Engineering and IT camp whilst in Year 9.

Successful applicants will be notified in May 2023.

Find out more and apply: https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/engage-with-us/schools/girl-power-in-eng-and-it