04 Sep The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It! By Fiona Hall.
Working as a Careers Counsellor is an inherently optimistic role, as I get the privilege of helping students consider where life might take them once they leave Yavneh. Most students, even those finishing Year 12, still lack certainty about what they want to study and what job they ultimately want to ‘do’, which is perfectly understandable given all the options open to them! If I could distil my top careers’ advice, it would be:
- Pick subjects and future courses based on what you’re interested in, enjoy and have an aptitude for.
- Changing your mind is normal and to be expected.
- Get as much information, advice and experience as you can in order to make the best decisions.
Many students in Years 10-12 have been reporting back to me about attending the recent Open Days at universities across Melbourne, and we have had our own visits this year here at Yavneh from representatives from Monash and Melbourne Universities. I am also incredibly grateful to two recent guest speakers for sharing their study/work journeys and advice with our senior school students: Olivia Santisporito is in her final year at Monah Caulfield, studying a double degree in Arts/Business. She was named one of the AFR GradConnection Top 100 Future Leaders and has secured a graduate position at Telstra in Sydney next year. Olivia spoke candidly about her lack of interest in anything vaguely ‘business’ at high school, and the importance of taking advantage of all the networking opportunities and clubs/societies available at university.
Rebecca Jefferd is founder and CEO of skincare brand ‘Ultraviolette’. From its humble beginnings as a start-up in 2018. Bec now has offices in Melbourne, London and Paris, with her products stocked in Sephora stores across 20 countries. Bec discussed the importance of ‘getting your hands dirty’ and working hard, the power of connecting with like-minded people and forging strong networks, and the willingness to take risks when pursuing your long-term goals.
I loved seeing the great turn out at both these events, and both Olivia and Bec were impressed by the insightful questions our students asked. I have more speakers planned for Term 4 from fields including engineering, law and journalism, and I encourage students to keep an eye out for upcoming events and email me anytime if they’d like to make an appointment to discuss their future plans!