Wantirna College Newsletter

Careers News

Reminders and upcoming events:

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT SCIENCE? Students in Year 11 in 2017 who have a passion for science and technology are encouraged to apply for the National Youth Science Forum 2018 program. Attending the NYSF is a great way to assess your level of interest in and commitment to further STEM study, and to start building networks for your future. The 12-day program offers laboratory visits and science tours, the chance to mix with like-mined students, and activities that develop a better understanding of the range of study and career options. When: January school holidays. Info: www.nysf.edu.au; Questions: nysf@nysf.edu.au; Applications close: 30 May.  

 

DISCOVER DESIGN AT SWINBURNE HOLIDAY PROGRAM – Swinburne is both a provider of university degrees, and of certificates and diplomas. The main campus is in Hawthorn (next to Glenferrie Railway Station), while smaller campuses are located in Croydon and Wantirna.

This holiday program is for students wanting to learn more about design careers, courses and pathways. Participants will develop a design portfolio, broaden their problem-solving and design-thinking skills and work in teams – just like in a real studio. Who: Year 10-12 students; When: 9am-5pm, 11-14 July; Where: AMDC Building, Melbourne Design Factory, Level 5, Swinburne Hawthorn; Places are limited so register early at: www.swinburne.edu.au/events/departments/health-arts-design/2017/07/discover-design-at-swinburne.php

 

WHAT ABOUT FOODS, TOURISM, HOSPITALITY AND EVENTS? William Angliss Institute (555 La Trobe St, Melbourne) offers school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in their dream career via hands-on workshops. The workshops are ideal for students considering a career in foods, tourism, hospitality or events, with lunch, refreshments and campus tour included. To register go to www.angliss.edu.au/schoolholidays, or for information: ph 9606 2480 or andrewpl@angliss.edu.au. 

 

WHAT DO PLANNERS DO? Planners create and manage urban environments and aim to make cities more efficient, sustainable, lively, attractive and liveable. They also work to protect our historic buildings and natural areas, and to prevent farmland and ecologically sensitive landscapes from becoming degraded.

 

Urban planning is taught at a number of universities. At RMIT it is a four-year, honours level degree, accredited by the Planning Institute of Australia. Expert staff assist students to understand society and communities, to develop the confidence to take action, to tackle complex real-world problems, and to develop practical solutions. Graduates are highly regarded and sought after in the industry and many have opportunities to work abroad. The course includes sixty days of paid work experience. Employment opportunities are good, with local and state governments, consultancies, industry bodies, and in the non-government sector. NOTE: Planning can also be studied at the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University (Bendigo campus) and through a graduate program at Deakin University.

 

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS AT VCA – As noted last time, The Victorian College of the Arts has created two new specialisations in the Bachelor Fine Arts – Acting and Theatre – effective from Semester 1, 2018 (replacing the current Theatre Practice option). Students in the new specialisations will have a common first year, to develop performance, voice and movement skills then separate in second year to specialise in their respective areas.

 

The Acting stream focuses on developing the craft of an actor for stage and screen, and will hone the student’s acting, voice and movement skills during the three-year program. Students will act in screen and stage-based performance works, and culminate in an Actors Showcase in third year.

 

The Theatre specialisation focuses on developing performance-makers. In second year students will develop a new work to present in a national Fringe Festival, and in third year develop a project in a travelling studio in Australia or overseas. Final year students present at a Performing Arts Market.

 

THE NEW COURSES AT A GLANCE:

  • Prospective students can apply for both BFA Acting and BFA Theatre. Transferring not possible.
  • There will be 40 places available, split evenly between the two specialisations.
  • The Theatre specialisation focuses on developing performance-makers, and the Acting one focuses on developing highly trained actors.
  • Students will come together at times during years 2 and 3 for particular purposes.
  • There will sometimes be collaboration with Film and TV students.
  • There will be less Units than previously, giving more time for deeper learning and longer projects.
  • A Masters Program is coming for both degrees.

What can I do if I miss out on a place and want to try again? Suggestions: See the shows the VCA puts on; do VCA short courses; attend the Fringe Festival. Some students apply several times.

 

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FUTURE IN IT – In Year 12 and would like to explore Monash IT? Then go to workshops on programming and network security, discovering the opportunities available at Monash IT, and tour the IT facility. Business futurist Morris Miselowski will address future jobs in technology. Hear from IT lecturers and alumni about courses and careers. When: 10am-4pm, Sat 27 May; Where: Clayton; Cost: Free; Register: www.monash.edu/take-control-monash-it

  • Many universities are developing programs to assist their graduates become ‘job ready’. Here are some more examples:

CAREER READY ADVANTAGE AT LA TROBE UNIVERSITY – Career Ready Advantage is a new initiative that gives La Trobe’s 35,000 students an edge in today’s competitive job market. The program has been developed in collaboration with students and employers, and focuses on building skills and experience that bolster employability.

 

The program is designed to ensure that La Trobe’s graduates can meet the existing and future workforce needs – including jobs which aren’t yet in existence. Supported by an extensive Career Ready team, the program also includes an innovative new app, dedicated website, ‘gamified’ to cater to technology-savvy students. Career Ready Advantage offers work experience, volunteering, mentoring, entrepreneurship, networking events, boot-camps and career management workshops. See: http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/careers.

 

BECOME THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS AT VU – Victoria University in Footscray’s Centre for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) prepares their business students for employment. The staff negotiate with industry professional to develop and manage suitable positions for Business students, offering:

  • A year of paid, fulltime employment (min 40 weeks) as an accredited part of the degree
  • Business Integrated Learning – recognises industry-based experiences such as project work, part-time employment or voluntary work while students  complete their business qualifications
  • The Bachelor of Commerce (City campus) prepares graduates for work in a range of finance-related areas. The curriculum has a job-ready focus with industry integration, workplace-based projects and a mentoring program. An overseas study tour in available in Asia or Europe.

Complied by: m.walker

Phil Newnham

Careers Coordinator