Course and Career Chat: Recent Episodes
Kim Whitty
Listen up as Kim, a passionate careers teacher, chats to current tertiary students and staff to find out everything you need to know about university and TAFE courses, the careers they can lead to and the transition from high school to further study.
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future.
So why should you consider The University of Melbourne? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are:
- The Melbourne Model. What is it and what are the pros and cons?
- The number of majors available in The University of Melbourne's generalist undergraduate degrees like Arts and Science
- Breadth subjects and how they can support your learning
- Why time and money are important to consider when comparing The Melbourne Model to completing a double degree for courses like Law and Engineering in particular
- Graduate Entry packages that guarantee a Commonwealth Supported Place in both an undergraduate degree and a graduate degree
- Why The University of Melbourne might suit you if you're interested in research
If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future.
So why should you consider Australian Catholic University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are:
- You don't need to be Catholic to go to ACU, and you won't have to study religion in your course
- ACU has a smaller campus than the other major universities in Melbourne, and that could be pro or a con depending on what you prefer
- ACU has a really strong reputation for health, education, and social sciences (eg teaching, nursing, psychology, social work)
- ACU's connection to Rome, Italy and how you can make the most of it
- How to study at ACU if you haven't completed a Year 12 qualification
If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide: www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days
Open Days are happening at the moment, and I want to pop in and give you a snapshot of the things I think are really important to consider about each of the major universities so that you can make the most of the Open Day and get what you need to make an informed decision about your future.
So why should you consider RMIT University? The main aspects I talk about in this episode are:
- RMIT's location in the middle of Melbourne
- The fact that RMIT is dual sector and what that means for students looking at vocational training, higher education and pathway courses
- RMIT's amazing industry connections and how that will help you as you pursue your career
- The main areas that RMIT has a strong reputation for, including Engineering, Design, Fashion, and Media and Communication courses
If you want to make the most of your next Open Day, grab my free guide here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days
VCE results are released tomorrow, and whether you're feeling excited, nervous, or a mix of both, this episode is here to support you. Even though we all know ATARs aren't the most important thing in the long run, they do feel important right now — and that's completely normal.
In this short pep talk, I explain why your ATAR is simply a piece of data that helps you make your next step, not a measure of your worth, potential, or future success. You're allowed to celebrate if you're proud of your results, and you're allowed to feel disappointed if they're not what you expected.
I also walk you through the wide range of pathways available through VTAC, including vocational courses, UniLink programs, starting at a different university with lower entry requirements, or choosing a similar course at your dream uni and applying to transfer after 6 or 12 months (often with credit!).
No matter what number appears on your screen tomorrow, you still have options — so many options.
Now that VCE exams are finished, it's time for Year 12 students to prepare their VTAC preference list before results are released next week. In this episode, I explain why finalising preferences early leads to better choices, how to set up your list with dream courses and pathways, and what to do if you still have no idea what you want to study next year.
Timestamps: 1:30 — What to do after VCE exams 4:45 — Why you should finalise VTAC preferences before results 8:30 — What to do if you don't know what you want to study
Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services VTAC dates: https://vtac.edu.au/dates
In this episode, I share why setting goals around a specific ATAR or study score can actually increase stress, reduce motivation and lead to burnout. Inspired by Dr Emily on The Imperfects Podcast, we explore a healthier approach to VCE goal setting — one that focuses on future pathways, not numbers students can't fully control.
Timestamps: 1:48 — Why I've never liked ATAR-based goals 3:55 — Dr Emily's take on goal setting 5:20 — Why students burn out when they chase a number 8:20 — How to create healthier, more meaningful VCE goals
Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services The Imperfects Podcast episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-imperfects/id1476501557?i=1000731475926
In this episode, I share how trying to navigate my son's cricket club with zero information helped me understand exactly how parents feel when their child starts VCE.
You'll hear why VCE feels so overwhelming, why schools often don't communicate clearly, and how understanding the system helps you make better decisions about VCE subjects, tertiary pathways and supporting your teen through Year 11 and 12.
Timestamps: 0:45 — Trying to start cricket with no information 6:11 — Why VCE parents feel lost 10:24 — How I support families through VCE
Links: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services The Parents' Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/95
Choosing VCE subjects and planning a tertiary pathway can feel overwhelming — especially when you're worried about closing off future options.
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I share stories of four students who were unintentionally limiting their choices because of assumptions about what they could or couldn't do. You'll hear how, once they had the right information, they were able to make informed decisions about their VCE subjects, courses, and career pathways — and feel confident about their next steps.
Timestamps: 1:00 – Penny's story: Exploring creative careers and overcoming self-doubt 5:30 – Hailey's story: Finding health and medicine pathways that work 10:50 – Two more stories: Deciding between Year 12 and trade pathways
Links mentioned: Work with me → roadmapeducation.com/services
You've seen the tutoring ads — the ones bragging about all their tutors getting ATARs over 99, studying medicine or law, or being dux of their schools. These ads drive me crazy because they completely miss the point.
In this episode, I explain why high ATARs don't make someone a good tutor, how tutoring companies lean into a broken VCE system, and why they make promises they can't keep. Most importantly, I'll share how students can actually beat ATAR anxiety by finding their own path — no matter what results they get.
4:02 – Doing well in school doesn't make someone a good tutor 9:04 – The VCE system is broken, and tutoring companies lean into it 10:28 – The tutoring companies are making promises they cannot keep 11:53 – How to actually beat ATAR anxiety
Links mentioned: Work with me – Career counselling for high school students in Melbourne: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services Do You Need a Tutor or a Career Counsellor: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/76 Listen to more Course and Career Chat episodes: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I talk with Tamara, who is currently studying a Master of Counselling at Deakin University. She shares her journey from completing a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Psychology and History) to discovering her passion for supporting others through counselling.
We discuss what it's really like to study counselling at postgraduate level, the difference between counselling and psychology, and the career opportunities available after a Master of Counselling in Australia.
If you're thinking about a career change into counselling, or wondering how to become a counsellor in Australia, this episode will give you a realistic and inspiring insight.
4:50 – Tamara's high school experience and early career interests 9:40 – Why she chose a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and History) 13:48 – Honours in History: research and learning 16:54 – First full-time role and transferable skills 19:30 – Studying the Master of Counselling at Deakin University
Links mentioned: Work with me – Career counselling for high school students in Melbourne: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services Learn more about the Master of Counselling at Deakin University: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/master-counselling Listen to more Course and Career Chat episodes: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast
What we’re talking about: It’s nearly the end of Term 2, and I’ve had a lot of conversations with students lately where they’ve been trying to decide whether or not to drop a VCE subject that they’re studying. To make an informed decision, there’s a few things you need to consider - do you know what you want to do when you finish school? Is this subject a prerequisite for that course? Can you support yourself to feel more confident in the subject with some extra help? Could you look at similar courses that don’t need it as a prerequisite? Is not liking the subject a clue that maybe your dream course isn’t really the one you want after all?
Listen up so you can consider your options and decide what will be best for you and your future.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
VTAC CourseSearch: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search
What we’re talking about: In this third part of my mini series “How to Feel Confident About VCE and Choosing Tertiary Courses” I’m diving into another question that I’d love for you to consider - What are you good at? I don’t mean what subject you’re good at (although I did talk about that in episode 102), but instead what is something that comes naturally to you that you use in your everyday life that could be applied to any career you choose?
Knowing this can help you see how you can bring key parts of yourself to any role you choose to take in the future.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: In this episode, I continue the mini-series on feeling confident about VCE and choosing tertiary courses. Instead of jumping straight to career titles, I encourage you to reflect on your favourite subjects and, more importantly, what you enjoy about them. This approach can provide valuable insights into courses and careers that will allow you to do more of what you actually like.
0:45 – Recap of Episode 100 and the importance of understanding VCE
In the last episode I shared some episodes where I explain key aspects of VCE so that you can really understand the system you’re working in. If you’re stressed at all about VCE, I encourage you to go back and listen to that episode first.
2:27 – The significance of identifying your favourite subject
I discuss why pinpointing your favourite subject—and what you like about it—can guide your decisions about future studies and careers.
6:00 – My personal experience with subject preferences and career choices
I share my journey of loving maths but not feeling great about the typical career paths everyone was suggesting, like engineering or accounting.
9:50 – The importance of understanding what you enjoy in a subject
I delve into how recognising the specific topics or skills within a subject you enjoy can open up a broader range of course and career options that will actually suit you better. I encourage you to take time to reflect on your favourite subjects and what you really like about them so that you can find courses and careers that will allow you to do more of what you like.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: Thanks for joining me for the 100th episode of Course and Career Chat!
This episode is Part 1 in a series I’m calling How to Feel Confident About VCE and Choosing Tertiary Courses, and in this episode I want you to think about what is stressing you out about VCE so that you can get your questions answered. I’ve created a list of past episodes of Course and Career Chat where you can find the answers to common questions I get when I’m working with my students and their parents, and if I haven’t answered your question yet, please send me a DM on Instagram to let me know - I’m happy to help!
Links mentioned: VCE Subjects: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Yours: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/56
How Are ATARs Calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
ATAR Myths and Misconceptions: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/70
Should You Accelerate in VCE?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/78
What Happens If You Do An Unscored VCE or VCE-VM?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/87
All About the GAT (Updated for 2024): https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/85
How Do SACs Work in VCE?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/96
What is your VCE subject ranking?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/79
Send me a DM with any other questions you have on Instagram @roadmap_ed: https://www.instagram.com/roadmap_ed/?hl=en
Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: AI is everywhere at the moment, and there’s a lot of discussion about how it will change jobs and career pathways. Many students (and parents) are wondering—will AI replace certain jobs? Will the careers that seem like a great option now still be relevant in 5 or 10 years? In this episode, I break down what AI actually is, the ways it’s already affecting different industries, and how students can make career choices that will set them up for success in an AI-driven world.
2:40 – What is AI, and why is it such a big deal?
AI is already part of our daily lives, even if we don’t always realize it. I explain some of the ways we’re all using AI right now (like how your phone suggests words when you text) and why it’s suddenly getting so much attention in conversations about work and careers.
5:15 – My first experience using AI in my work
The first time I properly used AI was to help with my podcast show notes, and I was surprised by how useful it was. It didn’t replace what I do—it just made the process easier. This is exactly how AI will work in many careers: not replacing workers, but supporting them.
9:00 – AI is changing jobs, but that’s nothing new
Every time there’s a big technological shift—whether it’s the internet, automation, or now AI—some jobs change or disappear, but new ones are created. I talk about why it’s important to keep an open mind and focus on developing skills that will always be valuable.
11:24 – Will AI take over jobs?
This is a big worry for a lot of students, but it’s important to remember that AI can handle tasks, not entire careers. The most valuable jobs in the future will be the ones that involve creativity, critical thinking, and human connection—things AI can’t replicate.
15:30 – Choosing a career in an AI-driven world
Instead of worrying about what jobs might disappear, students should focus on what they enjoy, what industries interest them, and where they can develop transferable skills. Universities and TAFEs are already adapting their courses to include AI, so there will be plenty of opportunities to learn how to work with it rather than against it.
19:30 – Why human skills will always matter
AI might be great at processing information, but it can’t replace human creativity, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. I share why these skills will always be in demand and how students can future-proof their careers by focusing on what makes them unique.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: Should you take a gap year after Year 12? It’s a big decision, and in this episode, I break down the benefits and drawbacks of taking a year off before further study. I also share practical advice on how to keep your options open, even if you're unsure about your next steps.
1:09 Common concerns about taking a gap year I’ve had a lot of conversations with parents recently about whether a gap year is the right choice for their child. Many students don’t know whether they should still apply for courses through VTAC, or if taking a gap year will impact their future plans. In this episode, I share my thoughts on how to approach this decision.
3:28 The benefits of taking a gap year There are plenty of good reasons to take a gap year, including:
- Taking a break – After 13 years of school, it makes sense to want some time off before starting further study.
- Travel opportunities – Exploring new places and cultures, or working overseas through programs like Camp America.
- Earning money – Getting a full-time job to save for university, travel, or other goals.
- Career exploration – Using the year to try jobs in industries you’re interested in, so you get a feel for what you might want to study.
5:39 The drawbacks of taking a gap year Some students worry that if they take a gap year, they’ll never go back to study. While that’s not always true, there are some things to consider:
- Losing the study habits you’ve built over the years.
- Feeling like you’re behind your friends who go straight to university.
- Starting uni with students who are younger and still in a “VCE mindset.”
9:54 How to keep your options open Even if you’re planning to take a gap year, I strongly recommend applying for VTAC courses now and securing a spot. Most courses allow deferral, so you can take your gap year with peace of mind, knowing you have a place waiting for you. It’s also much easier to do this while you still have access to school resources like career counselors and scholarship applications.
13:23 Final advice: Plan now, decide later There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to taking a gap year—it’s a personal choice. But having a plan in place (even if you’re unsure) will make your gap year experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: 1:43 My observations around motivation as a Maths teacher
I share my experience of teaching a particular class who were really focused, willing to learn, with high aspirations for their VCE results. Most people would assume that there’s not much a teacher of a class like that needs to do to in terms of motivation, but what I actually found was that in the second half of the year, these students were feeling really stressed and losing motivation despite the fact that they were doing everything “right” and still doing well on their SACs. I found that by helping them have some perspective around VCE and looking ahead to something fun that they were planning for the future, I could see that it really helped them get their heads out of VCE and visibly reduced their stress.
9:58 The podcast that helped me understand the science behind my theory
I happened to listen to The Imperfects podcast episode with their regular guest, Dr Emily, teaching listeners about hope. She talked about hope being made up of 3 parts - the goal, pathways (including overcoming obstacles) and agency (or the motivation to follow through to reach your goal). The way she explained it helped me understand why for many students, having a goal linked to results (eg I want to get an ATAR over 90) can be really hard to maintain. So many students with goals like that find it hard to keep going when they hit a topic they find really difficult or have a bad day on a SAC. They could no longer see how they could reach their goal, they’d lose motivation because they no longer thought just working hard would help them achieve the results they wanted, and they’d lose hope.
16:43 A Better Way to Motivate Yourself in VCE
I know that working with students to help them discover what they want to do beyond school in terms of courses and careers is truly motivating. I see it with the students I work with all the time. What Dr Emily was saying about hope helped me understand why. It makes sense to me that by finding a course or career that a student is excited about, you’ve found a goal. The next step is to find out how they can get there, and the reality is that there are so many pathways you can take to get into any course or career. Because there are so many pathways, it makes sense that if one falls over (ie you don’t get the ATAR you need), you can immediately see the next pathway. So now not getting the ATAR you need is an obstacle that can be overcome. Students can still have hope of reaching their goal because they can change the pathway and still achieve it.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
The Imperfects Podcast with Dr Emily on Hope: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/podcasts/dr-emily-hope/
What we’re talking about: Let’s talk about how SACs work in VCE so that you know what they are, how they’re used, and to bust some of the misconceptions around them that often come up throughout the year so that you can feel really confident as you move through VCE.
1:32 What is a SAC?
Throughout your time at school from prep through to Year 12, you do different types of assessment. SAC stands for School Assessed Coursework and it’s called that because it is one of the assessment types that is used to calculate your study score for your VCE subjects, but it is written by your teachers and completed through your school (as opposed to the external exams at the end of Unit 3&4 subjects written by VCAA). You can find out how many SACs you’ll do for each subject and how each SAC will look by looking at the study design for the subject on the VCAA website.
4:35 How do you find out your SAC results?
Different schools will report back differently. Some schools will give you an actual percentage mark for each SAC. Others might use a grade or a descriptor to give you an idea of how well you’ve done. These marks are not what is submitted to VCAA - your teachers will rank all the students for a subject based on their results in their SACs, and then these will be scaled up or down depending on how your cohort of students do on the external exam at the end of the year. The most important part of your SAC if you’re aiming to do really well in VCE is to make sure you understand where you didn’t get some of the marks and what you needed to do differently to get full marks on those questions. That will help you prepare for the next SAC and also for your end of year exams.
7:47 How are SAC results used?
When you get your study scores at the end of the year, you’ll be able to see the grades you got for your overall SAC results (which might be split into Unit 3 and Unit 4, or might be put together as one SAC result) and then a grade or grades for your end of year exam(s) for that subject. Your SAC result may be higher or lower than you expected based on the feedback you got from your school throughout the year. This is because of the scaling that happens, and it has to happen to make sure that the SACs at one school are treated as being equivalent in difficulty to the SACs at another school. This is why you shouldn’t get too focused on your SAC results throughout the year other than learning from them - see the podcast episode “What is Your VCE Subject Ranking?” linked below for more information.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
Free Download - The Parents’ Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/parents-guide
How are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What is Your VCE Subject Ranking? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/79
What we’re talking about: This episode is all about explaining how VCE works and translating the jargon around VCE so that you can understand it more clearly and feel more confident supporting your child. Grab the free download The Parents’ Guide to VCE to have on hand (https://www.roadmapeducation.com/parents-guide), and listen up as I clarify what the key organisations like VCAA and VTAC do, what all the acronyms mean, and tell you what you need to focus on and what you can ignore as white noise.
5:22 What does VCAA stand for and what do they do?
The VCAA is the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. They set the curriculum for schools in Victoria from early childhood through to VCE (including creating VCE study designs), organise the external exams at the end of Unit 3 and 4 subjects, and calculate a student’s study scores for their subjects.
7:00 What is VTAC and what do they do?
VTAC is the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre and they facilitate the transition between high school and tertiary education. They get students raw study scores from VCAA, use them to calculate students’ ATARs, and manage the offer process for tertiary institutions. Keep an eye on their website for important dates for VTAC applications and offers, and also for all of the University and TAFE Open Days (links below)
8:15 What is VCE?
VCE stands for Victorian Certificate of Education, and it is the secondary qualification for students in Victoria. It now includes the VCE - Vocational Major which has replaced VCAL and allows students to explore vocational studies as part of their secondary education.
9:50 What is a SAC?
SAC stands for School Assessed Coursework. They are set out by the VCAA in the subject study designs which can be accessed on the VCAA website, and a student’s ranking after all of the SACs are completed in a subject is used as part of the calculation of the study score for the subject. Not all assessment completed in Year 12 is a SAC.
11:49 What is a study score?
A study score is the result that students get for each of the Unit 3&4 subjects they complete. It is a number out of 50 and it’s a ranking showing where you sit compared to everyone else who completed that subject in the same year. VCAA calculates the raw study score for each student, and then study scores are scaled depending on how well each cohort of students has done well across all of their subjects to be used in the calculation of each student’s ATAR.
14:38 What is an ATAR?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank and it is a ranking showing how well each student did in VCE compared to all other students who completed VCE in the same year. The highest ATAR a student can get is 99.95, which means that they’re in the top 0.05% of the state. It only exists because it is the most efficient way for students to get an offer into (a lot of) university and TAFE courses. It is not the only way of getting into tertiary courses, and as a society we need to stop giving it so much power.
17:28 What is SEAS?
SEAS stands for Special Entry Access Scheme and it is the way that students can get extra points added to their selection rank if they have had any type of disadvantage in VCE compared to their peers, such as financial difficulties, health issues and other difficult circumstances. The focus of a SEAS application is how the issue has affected the student’s ability to perform at their best in VCE. A SEAS application will only ever be used to your child’s advantage.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
Free Download - The Parents’ Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/parents-guide
How are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What Happens If You Do An Unscored VCE or VCE-VM? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/87
VTAC dates: https://vtac.edu.au/dates.html
University and TAFE Open Days (Please note that at the time of publishing this page still has dates from 2024, but it will be updated closer to July 2025): https://vtac.edu.au/opendays.html?highlight=WyJvcGVuIiwiZGF5cyJd
What we’re talking about: After working with parents first as a teacher and now as a career counsellor, and now being a parent myself, I know how hard it can be to navigate that line between allowing your child to have their independence and also wanting to support them as best you can. In this episode I share how you can best support your child through the decision making process around VCE subject selection, tertiary course exploration and applying through VTAC.
2:01 Where is the responsibility?
Knowing where your responsibility for your child’s studies ends and theirs begins is a bit of a grey area and really depends on the individual child. I give you some ideas of how you can support your child academically during VCE, but you know your child best, and you know what will help your child feel supported and what will just annoy them.
7:15 What do you need as a parent?
When I’ve worked with parents in the past both as a teacher and now as a career counsellor, I know that the reason parents are concerned about school for their children is because they want the best for their kids. One thing that can really help, is lowering your own stress levels around VCE by understanding as much as you need about the VCE systems and VTAC processes. In this way, you’re not as worried because you know what’s going on and have the information you need, and you don’t need to hassle your child about it. If your child then is on track and gets the results they want and is confident about applying for courses, then that’s great. However, if they do get stressed further down the track, you are empowered to support them with concrete information.
10:00 How I help the parents I work with
There are a few ways that I can support parents who have children in VCE. I have a free download called The Parents’ Guide to VCE (link below) where you can get a better understanding of the acronyms and jargon around VCE and the school system. When I’m working with a student, in most cases I’m originally contacted by the parent, and we have a conversation on the phone where I found out more about their perspective of where their child is at, and then answer all their questions to help them feel comfortable with the VCE system and the VTAC process. I also offer single sessions with parents where we can go a bit deeper into pathways for your child, and I’m currently working on a package for parents where you end up with a similar report to what families get when I work with the student, where I outline a range of courses that will suit your child, including pathways and other relevant information like early entry programs and campus accommodation. Please reach out via my website or Instagram if you’re interested.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
Do You Need a Tutor or a Career Counsellor?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/76
The Parents’ Guide to VCE: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/parents-guide
What we’re talking about: 1:40 What you can do if your measure of success in VCE is to get the best ATAR you can
Using a planner to keep on track, creating a study timetable, using a calendar to keep track of SACs, extracurricular activities and your casual job if you have one. Work out how you will get help when you need it eg homework club at school or getting a tutor (see the link to an episode below where I talk about how to choose the right tutor for you). Choosing the “right” subjects - some people will think this means choosing subjects that scale up, I think the right subjects for you are the ones that suit you best so that you will lean into your strengths and not have as much trouble finding the motivation to study.
6:21 Why I don’t think that getting a good ATAR should be your only measure of success in VCE.
If your only measure of success in VCE is to get a really good ATAR, you are going to spend a lot of time over the next two years feeling stressed out, feeling inadequate if you’re not ranked first in the subjects you want to rank first in for example or if you’re not doing as well on SACs as you think that you might. If that’s your only measure of success in VCE you are setting yourself up for a pretty awful couple of years. Two years of stress is too much as far as I’m concerned. There’s a difference between little pockets of stress the night before a SAC, and being completely stressed out for 2 years.
7:26 Your measure of success in VCE could be having a really great couple of years.
Take advantage of all the amazing opportunities your school has to offer, including extracurricular activities like sport, drama, music and debating, as well as fun activities like the school formal.
8:30 How can we reframe the importance of your ATAR and it being a measure of success.
The only reason that an ATAR exists is because it’s the most efficient way to get into a course. That’s it. Getting an amazing ATAR and having no idea what you want to do, that’s very short-lived success. And I know that because that’s what I did. I got the great ATAR, I got into the course that I thought I wanted, spent two and a half years in it being miserable until I changed my plans, and went back to wanting to be a teacher. I worked out how to do that and had an amazing career as a teacher. But getting that good ATAR was not what got me there. The plan was what got me to where I wanted, and successfully into a career that I really enjoyed. Really what I want you to think about is what success in VCE looks like to you, and what you can do to have a really great couple of years AND set yourself up for having many many fun, exciting years after VCE as well.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
Do You Need a Tutor or a Career Counsellor?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/76
What we’re talking about: An Instagram post from @biglifejournal prompted this episode. The story they shared about how parents supported a child in her dream of becoming a mermaid, in the process helping her learn fantastic life skills including how to reach her goals, made me think about how we are likely to dismiss teens when they come to us with ideas about their future career.
1:23 The post that inspired this episode
Check out the link below to see the post that I’m referencing here. It involves the story of a child who says she wants to be a mermaid, and parents who respond by encouraging her to learn to swim and sing as these are things that mermaids are good at. They teach her how to set goals and work towards her dreams, which are life skills that will set her up the future, no matter what she decides to do.
4:00 How this relates to teenagers
I think adults can be quite dismissive of teenagers’ career goals and plans for the future when they don’t think it’s the “right choice”, and not only is this not helpful, but it’s a missed opportunity to be more curious about why they chose that career to begin with. I share a story about being dismissed as a teen and how unhelpful it was in my career journey.
6:50 How we can be more curious with students
It makes sense that students might latch onto a career they’ve heard of from somewhere, because they’ve been focussed on studying all year and all of a sudden need to make some sort of choice about their next step. What we can do as adults is be curious to find out why they have chosen a particular career, and then use their responses to dig a bit deeper and maybe even discover other similar options where they can pursue their interests and lean into their talents and skills.
10:50 Why I like discussing courses more than careers
One thing I think makes more sense, particularly with teenagers, is to focus on the next step rather than the final career goal. This means that they can zone in on what they like to do, what interests they want to explore, and what skills they would like to develop, and it gives them more time to discover different careers and roles that they will be able to access with their qualification. With new jobs being created all the time, this also means they will be open to new careers that don’t exist yet but will be available to them once they finish their degree.
14:30 What this means for creative careers
I see most adults being dismissive of students who want to work in a creative field, because they’re worried about the job prospects. While this may be a valid concern, I think it’s important to start by being curious and looking deeper into the opportunities available. When students are allowed to explore, they can find out about the wider range of careers related to the one they initially thought of, and they can get a more accurate picture of what a career in this field looks like. With this information, they can make an informed decision for themselves,, rather than dismissing it because “people say there are no jobs in that”.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
The Instagram post from @biglifejournal that sparked this episode: https://www.instagram.com/p/DFki0WQu3wv/?hl=en&img_index=1
25 Ways to Explore Careers: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
What we’re talking about: Do Year 11 results matter? Are they used to calculate your ATAR? Are my SACs in Year 11 important?
It’s the start of the new school year, and when you’re new to the VCE system, it can be hard to understand how it all works.
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I’m answering your questions about what’s important in Year 11 so you know what to focus on.
2:23 VCE terminology
I want to differentiate between the language we often use and the specific VCE language. Make sure you know the difference between Year 11, Year 12, Units 1&2, and Units 3&4, because what is relevant here is whether you’re talking about Units 1&2 or Units 3&4, not Year 11 or Year 12.
4:51 Do my Unit 1&2 subjects matter?
Only your Unit 3&4 subjects will count towards your ATAR. However, you need to pass VCE to get an ATAR as well. In Units 1&2, it’s important that you receive an S for each unit (which means that you’ve satisfactorily met the outcomes as outlined by VCAA in the study design for the subject (see link below). Listen to this part to find out all the ways you can get an S for a unit outside of just passing a SAC.
8:54 Why else can Units 1&2 be important?
In some subjects, you need the foundational skills and knowledge from Units 1&2 to do well in Units 3&4. In contrast, there are other subjects where the content is very different in Units 3&4. These are traditionally the subjects where your school will allow you to accelerate without doing Units 1&2.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
VCE study designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx
How are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What we’re talking about: What if you don’t know what university or TAFE course, or what career you want to pursue? I work with heaps of high school students who either have no idea yet what they want to do, or who want to do EVERYTHING and need help narrowing it down. Here are some ways you can start to work it out.
2:56 Talk to people
The people who know you best, like your parents or friends, will likely have some insights into what you might be good at, or how you can pursue a career where you can do more of the things you like to do. Alternatively, you can talk to people about the work that they do so that you can make a decision one way or another about whether you’re interested in this particular job. You can also talk to the teachers of the subjects you like about what types of courses and careers their subject could lead to. A career counsellor will also have insights into particular courses that would suit you, or could put you in contact with past students who can tell you about what they’re doing. You could also listen to past episodes of this podcast to hear students’ perspectives of particular websites.
7:41 Check out unis and TAFEs
Check out exactly what some of the unis or TAFEs have to offer by looking at their websites. You can often filter a search so that you’re looking at subject areas that interest you, and then you can read about courses and google the job titles that they list on course pages to get a better sense of where the course could lead. You can also visit a uni or TAFE you’re interested in. Go to an Open Day, or if you’ve missed them and need to make a decision sooner, contact them and see if you can join a tour, or just turn up and walk around the campus to get a sense of what it’s like.
10:29 Do some work experience
You probably did/will do work experience in Year 10, but you can do more than one work experience placement (even if you have to do a second or third placement in the school holidays). You can still do work experience if you’re in Year 11 or 12, or even if you’ve finished Year 12. Speak to your career counsellor to see if they have any contacts you could speak to about doing a work placement, or look up local businesses and see if they’d be happy to have you come in.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: Exams are just about over, and now you’ve shifted to looking at your VTAC preference list and wondering what ATAR you might get. Lots of students are asking about ATAR calculators and which one they should use. Let’s have a look at how you can best work out your ATAR.
1:33 How hard is it to work out what ATAR you might get?
Guessing your ATAR is really difficult because your ATAR is a ranking, based on your study scores, which are also rankings. See Episode 58 (linked below) to get a really clear understanding of how your ATAR would be calculated. There are a couple of ways you may be able to get an idea (eg if you have a sibling who went to the same school doing the same subjects and you perform very similarly academically, or your teachers might have an idea if they’re very experienced) however I explain why even these guesses aren’t super accurate.
10:00 What is an ATAR calculator?
A quick google search will tell you that there are heaps of ATAR calculators to choose from, and nearly all of them will be advertised as the most accurate one. To use an ATAR calculator, you need to guess each of your study scores, and then it will use an algorithm to decide what ATAR it thinks you will get. The problem here is that it’s really hard to guess your study scores, and then your ATAR is a ranking, not a straight calculation. While the algorithm might come close, without accurate study scores it’s really not going to give you a good indication of what ATAR you might get.
So which ATAR calculator should you use? None of them.
13:43 What should you do instead?
Instead of trying to guess your ATAR, do some more research around courses so that you can include your dream course or courses, but then also find other courses that you’d be just as happy to do, or that can be used as a pathway into your dream course. Create a great VTAC preference list, and keep the extra information in your desk drawer in case you want to make some changes to your preference list in the change of preference period.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
How are ATARs calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What we’re talking about: I’m talking to anyone who is choosing and finalising their VCE subjects, and I’m answering the question “How many VCE subjects should I do?”
2:13 How many VCE subjects do you need to get an ATAR?
According to VCAA, you have to do an English subject, and then at least 3 other VCE subjects (so 4 VCE subjects in total). Most schools will have their own rules about what they expect their students to do, but officially, you only need to complete 4 VCE subjects.
3:54 How will your ATAR be calculated?
See the episode linked below that goes through this in detail, but understanding how your ATAR will be calculated is important when you’re weighing up how many subjects you need to do. The important part for today’s discussion, is that the main part of your ATAR is calculated from your English result, your next top 3 results, and then 10% of a 5th subject and 6th subject if you do it.
5:57 Should you do a 6th VCE subject?
Knowing how your ATAR is calculated, I have some questions for you to consider if you’re trying to decide whether or not to do a 6th subject. Is it a prerequisite? Is it something you’re really interested in? Is it very different to your other subjects so it will help you feel more balanced in Year 12?
7:42 Don’t do a 6th VCE subject to try to get a better ATAR
Yes, it’s true that you will get 10% of your 6th subject added to your aggregate. But what’s the cost of doing that subject? Will doing that subject mean that you don’t have as much time to focus on your other subjects? If that’s the case, then you could actually end up with a lower aggregate and ATAR than if you had just completed 5 subjects and scored higher in those subjects. Listen as I explain it using calculations to make it more clear.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
How Are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What we’re talking about: If you’re trying to decide whether you want to do a scored VCE, unscored VCE or VCE-Vocational Major (VM), then listen up! In this episode I’ll explain the implications of choosing each type in terms of what happens when you want to apply to TAFE or university.
1:57 What’s the difference between a scored and an unscored VCE?
If you do a scored VCE, then you’ll get an ATAR that you can use to apply to university and TAFE courses. There might be other criteria, but most Bachelor degrees require an ATAR, so doing a scored VCE is the most efficient way of getting into one of these courses. How an unscored VCE works may differ depending on which school you go to, but it essentially means that you won’t get study scores for your subjects or an ATAR at the end of the year.
3:47 Is an unscored VCE new?
Most parents haven’t heard of an unscored VCE because it was very rare when we were at school. When students were kept at home during lockdowns throughout the pandemic, more students chose to do an unscored VCE because of the anxiety they were feeling about not being in the classroom. Since students have been back at school full time, the number of students doing an unscored VCE has decreased but it’s not back to what it was before covid, so while a minority of students are choosing to do an unscored VCE, it’s a larger minority than most parents would think.
4:40 Do all courses require an ATAR?
While the vast majority of Bachelor degrees require an ATAR as part of the selection criteria, not all do. You can find Bachelor degrees that only require completion of Year 12 and maybe a prerequisite subject. There are also Diplomas and TAFE courses that don’t require an ATAR.
5:38 If you do an unscored VCE, you can look at pathways into Bachelor degrees
If you don’t have an ATAR, there are still other ways that you can do a Bachelor degree at university if you want to. Listen up to hear more about guaranteed pathways, recommended pathways and why I think RMIT and Swinburne are great options for you if you need a pathway into a course.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
How ATARs are calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What we’re talking about: 2:16 A note for parents about prerequisites
If you finished high school a while ago, you need to know that the prerequisites for courses have changed dramatically since we were applying to university. We’ve seen an increase in mental health issues, anxiety and comparison for today’s students, and this has led to less students choosing what some people call “harder” subjects. A lot of universities have jumped on board and changed their prerequisites to match what students are actually choosing. So my message to you is to look at what the prerequisites actually are instead of making assumptions about what subjects your child will need to do to be eligible for certain courses.
6:10 Should you do subjects like Specialist Maths?
If you love the subject, want a challenge and want to explore the particular topics within a subject, then yes, absolutely! If you’re only choosing it because you think you need it, and you are worried about how you’re going to cope in VCE and how you’ll balance the workload, then double check the prerequisites for the types of courses you’re looking at and make an informed choice about whether you need to do it or not.
8:10 If I haven’t studied subjects that used to be prerequisites, how will that impact me later on?
When universities change the prerequisites for a course, they will adapt the course to suit the new prerequisites. For example, they’ll take the content out of the VCE subject that traditionally they would have expected students to know, and they add it into the course. For a lot of students, this is a better way to do it because they no longer have the stress of VCE and ATARs over them as their learning more difficult topics.
10:40 Why do some universities still have the “harder” subjects as prerequisites?
The more prestigious universities often have higher ATAR requirements and prerequisites for their courses, and this is because their courses are in high demand and they need a way to distinguish between the students applying for the course. It doesn’t necessarily make the course better. Employers are much more interested in which applicants can show that they are capable of doing the work, so it’s more important to find courses that allow students to do internships or placements and engage with the industry they’ll be working in.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
VCE Subjects: 5 Things to Consider When Choosing Yours - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/56
What we’re talking about: 0:00 Updates for 2024
This episode is an update of Episode 60 that I recorded last year all about the GAT. Nothing has changed except that I mentioned VCAL last year but you can ignore that now (I also mention VCE and VCE Vocational Major, so everyone’s covered).
2:05 What does the GAT look like
Understanding the format of the GAT can help you feel more comfortable as you walk into the test on the day. I explain what the 2 sections are so you know what to expect in terms of the content and the way it’s all set out. I also mention who needs to to what section depending on your individual circumstances and whether you’re doing VCE or VCE Vocational Major.
5:20 What is the GAT used for?
The GAT will only ever be used to give you a positive benefit. It can be used to check that the SACs at your school for a particular subject as a whole have been moved high enough to more accurately reflect how difficult they were compared to the SACs at other schools. From a personal point of you, it can be used to check if your exam for a particular subject should be marked again if your GAT result suggests that your exam result should have been higher. It can also be used to help calculate a derived score in the rare case when you may not have been able to sit a SAC or external exam. Your results will only ever be increased because of your GAT results.
11:45 Should you study for the GAT?
Hopefully by understanding the format of the GAT, you can see that there’s not a specific curriculum that you need to learn to prepare for the GAT. You might feel better and more prepared if you have seen what the questions might look like and what the cover page will look like. See the links below if you’re interested in doing that.
Links mentioned: Work with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
Blog post: What is the GAT?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/roadmapblog/gat
GAT cover pages: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/index.aspx
GAT overview: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/GATOverview.aspx
What we’re talking about: 1:11 What is Engineering?
Most students who are into Maths and Science have heard the suggestion that they should look at Engineering, but what even is it? Check out the episodes I’ve linked below to hear students and recent graduates talk about their course and what their day looks like if they’re already working as an Engineer. Engineers create and build solutions to problems in a whole range of areas, and they use different calculations, methods and materials to solve the problems in the most efficient way.
3:17 What type of Engineering should you do?
Different universities will offer different specialisations, including Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Software and Robotics and Mechatronics. Think about what type of science you like at school and see what specialisation would use that science the most, and if you’re not sure, Google the different types to find out more. If you’re still not sure, you don’t need to stress - most courses have a common first year so that you can get a foundation in Engineering to start with and get a taste of the different types before you decide which pathway you want to follow.
6:16 What should you look at in a Bachelor of Engineering?
Are you more academic? Or would you prefer to take things apart and see how it works? Engineering courses will all have a bit of both, but make sure you choose a course that allows you to lean into whichever type of learning you prefer. As always, you should also look at the placements or internships that are available within the course so that you can see what it’s actually like to work as an Engineer while you’re still studying, as well as building a network, learning heaps and potentially landing a graduate position with them when you finish your course.
9:27 If you’re considering Engineering, what else could you look at?
There are lots of courses that are similar to Engineering in some way. If you like the idea of building and designing things, you could consider Architecture or Design. If you’re interested in the Health field you could look at Biomedical Science or Biotechnology. If you like the idea of Software Engineering, then Information Technology or Computer Science might interest you. Aviation or Space Science are worth looking at if you’re interested in Aerospace Engineering. Make sure you check out these other courses too so that you can choose the one that suits you best. Another option that is particularly in demand at the moment is Cybersecurity. If you want to find out more, I have two episodes about Cybersecurity that you could listen to (see the links below).
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Other episodes about Engineering:
Electronic Engineering and Cybersecurity - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/71
Cybersecurity - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/51
Biomedical Engineering and Medicine - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/4
Robotics and Mechatronics - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/11
Software Engineering - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/15
Architecture - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/35
Civil Engineering - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/53
Heavy Vehicle Diesel Mechanic - http://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/63
What we’re talking about: 1:16 What do you need to do to become a psychologist?
If you’re interested in becoming a psychologist, you need to do quite a bit of study including an undergraduate degree that is accredited by APAC (the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council). So as you’re looking at courses, if there’s any chance you’d like to become a psychologist later, check that the ones you’re looking at are accredited so that you’re on the right path.
3:05 What is it that you like about psychology?
Are you interested in the anatomy of the brain and the biology related to psychology, or do you look forward more to the topics related to human behaviour and mental illness? While all accredited courses will cover both, make sure the course you end up choosing gives you an opportunity to really focus on the areas of psychology you really like.
4:55 Other options to consider
If you like psychology but you know you don’t want to become a psychologist, there are other options you can consider. Behavioural science, counselling or marketing are good examples of these. I also mention two courses at Deakin that focus on marketing and human resources respectively from a psychology perspective, and they’re also accredited so you can pursue further study in psychology later if you choose (see links below).
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Bachelor of Marketing (Psychology) at Deakin University - https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-marketing-psychology
Bachelor of Human Resource Management (Psychology) at Deakin University - https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-human-resource-management-psychology
Previous episodes related to Psychology:
Arts and Psychology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/34
Psychology and Behaviour Therapy - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/19
Criminology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/10
Psychological Studies - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/7
What we’re talking about: 2:50 Don’t assume you know what you can study in Bachelor Science
I did all maths and science subjects in VCE, and never even considered a Bachelor of Science. Why? Because I felt like I wasn’t that good at Chemistry or Physics, and I didn’t realise that I could do a Bachelor of Science and major in Maths or something similar (which was clearly my strength and something I loved to explore). Don’t make assumptions - check the majors so you know what a course is actually about so you can make an informed decision.
5:23 What types of majors can you study in a Bachelor of Science
If you’re considering a Bachelor of Science, you really want to check what majors are offered at the university you’re looking at to see if they focus on the types of areas you’re interested in. Start by asking yourself questions about what you already know you like. What science subject at school do you like best? What topics do you like within that subject? If you’re not sure, hop onto the websites for the different unis and read through the majors offered to see which one has a couple of majors that you could see yourself studying, and then explore them in your first year before you choose which one to focus on.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Previous episodes related to Science:
Laboratory Medicine - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/61
Laboratory Assistant - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/55
Food Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/50
Science and Baking - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/48
Science Advanced - Global Challenges and Palaeontology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/47
Science and Global Studies - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/31
Forensic Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/28
Pharmaceutical Science - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/23
Science, Arts, Sustainability and Meteorology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/22
Pharmacy and Audiology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/20
Geology and Scientific Research - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/18
Science and Veterinary Medicine - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/13
What we’re talking about: 1:33 What is a Bachelor of Arts?
Don’t confuse “Art” with “Arts”! While the subject Art at school involves things like painting and drawing, a Bachelor of Arts is more about humanities and exploring ideas through a particular perspective. Some people are reluctant to pursue a Bachelor of Arts because they think it won’t lead anywhere, however if you look at the majors within the course, there are heaps of things you can study within a Bachelor of Arts that very clearly leads to a particular job or career.
6:42 What if you don’t know what you want to do in your career?
If you don’t know yet what you want to do in your career, that’s totally normal and completely fine. I firmly believe that if you’re passionate about something and keep learning and networking in that area, opportunities will become available to you. I give a couple of examples of people who studied Arts and didn’t know where it was going to take them, including Ash Barty’s mindset coach, Ben Crowe.
8:56 A Bachelor of Arts works really well as part of a double degree
A fantastic way to explore a greater range of areas, round out your education and have more to talk about in job interviews is to combine Arts with another degree.
10:51 The majors that are offered are important
A Bachelor of Arts at 2 different universities can look completely different, so make sure you take a look at what’s offered so you can choose the right one for you. I go through some of the majors offered at The University of Melbourne, Monash University, RMIT, Swinburne and Deakin to give you an idea of what your Bachelor of Arts could look like depending on where you choose to study.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Previous episodes related to Arts:
Anthropology and Human Rights: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/45
Speech Pathology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/39
Arts and Psychology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/34
Politics, Philosophy, Economics, Arts and Law - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/26
Science, Arts, Sustainability and Meteorology - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/22
Teacher, Tutor, Entrepreneur - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/21
Arts and Law - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/16
Communications (Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising and Media) - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/3
What we’re talking about: 1:37 The difference between a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Commerce
While the words Business and Commerce are often used interchangeably, the two courses can be quite distinct. Find out what the focus of each degree usually is to help you decide whether Business or Commerce is right for you. Most importantly, make sure you look at what you can major in for each of the courses you’re looking at so that you know whether it has your area of interest.
4:40 What prerequisites do you need for Business or Commerce?
In the past, you often needed a Maths subject as a prerequisite for Business and Commerce, but that’s no longer always the case, so if you haven’t studied Maths in VCE there are definitely options out there for you. It’s also worth noting that subjects like Accounting, Economics and Business Management are not prerequisites for these courses, however you may get a subject adjustment if you do well in them which could boost your selection rank.
6:50 What should you look for in a Bachelor of Business or Commerce?
You should definitely look for courses that have a placement or internship as part of your course. These types of experiences give you the opportunity to see what it’s actually like to work in your chosen area, as well as giving you great networking opportunities, referees for your CV and potentially even a graduate position at the end of your course.
8:23 Other courses to consider
Ever wondered why some places offer a Bachelor of Business or Commerce and a Bachelor of Accounting, for example? Find out why you might like to choose the more general Business or Commerce courses, or what circumstances might lead you to choose the more specific degrees. Business and Commerce degrees also complement other areas of study really well, so definitely take a look at the double degrees that are available.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Previous episodes related to Business and Commerce:
Fashion Marketing - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/43
Business (Professional) - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/30
Property and Real Estate - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/8
Commerce and Teaching - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/5
Communications (Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising and Media) - https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/3
What we’re talking about: 1:45 What is a VCE subject ranking?
Find out what a VCE subject ranking actually is, and how it is used to help calculate your study score for the subject, which in turn is used to calculate your ATAR.
6:49 Why is your subject ranking not as important as you think?
Now that you know what it is, I want you to forget about it. Because no matter how much you worry about your subject ranking, where you’re ranked for a particular VCE subject is not something you can control.
9:26 What can you control in VCE?
Instead of stressing about your ranking, let’s look at what you can control - how well you use each SAC to prepare for the next one. In VCE you need to know the content, but you also need to know how to present your answers in the way that the VCE examiners expect you to. Focus on this instead and your ranking will take care of itself.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VCE Study Designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx
What we’re talking about: A lot of students are being encouraged to accelerate in VCE - that is, do Units 3&4 of a VCE subject early in Year 11 rather than waiting until Year 12. It can be great for some students and make life difficult for others, so let’s look at how it works and what the benefits and drawbacks are.
1:47 What is accelerating in VCE?
2:39 Is it a disadvantage to not do Units 1&2 of a VCE subject?
Usually, no. Most subjects that are offered for acceleration are ones where the Unit 1&2 topics are very different to those covered in Units 3&4.
4:37 Advantages of accelerating in VCE
1) You get a chance to see what it’s like to do a Unit 3&4 subject, including doing external exams, before you do the rest of your subjects.
2) You get a subject done and out of the way early, and that may mean that you’re allowed to do less subjects as a Year 12 student and have a study period instead.
8:48 Disadvantages of accelerating in VCE
1) You might focus too much on the Unit 3&4 subject to the detriment of your Unit 1&2 subjects, which will make it harder for you the following year.
2) It can extend the anxiety of VCE beyond the one year of Year 12.
3) In accelerating, you may at some point have missed content (either by missing Units 1&2 or before then if the acceleration started earlier), and therefore not do as well as if you had just worked through the subject sequentially without skipping a year.
13:20 For Year 11s already accelerating
Use the Term 1 break to make sure you’re putting equal time and energy across all of your subjects and not putting everything into the Unit 3&4 subject.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VCAA study designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx
What we’re talking about: It’s the last week of Term 1! I know you’re tired, but if you can spend a little bit of time doing these 3 things during the holidays, you’ll thank yourself later.
2:12 Prepare for your SEAS application
SEAS stands for Special Entry Access Scheme and is part of your VTAC application, so you can’t actually apply until later in the year. However, you might need a statement of support from someone who can explain how your circumstances have created an educational disadvantage for you, like a doctor, psychologist, teacher, social worker, etc. If you think you might need a statement from someone later, work out who that might be, and discuss it with them now so that they know what to do when you’re ready to submit your application.
9:34 Start thinking about what you might like to do next year
You don’t need to make a decision yet, but start thinking about how you will get the information you need so that you can make an informed decision later. Can you talk to a teacher or career counsellor? Can you look at uni and TAFE websites or industry organisation websites to get some ideas? Can you speak to someone in the community or the parents/siblings of a friend about the work they do so you can learn more about it? Have you checked out past episodes of this podcast to see if there’s one about a course or career that interests you?
14:36 Make a shortlist of places you’d like to study
By narrowing down the list, you can be aware of the Open Days that you’re most interested in and sign up for newsletters as a prospective student so that you don’t miss any extra opportunities to find out more about the courses they offer.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: It’s nearly the end of Term 1 and everyone is reaching out asking for tutors. But do you really need one? How do you know? And is career counselling a better alternative for you. Let’s break it down and work out what would actually solve the problem you’re finding yourself in.
3:18 Questions to help you decide what you need
There are 2 questions I want you to think about to help you decide if you’re better off with a tutor, a career counsellor, or even an entirely different type of support.
1) Do you think you need a tutor for one subject, or with 3 or 4 of your subjects?
2) Do you know specifically what you need help with?
Your responses to these questions give a good indication of the problem you’re actually trying to solve by getting a tutor.
7:52 What type of tutor would suit you best?
Should you get help from someone who recently completed VCE and did really well in the subject, or are you better off getting help from a qualified teacher? It depends on what you actually need help with.
12:16 Why a career counsellor could be a better option
Find out how I work with students, and how career counselling could benefit you if you are feeling generally overwhelmed with your subjects or lacking motivation.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Find out more about working with me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services
What we’re talking about: As a student I always left studying for English to last, and as a result it was always my worst subject…until I was in Year 12. The fact is, it’s really important to prioritise VCE English if you want to do well in VCE, and there are a couple of reasons why:
Your result in English (or Literature, or English Language, or EAL) WILL be used in the calculation of your ATAR. If you’re not sure how ATARs are calculated, I give you a brief recap in this episode, but check out Episode 58 (link below) to understand how it all works.
A study score of at least 20 or 25 in English is a prerequisite for nearly all Bachelor degrees. Yes, there is always another way to get where you want to go, but the quickest route is to get the ATAR and prerequisite study scores necessary to be considered.
If English is not your best subject, what should you do? I’m not an English teacher, but listen up if you want to hear what worked for me and what I’ve seen work for other students.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
How are ATARs Calculated? https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
What we’re talking about: Listen up to find out exactly how VTAC offers work so you can make the best decisions for yourself over the next few weeks.
1:00 You can only receive one offer per round
Don’t wait to see how many you get
1:33 You will get your VTAC offer 2 ways - through your VTAC account and via email from the uni or tafe
1:48 ALWAYS accept the offer
You may not get another offer, so accept this one and get your foot in the door. If you get another offer later on, you can accept the new one and go back and reject the initial one. Follow all the instructions in the email to accept the offer, including enrolling in the course if that’s what they tell you to do (you will still be able to withdraw before the census date after Semester One begins next year).
3:45 What to do if you don’t receive an offer
- Check the VTAC website to check if the courses you have listed on your preference list make offers in the December round (not all courses do).
- Change your preferences to make sure that you have a handful of courses listed on your preference list where you have definitely met all the entry requirements (including having an ATAR that is well above last year’s lowest selection rank where applicable).
- Opt in to supplementary offers (see below)
5:57 What to do if you have received an offer
- Accept the offer
- If the offer is for your dream course, go and celebrate.
- If you would prefer an offer for a different course, still accept the offer, but then move the course you got the offer for to your 8th preference (or at least below all the courses on your list you’re actually interested in) so that you’re eligible to get an offer for one of the courses listed above it.
7:56 Supplementary offers
If you don’t receive an offer in the December round, make sure you have ticked the box to give permission for VTAC to release your information to the institutions so they can contact you directly from the second round in January to make an offer directly to you.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: 0:47 VCE results pep talk
If you got the results you were hoping for…congratulations! Make sure you celebrate your achievement. If you’re upset about your results, it’s ok that you’re feeling that way, and I want to give you some perspective to get you back on track.
4:58 Should you rethink your preference list now you have your results?
Unless you honestly initially chose your preferences because you didn’t believe you would get an ATAR high enough to get into your dream course, if you got a higher ATAR than expected, you probably shouldn’t change your preferences.
7:20 Your results are no one else’s business
You don’t have to talk about your results if you don’t want to. If you want to share, go for it. If you don’t want to, just tell people you’re happy with them and move on.
8:17 How to make sure you get an offer this round
Check that you have the subject requirements for all of the courses on your preference list. If you have courses there where you haven’t met the subject prerequisites, take them off your list because you will not get an offer for those courses. When it comes to selection ranks, remember that the ones listed on the VTAC website are from last year. It’s a good indication of what it will be this year but it can change slightly. It’s ok to have courses on your preference list that have a higher selection rank than your ATAR, but make sure you have at least one course on your preference list with a lowest selection rank lower than your ATAR to maximise your chances of getting an offer in this round.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadmap_ed/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roadmapeducation
What we’re talking about: Exams are over! Results will be out very soon. What should you do between now and then to take the pressure off your results and make sure you get started on your dream career path.
2:41 - You will only get one offer per round
There are several rounds of offers, and each round you can only get at most one offer. This offer will be for the highest course on your preference list where you’ve met all the entry requirements and there’s space in the course for you. It’s also important to know that most offers are made in the first two rounds (in December and the first round in January) so you want to maximise your chances of getting an offer in those rounds.
4:21 - Make sure you put the courses on your list in preference order
This is because you only get one offer per round, so you want to make sure this offer is for the one you most want to do where you’ve met all the entry requirements and there’s space in the course for you. Forget about ATAR requirements when you are putting your preferences in order. Instead, focus on your priorities and choose the courses that match your priorities best.
7:15 - Work out what the pathways are to get into your dream course
If you’re worried about not getting the ATAR or selection rank you need to get into your dream course, look at similar courses somewhere else, or similar courses at the same university so that you can apply to transfer into your dream course later. If you’re worried about not getting the study score you need to meet the subject requirement for your dream course, research now what the particular university recommends in this scenario eg is there a different course they recommend you apply for, and then complete a particular first year subject to meet the requirement before applying to transfer into your dream course.
10:52 - Why do this research now?
Having this information now will take the pressure off results day (because you’ll already know how you can end up in your dream course no matter what happens), and gives you more space and time to get this information than you’ll have in the couple of days between getting your results and change of preference closing ready for the December round of offers. You can either use this information to set up your preference list now so that you don’t have to change them at all once you have your results, or you can put this information on your desk and refer back to it once you have your results if you need to.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: In this episode, I’m chatting with Bo who initially worked as an electronic engineer in China and Australia before pivoting into cybersecurity. She discusses the similarities and differences between the two industries, the skills that she believes will hold you in good stead working in cybersecurity, the courses she completed at Holmesglen and RMIT to expand her knowledge and network, and what her day-to-day work looks like.
0:51 Introduction to Bo
Listen to the summary of the episode so you know what to expect before we start.
2:23 Beginning of the interview with Bo
Bo shares great insights into her own childhood and education in China, and she explains the pressure that she was under to do well enough to access further study at an elite university. She explains that she didn’t really get a chance to explore her interests or strengths with her focus completely on performing well in exams. She did like solving problems though, and found that she could use those skills best in maths and physics.
8:20 Bo’s pathway to electronic engineering
Bo chose her course simply based on the fact the score needed to get into electronic engineering was higher than what was needed to get into medicine, and she had achieved the necessary score. She shares a range of tips for high school students that she would now give to her younger self, including looking after your physical and mental health, learning more about yourself through study, investigating strengths and passions and learning about different options before choosing a career, and finding other resources to help you see how you can apply your skills and interests across a range of industries beyond your own imagination.
14:08 Electronic engineering
Bo explains that engineering is essentially about finding solutions to problems, whether that’s about finding the most cost effective way to do something or developing new systems. She sees the type of engineering you do as just dictating the type of tools that you’ll use to solve the problem that you’re looking at.
18:03 Certificate IV in Cybersecurity at Holmesglen
After 5 years working as an electronic engineer, Bo was looking for something different to look into and learn more about, however she wasn’t looking at switching careers just yet. She liked the idea of cybersecurity because it sounded interesting, and the course is also free because it’s a growing industry in Australia. Bo explains that this course gave her the fundamental knowledge she needed to understand cybersecurity. She also shares that graduates of this course could enter roles such as Level 1 incident responder or junior security analyst.
22:49 Master of Cybersecurity at RMIT
After completing the Certificate IV and at the beginning of the pandemic, Bo had decided that she wanted to pivot her career. She had seen a lot about cyber attacks in the news and felt that she could make a difference in the field. She explains what she learnt in this course, and the opportunities that she got to investigate more about cybersecurity, increase her network in the area and gain work experience to get a better understanding of what her day-to-day work might look like. Bo highlights the benefits of studying through university as a way to get better insights into what the industry is actually like.
28:42 Bo’s work as an associate defensive security consultant and penetration tester
Bo shares what it’s like to work as a defensive security consultant and penetration tester, which is also known as being an ethical hacker. As a consultant, she works with different clients with their unique challenges and systems. This also allows her to work in different fields with different underlying technologies, which leans into her love of problem solving.
33:45 Bo’s advice to students who are considering cybersecurity as a career
Bo explains what type of students she thinks would thrive in cybersecurity, and she has a special message for girls who are considering pursuing a career in this industry.
Links mentioned: Certificate IV in Cybersecurity at Holmesglen: https://holmesglen.edu.au/Courses/Computing-and-IT/Cyber-Security/Certificate-IV-in-Cyber-Security-Online/
As discussed in the episode, this course is offered free for eligible students.
Master of Cybersecurity at RMIT: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/postgraduate-study/masters-by-coursework/master-of-cyber-security-mc159
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Monash Tech School: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
What we’re talking about: While I could talk all day about the things that I don’t like about the ATAR system, these 3 myths and misconceptions around the ATAR, what it means and how it’s used are the most prevalent ones that I see that can cause a lot of stress and decision regret.
1:44 Your ATAR is not a budget
Whether you’re trying to guess what ATAR you’ll get, or you already have your results in front of you, there are 2 ways that this number can trip you up. One way is to think of it as the “amount” you have to spend ie I got an ATAR of over 90 so I can’t choose a course that has a lowest selection rank of only 70 or I’ll be wasting the opportunity. The other way is for students to use their ATAR as a way of limiting their choices ie I got an ATAR of 75 so I’m just going to look at the courses that have a lowest selection rank of between 70 and 75 and choose one of those. Instead of choosing courses based on your ATAR, I want you to choose courses based on your interests and strengths, and then we can look at pathways to get into that course as a back up if you need it.
5:58 The selection rank for a course is not an indication of how difficult or how “good” the course is
Courses that have a higher selection rank are not necessarily harder or better than courses with a lower selection rank. The selection rank to get into a course is a popularity contest. The higher the selection rank, the more in demand that course is. There are a number of reasons why a course might be more popular, including the prestige of the course or institution or particular features of the course, but you need to look separately at these features and decide whether or not this course is the one that will suit you best.
9:23 Your ATAR is not an indication of how well you will do at university
While there is likely some correlation between students doing well at high school and then doing well at university, I would argue that this is more true when you’re looking at courses that are set up in a similar way to high school, with similar test and exam-based assessment. However, there are a range of factors that are more likely to dictate whether you do well in your course, including things like how interested in the course you are, how self motivated you are (which might depend on how interested you are in the content), and what other things are happening in your life (or were happening when you were in high school). Don’t fall into the trap of assuming that because you didn’t do as well in VCE as you hoped, you automatically won’t do well at tertiary level.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: 1:34 Check the prerequisites
Take note: If you haven’t done the subject prerequisites, you will not be considered for the course. So if you haven’t done the prerequisites, don’t put it on your preference list. Instead, look at other pathways you can use to get into the course or career you’re aiming for.
2:57 Put the courses on your preference list in your preference order
Don’t fall into the trap of putting the courses on your preference list in ATAR order. The lowest selection rank listed on VTAC CourseSearch is based on the selection process from last year and can change! You can only get (at most) one offer per offer round, so make sure it’s for the course you want to get into the most.
8:08 Have at least one course on your preference list that has either no ATAR requirement or where you think you will meet the ATAR requirement
Most offers are made in the first 2 rounds, and so you really want to get an offer in the first round so that you have a foot in the door. The easiest way to ensure that you’ll get an offer is to have one or two courses on your preference list that have an ATAR requirement that you think you’ll be able to achieve (or no ATAR requirement at all).
9:35 Fill your preference list
Technically you don’t have to have 8 preferences on your preference list. However, if you’re working towards making sure that you get an offer in the first round, then it doesn’t hurt to fill it! If you’re not sure what to put, listen up and I’ll give you some examples of what you could choose based on your priorities.
13:12 Get the information you need to make an informed decision
If you have a lot of varied interests and you’re not sure what you want to do most, you need more information about the courses or the careers they lead to so that you can make the right choice for you. Take some time to find out more, either online, at Open Days, by speaking with people who are studying the course or working in the career you’re interested in, or listen to relevant episodes of Course and Career Chat.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Work with me
Your Dream Career Roadmap: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services/your-dream-career-roadmap
Your VCE Roadmap: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/services/your-vce-roadmap
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/counselling/perfectlist
What we’re talking about: This episode is for the students who are working really hard to do well in VCE. Put the brakes on for 20 minutes and listen up to get some perspective, consider how you’re coping, and, if it feels right to you, make a healthier choice for you.
2:00 My school experience
In this episode I start by giving you some more information about my own experience as a student in the context of how it led to my current career. I explain how my thoughts around VCE have changed from when I was a student, to when I became a tutor and teacher, and now that I’m a career counsellor.
7:15 Do you enjoy the challenge of school?
Why are you working so hard? Is it because you really thrive on the challenge of learning? Or do you wake up feeling sick about the day ahead? Find out how conversations with some of my students helped me question how things are done in schools.
11:13 Why are most of us so focused on ATARs and results?
The VCE system is all based on ranking students against each other, which inevitably leads to a lot of students being hyper focused on results rather than learning. What I want you to think about is how you could reframe things in a healthier way. You have more choice than you think.
16:08 How else could you approach this?
So what could you do differently to take all this pressure off yourself and stop focusing so much on striving to do well? You could think about what you want to do next, recognise that you can actually do whatever you want, and that you can put a plan in place to get there no matter what results you get. You don’t need a better ATAR. You need a better plan.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: VTAC applications are about to open, and it can feel pretty stressful when you’re not sure what you need to do and when you need to complete everything. In this episode I’ll talk you through what you need to know to submit your application on time and ready for course offers later in the year. I give you an indication of the timeline here, but please check the VTAC website for all dates and deadlines.
1:59 Submit your application
The first thing you need to do is submit your application. Don’t get too caught up in this - you only need to add one course to your preference list to submit your application which locks in the lowest fee as long as you submit before the timely application deadline. You can still add courses and change your preferences after you submit.
5:06 Pay your fees
The important thing to know is that you don’t need to pay when you submit your application, but the date you submit dictates how much you need to pay. Make sure you pay the fee by the cutoff date in December to be eligible for the first round of course offers.
7:15 Change of preference
You can change your preferences as much as you want right up until you get your VCE results in December before they’re locked in ready for the first round of offers. Changing your preferences doesn’t affect whether or not your application is submitted or how much you pay. You’ll also be able to change your preferences after each offer round.
11:18 SEAS and scholarships
You can apply for SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme for if you’ve been disadvantaged in some way) and a range of scholarships as part of your VTAC application, and you have until October to submit these. If you are submitting a SEAS application, get onto it sooner rather than later to make sure you have time to get all the evidence you need. More scholarships are available than what’s in your VTAC application, but this is a good way to apply for a range of scholarships with one application.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VTAC dates: https://www.vtac.edu.au/dates.html
What we’re talking about: TAFE and University Open Days are one of the best ways to really understand what your tertiary experience will be like…but they can also be a waste of time if you don’t have a plan for the day. Listen up for 5 of my best tips for getting the most out of your next Open Day.
2:05 - Register for your Open Day
Before you go to the Open Day, make sure you go to the TAFE or University website and register so that you get all the information about what’s going to happen on the day, and also you’ll be added to their mailing list so you’ll find out about any other opportunities that are coming up to find out more about their courses.
3:43 - Do some research before you go
Even though you will get lots of pamphlets on the day with heaps of course information, if you do some research before you go, you can have your questions ready so that you can come away from the Open Day with the extra information you need to make an informed decision.
5:48 - Plan your day
Now you have all this information, you can plan your day so that you use your time efficiently. If you know what time the sessions you’re interested in are running you can be there at the right time (especially if there are 2 Open Days for different institutions that you want to go to on the same day). You can also write down questions so you’re ready to ask them at the right the time instead of trying to think of them on the spot.
7:30 - Soak up the atmosphere
If you end up choosing to go to this TAFE or uni, you’ll be spending a lot of time there, so you want to make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable and inspired to learn (or at least somewhere you want to turn up each day!) Open Days are a great opportunity to get a sense of what the TAFE or university is in general, and you can also find out what they offer outside of academic study that could interest you.
9:29 - You are in the driver’s seat
If you’re feeling anxious about going to the Open Day and asking questions, remember that they’re holding the Open Day to sell the experience to you and convince you to choose THEM. The people there want to speak to you and answer your questions. Forget about ATARs and everything that’s happening at school and use this opportunity to get excited about your future.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Grab your free Open Day planning tool: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/open-days
What we’re talking about: In this episode I discuss what sort of information you can find in VTAC CourseSearch and explain what it all means, particularly when it comes to course types and codes, selection ranks, subject adjustments and prerequisites.
2:00 Why you should start looking at VTAC CourseSearch asap
Just like you get more out of working with a tutor if you’ve already had a go at your homework, you’ll get more out of your meeting with your career counsellor at school if you have already had a look and have questions ready to ask.
3:11 What information is available on VTAC CourseSearch?
I explain briefly how to search for courses or majors on CourseSearch and what types of filters you can use to get a list of courses you’re interested in. You’ll also see some basic information about the course including the name of the course, how long it goes for, and an outline of the course highlighting important features.
5:28 All about course codes and types
There are different course types based on the types of fees that you’ll pay - CSP (Commonwealth Supported Place), DFP (Domestic Full Fee Place) and IFP (International Full Fee Place). Hear about the differences and how they work.
9:10 Selection criteria
This is the section you need to look at to see what you need to complete to get into the course. This can be a particular selection rank, prerequisites, a portfolio or another selection task. I explain the difference between an ATAR and a selection rank and the types of things that can boost your selection rank, including subject adjustments. I also emphasise the importance of prerequisites when it comes to being offered a place in a course.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VTAC CourseSearch: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search
VTAC CourseSearch archive (Note: Use this if you’re searching before VTAC applications are open because the archive contains the information from the end of last year rather than the information for midyear applicants): https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/?fbclid=IwAR1t0p-3C-GbgEtX7bCuyeJ8r-beGMLIQcLr12wJfZcmxEcImcRkRGCsbc0#/search/archive
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme): https://www.vtac.edu.au/access/seas.html
What we’re talking about: I often get asked the question, “Why would students work with you when they get the same thing for free at school?” The honest answer is, because it’s not the same thing. In this episode I go into detail about the career education and resources you get from your school, and explain how what I offer supports students and families in a different way.
2:02 How your careers teacher is like a classroom teacher
The analogy I’m using to explain the difference between what your careers teacher does and what I (and other independent careers counsellors) do, is to compare your careers teacher to a classroom teacher. I explain how they’re the same in that they are both responsible for the education of their entire cohort of students. I list a huge range of tasks that your careers teacher is responsible for to give you an understanding of the scope of work they do.
9:27 How independent career counsellors are like a tutor
Independent career counsellors are like a tutor in that they help support students and families individually with whatever they need to make good decisions for their future. Not all students need an independent career counsellor, but for those that do want some extra support to feel more confident and less anxious about their next step, they can be really helpful.
12:15 What I do to support students that is different from the support you get at school
Listen to me explain how I set up my personalised career counselling sessions and what I provide to help both parents and students feel really confident about their options. I also share how being independent from schools allows me to provide support and advice that doesn’t take into account what the school might prefer you do, from subject choices to tertiary courses and careers.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: In this episode, I’m interviewing Ash who is a heavy vehicle diesel mechanic and writer.
2:14 Beginning of the interview with Ash
Ash explains that as a Year 10 student she really had no idea about what VCE was and how it worked, but she felt later on that she was lucky because the subjects that she chose based on her interests worked in her favour in terms of her final results. We discuss how understanding how VCE works can help students feel more in control and make informed decisions about which subjects to choose.
6:19 Ash’s Year 10 work experience
Ash signed up for work experience following a presentation at her school, but really had no idea what she was signing up for. She later found out that she was going to do work experience with mechanics that work on trucks rather than cars, and after initially not wanting to go, she ended up learning heaps and loving it. This experience encouraged her to learn more about becoming a mechanic and choosing a VCE VET subject that would allow her to explore what working as a mechanic might look like.
10:10 Ash’s VCE subjects
Ash chose a range of subjects that she was interested in and that challenged her, including English Language, Literature, Maths Methods, Outdoor Education, Business Management and a Certificate II in Automotive Studies. She shares her experience doing the VCE VET subject, how it worked alongside the rest of her subjects and what was covered in the subject.
14:47 Tips for VCE students
Because Ash was doing subjects she liked, she found it easier to stay committed to studying throughout Year 12, and she also knew they would lead to a career that she would enjoy. She also shares that she started her exam preparation early so that she was learning the content as well as practising good exam techniques. This meant that by the time exams came around she felt more confident and prepared.
18:58 Pursuing an apprenticeship
Ash was doing well at school and could have pursued pretty much whatever she wanted, but because of the experiences she’d had through work experience, study seminars and her VCE VET subject, she had the evidence she needed to know that pursuing an apprenticeship was the next right step for her. We talk about the misconceptions that people have around what subjects you need to do to get a high ATAR, and how you don’t necessarily have to be super “smart” or academically inclined to get fantastic VCE results.
24:35 Ash’s heavy vehicle diesel mechanic apprenticeship
Ash explains how she proactively went about securing an apprenticeship, what she learnt during her apprenticeship and what was covered at trade school in the Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Kangan Institute. She also talks about what other similar studies are available at the Docklands campus of Kangan Institute.
28:02 Ash’s experiences in her career so far
Ash has had a huge range of experiences so far, including working on diesel engines as an apprentice, working FIFO on a coal mine, and running her own business with a friend from trade school. This allowed her to work on a range of different vehicles and equipment in different settings so that she could decide what area she wanted to work in next.
31:49 Ash’s experiences as a writer
As well as beginning an incredibly busy career as a mechanic, Ash still makes time to pursue her dream of being a writer. She shares how she makes time to work on her latest manuscript, surrounds herself with a community of writers, writes opinion pieces as a freelance writer, and shares her experiences working as a mechanic and what she’s learning about writing on her blog.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Kangan Institute: https://www.kangan.edu.au/courses/department/automotive/certificate-iii-in-heavy-commercial-vehicle-mechanical-technology-6576
Ash’s blog: https://ashleybeeby.com/
Ash’s article in The Age about her experience of choosing an apprenticeship: https://www.theage.com.au/by/ashley-beeby-p536um
What we’re talking about: Today I’m sharing 3 questions that I hear a lot from VCE students (and parents), and I’m explaining what these questions tell me you’re worrying about, and give you an alternative question that will better support you to get the most out of VCE.
1:27 - How many hours do I need to study each night?
This question is really hard to answer, because it’s different depending on who you are, how well you understand what’s happening in class, whether or not you have an assessment task coming up, what resources you have access to, etc. Instead, I want you to ask “What do I need to do to get the most out of the time I spend studying?” This question changes your focus from ticking a box to actually giving yourself what you need to feel confident, learn the content and perform well at school.
5:15 What SAC marks do I need to get a study score or ATAR of…?
A SAC mark isn’t enough information by itself to let you know what study score or ATAR to expect. If you don’t know how this works yet, please go and listen to Episode 58 to find out how ATARs are calculated (www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58). Instead, I want you to ask “what are the pathways that I can use to get into the course or career that I’m dreaming of no matter what results I get?” This question supports you by giving you a task to do that will be helpful when it comes to applying for courses, and also takes the pressure off each individual SAC and exam, because you already can see all the ways you can still get where you want to go.
8:42 What’s the best uni for this course?
The fact is, the best uni or TAFE for a particular course is the one that prioritises the things that you need. Instead, ask “what do I want to prioritise, and what uni prioritises that?” The best course for you is the one that allows you to get the most out of the course, whether that means that it’s located close to where you live, whether they have a larger or smaller cohort, whether the university or TAFE has the support services that you need, etc. Please also forget about what your future employer might think. Firstly, in Australia we’re very lucky to have fantastic courses and institutions, and in a lot of industries, courses need to be accredited so it’s really easy to make sure that the course covers what everything that you’ll need to start your career.. Also, more and more, employers want to hire graduates who can show that they have the relevant skills that are needed for the job through the answers they give in an interview, or the internships or work placements they’ve done.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: Today I’m interviewing Hayley, who has completed a Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine and now works as a Medical Scientist in Haematology & Blood Transfusion at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
1:49 Beginning of Hayley’s interview
When Hayley was younger she wanted to work as a kindergarten teacher, but it wasn’t long before she changed her mind and wanted to do something in the medical field where she could also work with children.
3:18 Hayley’s VCE journey
Hayley accelerated in both Further Maths and Outdoor Education, and she also completed Biology, Chemistry and Visual Communication. She started Maths Methods and completed unit 1 before deciding that it wasn’t for her. We discuss the difference between Further Maths and Maths Methods and why Hayley preferred Further Maths. She also gives some great tips about how to use your time efficiently and effectively at school during VCE, and we both give tips about how we studied for English to feel confident writing essays when it wasn’t a strength for either of us.
17:35 Finding the right course
Hayley had read about being a medical laboratory technician and felt like that was the right career for her. Because of that, she decided she would study Biomedicine at La Trobe. But after she went to the RMIT Open Day and found out about the Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine, she realised that this was actually the course she needed to become a medical scientist (a level above a medical lab technician) and became really excited about it.
21:33 The difference between studying Biomedicine and Laboratory Medicine
Hayley does a great job of explaining what Laboratory Medicine is and how it’s different to Biomedicine. She also explains exactly what you study in this course at RMIT including the five areas that you can choose from (anatomical pathology, clinical biochemistry, haematology, medical microbiology, transfusion and transplantation science).
25:28 What is haematology and transfusion?
Hayley’s majors are haematology and transfusion or blood bank, and she explains in detail what that is and the types of tasks she does in her role at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
30:34 The Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine at RMIT
The course includes an extended full time placement and Hayley explains how that process works and the benefits of her placement. She also shares about the research project that she did and the professional organisation the students were encouraged to join while they were studying. We discuss how these experiences are so helpful in terms of feeling confident applying for jobs and beginning your career.
38:24 How would students know this would be a good career for them?
Hayley discusses the ways she knew that working as a medical scientist would be a good career for her, particularly in comparison to being a doctor or researcher.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine at RMIT: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/undergraduate-study/honours-degrees/bachelor-of-laboratory-medicine-honours-bh129
What we’re talking about: It’s nearly time for the GAT again, and I hear from my students and see online all of the stress around it - that absolutely doesn’t have to be there. By understanding more what it will look like and what it’s used for, you can walk in with confidence feeling good about it and how it could benefit you.
1:21 What does the GAT look like?
Listen up as I explain what the GAT looks like, including what’s in each section, how long you get to complete each section, and whether or not you need to complete both sections.
4:00 What is the GAT used for?
Most importantly, the GAT will only ever be used to make your results higher. Learn how it can be used to adjust your SAC results for your whole class, why it might trigger a third marking of your external exam for a particular subject, and how the GAT can be used to help calculate a derived score.
10:58 Do you need to study for the exam?
Because the GAT is used to test numeracy, literacy and general knowledge, there’s no set curriculum that you can study to prepare for it. It may help you feel more prepared by seeing the front covers of each section and examples of the multiple choice questions, so I’ve included links to those below.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Blog post: What is the GAT?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/roadmapblog/gat
GAT cover pages: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/index.aspx
GAT overview: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/assessment/vce-assessment/general-achievement-test/Pages/GATOverview.aspx
What we’re talking about: Today I want to talk to you about 3 really practical ways that you can support yourself in VCE that will help you feel in control and give you a better perspective when you’re overwhelmed by homework, SACs and exams.
2:43 - Understand how VCE really works
The better you understand how VCE works, the better prepared you are to do well, and the more likely you are to focus on the things that you can actually control and that will make a difference in how well you do in VCE. Make sure you know how your VCE subjects work and how study scores and ATARs are calculated so that you don’t get distracted and stressed out by those parts of VCE that can feel really overwhelming.
4:57 - Keep track of important dates and processes
If you are in VCE and want to study in Victoria when you finish, it’s important for you to know when VTAC applications and SEAS applications open, when they’re due and when payments are due so that you don’t miss out because you didn’t meet the deadlines. If you’re submitting a SEAS application, also check the VTAC website early so that you understand what evidence you need to provide and have plenty of time to organise it.
9:23 - Learn about pathways that lead to courses that you’re interested in
It’s great to have one or two courses that you’re really interested in, but if that’s where your research ends, you’re putting a lot of pressure on yourself to get a particular ATAR or get offered a place in the course you want. The best way that I’ve found to remove a lot of that pressure, is to have a thorough understanding of what you need to do to get into the course, what alternative courses that you can look at if you don’t meet the entry requirements, and create a plan around what you’ll do in the change of preference period if you don’t end up with the results you’re hoping for so that you can still end up in the same course or career you’re dreaming of.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
How are ATARs calculated?: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/podcast/58
VCE study designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx
VTAC dates: https://www.vtac.edu.au/dates.html
SEAS information: https://www.vtac.edu.au/access/seas.html
What we’re talking about: In this solo episode I’m answering the question “How are ATARs calculated?” because it’s so relevant to all students from Year 10 through to the end of Year 12, and there’s a lot of misinformation out there about how it all works, which causes significant stress and anxiety for students. By explaining how it really works, my aim is to empower you and remove some of that stress, helping you focus on what you can control and worry less about what you can’t.
1:45 - Start with your SAC ranking
Understand how your Unit 3&4 SAC results contribute to your study scores for each of your VCE subjects. Spoiler alert: your actual marks don’t matter. It’s your ranking compared to your classmates that’s important in this step.
6:26 - How do they work out your SAC scores?
Learn how VCAA uses the external exam results for your VCE subjects to calculate the SAC results they will use to work out your study score. This is how they fix the issue that students at different schools do different SACs.
11:29 - How are VCE study scores scaled?
You’ve likely heard about scaling of VCE study scores because it seems to be something that students really focus on when they’re choosing subjects. It’s important to know that subjects are scaled based on how well the cohort of students in one subject do in all of their other subjects, and it’s done to make a study score of 30 equivalent to a study score of 30 in any other subject.
13:45 - How are your study scores used to calculate your ATAR?
Find out how your study scores are added together to calculate an aggregate score, and then how that number is converted to a ranking, comparing your results to everyone else who has completed VCE in the same year.
15:36 - Why is it important to understand how ATARs are calculated?
Now you know how it works, you can focus on the things that will actually help you get a better an ATAR and let go of the things you can’t control.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
VCE Study Designs: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/curriculum/vce/vce-study-designs/Pages/vce-study-designs.aspx
Blog post: How are ATARs calculated:
https://www.roadmapeducation.com/roadmapblog/how-are-atars-calculated
Instagram post - How your ATAR is calculated: What you need to know
https://www.instagram.com/p/CotzljKP5Dk/
What we’re talking about: In this episode, I’m interviewing Len and Ben about the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Box Hill Institute.
2:58 Beginning of the interview with Len
Len is the Manager of Refrigeration in the Faculty of Trades, Technology and Transport at Box Hill Institute, and a teacher in the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
3:37 Len talks about how the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration works.
Len discusses the learning that happens when students are at Box Hill, how it links in to their apprenticeship with their employer, the entry requirements for the course and how to meet these requirements if you don’t have them straight away. He also talks about the opportunity to come to Box Hill Institute and get a tour of the facilities to help you work out whether it’s the right course for you.
10:11 Len talks about the career opportunities in the industry
Len shares the wide range of job opportunities available and explains where graduates of the course end up working after they’ve completed their training, as well as the types of work they are qualified to do.
15:17 Beginning of the interview with Ben
Ben is in his second year of the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Box Hill Institute.
16:29 Ben talks about what he was like as a student in high school
Ben explains that he was into music and woodwork at school. He was thinking of maybe pursuing sound engineering after he finished school, but wasn’t really sure how to get there and how his VCE studies were going to help him. After he found himself just not interested in VCE, he decided to leave high school and pursue a trade instead.
24:10 Ben explains how he found his first apprenticeship
He wasn’t initially sure what trade he wanted to do, so he reached out to his family’s landlord who was a registered builder doing maintenance for body corporates. Because of the nature of this work, it gave Ben the opportunity to try out a range of different skills so that he could then choose an area that he really enjoyed. Through this process he started an apprenticeship as a builder.
27:50 Ben talks about his career in sales and management
After his first apprenticeship fell through, Ben followed a different path and had a lot of success in different roles in sales for various employers, and then worked his way up from customer service to management at Centrelink. After a few years he decided to leave the comfort of that role to try a new challenge in sales at Mercedes Benz, but when Covid caused a downturn in that industry he went back to working at Centrelink before taking the leap to get back into doing a trade.
34:45 Ben talks about his experience in the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
He shares what he’s been learning throughout the course and how it changes from first to second year, how it fits in with his apprenticeship, and how he’s found studying at Box Hill Institute. He also talks about the type of work he does day-to-day in his apprenticeship.
43:16 Ben explains how you might know that this industry is for you.
He talks about the types of things you might be interested in and/or good at if you’re a good fit for getting into the industry of air conditioning and refrigeration.
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration at Box Hill Institute: https://www.boxhill.edu.au/courses/certificate-iii-in-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-etr20-app/
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
What we’re talking about: This episode is a solo episode where I answer a question that is coming up a lot with the families and students I’m working with at the moment. Today’s focus is choosing VCE subjects and I go through 3 things that I’d like you to focus on as you choose them, and 2 things I want you to ignore and not pay attention to so that you choose a set of subjects that will work for you.
2:57 - What subjects do you like?
Choosing VCE subjects based on what you like will actually help lead you towards a course and career that you’ll like. It gives you the chance to better explore the areas you’re already leaning towards to work out if it actually is the right path for you, and it also just makes VCE more enjoyable.
7:33 - What are the prerequisites for the types of courses you might be interested in?
I give some tips to help you start working out what courses you might like, and then recommend you find out what the prerequisites are now to make sure you have them covered. I also want you to recognise that there’s often not a lot of subjects that you'll have to do to meet the entry requirements.
9:39 - What are the subject adjustments for the courses you’re interested in?
While the subjects you can get an adjustment for aren’t prerequisites, they give an indication of what might be covered in the course you’re looking at, and if you do well in them, you can get a boost to your selection rank to help you meet the ATAR requirement for the course.
13:08 - Don’t focus on scaling when choosing your VCE subjects.
Learn about how scaling actually works so that you can see that choosing subjects based on whether they scale up or down won’t really help you get a better ATAR.
17:22 - Let go of what VCE subjects you think you SHOULD do
Don’t choose a subject just because you think you should do it. Is it a subject that you might need later on? Is it related to what you are interested in? Great, then do it. If you don’t like it, and it’s only a prerequisite for the types of courses that you’re not interested in anyway, why make VCE harder than it needs to be?
Links mentioned: Discuss the podcast and get free career counselling advice here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vcecourseandcareerchat
VTAC CourseSearch: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
What we’re talking about: In this episode I have 3 guests - Tina is the senior educator of laboratory programs at Holmesglen, Janet is the lead lab manager at Holmesglen, and Parker has studied a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at Holmesglen and he also works with Janet there as a lab assistant. All three guests share fantastic information about what it means to work in a laboratory, the huge range of job opportunities available, and the different pathways you can take if you’re interested in becoming a laboratory assistant or technician.
Pathways to becoming a Laboratory Assistant and Laboratory Technician Tina shares some great information about the pathways available to becoming a lab assistant and/or technician, including the Certificate III in Laboratory Skills as a VET subject at school and the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques as an entry level course at TAFE. One of the benefits she mentions of completing the certificates is that you gain a qualification each step of the way, which is great for your resume, and also ensures that you have skills that employers are looking for and can readily see if you’ve completed these courses. Tina also mentions the Diploma of Laboratory Technology, which students can choose to do after they complete Certificate IV, and this is the equivalent of the first year of a university degree.
The role of a Laboratory Assistant Janet gives us an insight into what it’s like to work in the labs at Holmesglen, and the types of activities that she does in her role as the lead lab manager, as well as the day-to-day activities of the other members of her team. Parker works as a laboratory assistant at Holmesglen with Janet, and he also shares what his days look like and also some of the roles that his peers do now that they have completed the Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.
The benefits of studying at TAFE Parker is very open about his experiences at school and what led to him leaving school at the end of Year 11 despite being very interested in Science and learning. He contrasts his experience at school with TAFE, and how the environment and focus on hands-on learning was really suited to him. Parker also shares his approach to his career, emphasising the ability he has to use his learning and qualifications as building blocks along the way to access fantastic work opportunities within his field while he continues studying.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Monash Tech School:
https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
Certificate III in Laboratory Skills at Holmesglen:
https://holmesglen.edu.au/Courses/Certificate-III-in-Laboratory-Skills-VET-Delivered-to-Secondary-Students/
Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques at Holmesglen:
https://holmesglen.edu.au/Courses/Community-and-Health-Sciences/Pathology-and-Laboratory-Testing/Certificate-IV-in-Laboratory-Techniques/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Matt, who is an apprentice butcher completing a Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher) at William Angliss. He actually started (and successfully completed) a Bachelor of Biomedicine first, but when he found himself enjoying the work he was doing in his part-time job at the local butcher shop more than what he was studying, he made the decision to pursue becoming a butcher instead. Listen up to hear about Matt’s experience as an apprentice butcher, his incredible win at the World Butchers’ Challenge in the US, and his advice for anyone thinking of pursuing not only butchery but any trade.
From Biomedicine to Butchery Matt enjoyed Chemistry and Biology at school, and so he followed the logical choice of going to university and studying Biomedicine. He shares the parts of his Biomedicine degree that he enjoyed, why he made the choice to switch direction even though he was doing well at uni and didn’t hate what he was doing, and how he started his apprenticeship in Butchery.
What it’s like to be an Apprentice Butcher Matt shares what his work looks like and the types of tasks he does in his day-to-day work. He also talks about what he learns at William Angliss when he goes into trade school, and how it shows how much butchering has changed over time. Matt also shares his experience this year when he represented Australia at the World Butchers’ Challenge in the US. Not only did he win, but he learnt a lot about his prospects as a butcher not only in Australia but around the world.
Work Opportunities for Butchers (and Tradespeople in General) In this episode, we talk about how parents and students often see university as the safest pathway from school, however the reality is that people with trades are sought after and find it easy to find work. Matt shares that when he was overseas he found that this trend seems to be the case worldwide, meaning that having a trade can give you the opportunity to travel and work overseas as well. He also talks about how the butchery trade has changed over time, and how more and more women are joining the industry which is great for both representation and the trade in general.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Certificate III in Meat Processing (Retail Butcher): https://www.angliss.edu.au/courses/foods/meat-processing/Certificate-III-in-Meat-Processing-Retail-Butcher-Apprenticeship/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m speaking with two guests about their roles in the construction industry. The first is Jackson, the Managing Director of iBuild Building Solutions, and he shares about innovation within the industry and where he sees the future of construction in Australia. We also hear from Elizabeth who is about to complete a Master of Engineering from The University of Melbourne. Her current role at iBuild is as a technologist and she shares great information about her course and the type of work she does day-to-day.
Innovation in Construction Technologies Jackson explains that at iBuild they provide kit homes and modular buildings to residential, commercial and government clients. He shares the ways in which they use new technologies such as video immersion capabilities, virtual reality and augmented reality to better design before they build, as well as how offsite construction technologies reduces the environmental impact and improves safety. This gives us an insight into the future of construction in Australia.
Bachelor of Science/Master of Engineering at The University of Melbourne Elizabeth completed her secondary schooling in Darwin, and she explains how she went about researching and applying to interstate universities. She chose to study Engineering at The University of Melbourne through the Science/Engineering pathway, starting with a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master of Engineering. Elizabeth gives us an insight into the course and the opportunities she had to explore what a career in engineering would look like.
Civil Engineering Elizabeth initially wanted to pursue Architecture because she thought that it would allow her to combine her interests of design and maths, however when she did work experience at an architecture firm and asked about the types of maths they use, she was told not to worry - the engineers do that part! She immediately changed her focus to engineering, and in this conversation she explains really clearly what engineering is and what she does in her role at iBuild as she works towards becoming a civil engineer.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Monash Tech School: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
Bachelor of Science/Master of Engineering at The University of Melbourne: https://eng.unimelb.edu.au/students/preeng-it/science-pathway
iBuild Building Solutions: https://www.ibuild.com/
What we’re talking about: In this week’s episode my guest is Charlotte, and she is studying a Bachelor of Music (Performance) at The University of Melbourne. In this conversation, we discuss the various streams you can study within the Bachelor of Music and the subjects that Charlotte has completed, the opportunities within the course to get an understanding of what it’s like to work in the performance industry, and the advice that Charlotte has received throughout the course to help her navigate a career where the work may be not be as consistent and stable compared to other industries.
Bachelor of Music (Performance) at The University of Melbourne Charlotte explains that the Bachelor of Music has a range of specialisations including performance which is Charlotte’s major. She explains that as well as her voice classes, she’s also been able to study electives that include understanding the anatomy behind singing, and learning how to pronounce words correctly in different languages so that you can sing in those languages without needing to be fluent in them.
Links to Industry Within the Course Throughout the course, Charlotte shares that she has heard from a range of professional performers to help get an understanding of what it’s like to work in the industry. Most of her teachers have had their own successful career, and they each run different masterclasses to share their knowledge with students. The university also helps students stay up-to-date with audition opportunities and has created an environment where students are more likely to encourage and share with each other rather than compete for opportunities.
Careers in Music Performance Throughout this episode, we talk a lot about the fact that careers in performance are seen as less stable than other careers, and what students and graduates can do to help create opportunities for themselves. This can include things like actively including a back up plan as part of your study, understanding how you can use your degree in other ways, being aware of the work that is available and creating your own art to put your work out there.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Music (Performance) at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-music-performance/
You can also listen on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and Stitcher
What we’re talking about: In this episode I’m chatting with Mohit, and he completed a Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin University majoring in Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. He shares his experience of VCE after moving to Melbourne from Dubai in Year 10, gives great information about his course and the range of career opportunities there are in cyber security, and tells us about some of the tasks he does in his current role as a Graduate Cybersecurity Engineer at Thales.
Space Technologies This is another episode in the series I’m doing with Monash Tech School focusing on the Victorian Priority Sectors, and one of the sectors is Space Technologies. When we think of space we often go straight to thinking about space travel, but there are a whole range of careers in this area including advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science and cybersecurity, and Thales (where my guest, Mohit, works) is one of the major global companies working in the space technologies industry. Mohit shares in this episode what it’s like to work at Thales, and if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this industry I suggest you take a look at their website (link below).
Choice in VCE Mohit moved to Melbourne from Dubai during Year 10, and so when he was choosing his VCE subjects, he was surprised at the range of choice he had in terms of which subjects he could choose. He had earlier worked in different education systems where his teachers would have chosen his pathway for him based on his ability in maths and science in particular, so he loved the fact that in Year 10 he could try different subjects like Legal Studies and decide whether or not he wanted to pursue that path for himself.
Studying and Working in Cyber Security Initially, Mohit started a Bachelor of Marine and Offshore Engineering in Tasmania, but he moved back to Melbourne when he didn’t really enjoy it, he moved back to Melbourne and started investigating other courses. At a Deakin information session, he found out that if he studied Cyber Security he could learn how to hack ethically, and as he’d recently been a victim of a phishing scam, this really interested him. Mohit completed the Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin University with a major in Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. He gives us an insight into his course including the 2 internships he completed, the broad range of careers you can pursue within cyber security, and the types of things he’s doing now as a Graduate Cybersecurity Engineer at Thales.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Monash Tech School: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-cyber-security
Thales: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries/asia-pacific/australia
You can also listen on: Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and Stitcher
What we’re talking about: In this episode I’m chatting with Mohit, and he completed a Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin University majoring in Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. He shares his experience of VCE after moving to Melbourne from Dubai in Year 10, gives great information about his course and the range of career opportunities there are in cyber security, and tells us about some of the tasks he does in his current role as a Graduate Cybersecurity Engineer at Thales.
Space Technologies This is another episode in the series I’m doing with Monash Tech School focusing on the Victorian Priority Sectors, and one of the sectors is Space Technologies. When we think of space we often go straight to thinking about space travel, but there are a whole range of careers in this area including advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science and cybersecurity, and Thales (where my guest, Mohit, works) is one of the major global companies working in the space technologies industry. Mohit shares in this episode what it’s like to work at Thales, and if you’re interested in pursuing a career in this industry I suggest you take a look at their website (link below).
Choice in VCE Mohit moved to Melbourne from Dubai during Year 10, and so when he was choosing his VCE subjects, he was surprised at the range of choice he had in terms of which subjects he could choose. He had earlier worked in different education systems where his teachers would have chosen his pathway for him based on his ability in maths and science in particular, so he loved the fact that in Year 10 he could try different subjects like Legal Studies and decide whether or not he wanted to pursue that path for himself.
Studying and Working in Cyber Security Initially, Mohit started a Bachelor of Marine and Offshore Engineering in Tasmania, but he moved back to Melbourne when he didn’t really enjoy it, he moved back to Melbourne and started investigating other courses. At a Deakin information session, he found out that if he studied Cyber Security he could learn how to hack ethically, and as he’d recently been a victim of a phishing scam, this really interested him. Mohit completed the Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin University with a major in Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. He gives us an insight into his course including the 2 internships he completed, the broad range of careers you can pursue within cyber security, and the types of things he’s doing now as a Graduate Cybersecurity Engineer at Thales.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Monash Tech School: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-cyber-security
Thales: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/countries/asia-pacific/australia
What we’re talking about: In this episode you’ll hear from two guests: Paris is the managing director of McCormick Foods, and Yeliz is a sensory and consumer scientist at McCormick Foods. Paris shares his insights about the food industry, and then I interview Yeliz about her pathway from school through the Bachelor of Health Sciences at Deakin University into her roles in food science.
Food and Fibre Industry Paris explains what McCormick Foods does and how the focus at McCormick foods is on sustainability and ethical production. He explains just how big the industry is in Australia, and gives us an insight into what it’s like to work in the food industry. Lastly, he lists a huge range of careers that you can do within the food industry from manufacturing and engineering to marketing and finance to product development, being a chef and sensory testing and tasting.
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Food Studies and Nutrition Even as a small child, Yeliz had seen herself working as a scientist in a lab, and as she got older she discovered a passion for Chemistry and Physics. She chose to complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences at Deakin University majoring in Food Studies and Nutrition, and after completing an internship that focused more on Nutrition, she recognised that she really did prefer working in a lab, testing things and being more hands on. Yeliz shares great information about her course and the internship she completed.
Working as a Sensory and Consumer Scientist Yeliz shares her experiences in her career, where she started as a quality control officer and is now working as a sensory and consumer scientist at McCormick Foods. She explains what’s involved in both of these roles, and clearly describes what it’s like to support product development and training and working with consumers around sensory tastings.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Monash Tech School: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
McCormick Foods: https://www.mccormickcorporation.com/
Bachelor of Health Sciences at Deakin: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-health-sciences
What we’re talking about: Today on Course and Career Chat I’m chatting with Linda, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA. Linda shares how she found her love of Circus by pursuing the subjects she had enjoyed at school like Drama and Music. She also gives us an insight into what her course is like, including what she’s studying, the types of circus arts you can major in and what she has chosen, and the ways that NICA prepares graduates for a career in circus both locally and internationally.
Choosing Subjects That You Like One of the things that made sense to Linda as a teenager was that if she chose HSC subjects that she liked, then she would end up in a career that she would like. I wholeheartedly agree with this advice, but that’s not necessarily a popular opinion, particularly when the subjects you like are more creative. We talk about why this might be the case, and Linda shares how she found a balance and chose pathways that allowed her to do more of what she liked, but also helped her parents and teachers feel comfortable about her future. After she finished school, Linda completed a Bachelor of Arts which allowed her to do further study in business, drama and music which she had enjoyed at school. During this course she first discovered circus through an extracurricular group.
Certificate IV in Circus Arts at NICA After Linda finished her degree, she had a decision to make. She was transitioning into full time at her corporate job where she had been working throughout her degree, and she was also really enjoying performing with the circus club she had joined and that’s where she first heard about the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). She decided to take a year away from her corporate job to move to Melbourne and complete the Certificate IV in Circus Arts. Linda explains what’s involved in this program, what she learnt and how to apply.
Bachelor of Circus Arts in NICA After completing her certificate, Linda decided to progress to the Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA. She gives us a great insight into the course, including what she has learnt, the types of circus arts she has chosen to major in and what else she could have chosen, and the performance opportunities she’s had throughout the course. Linda also explains how NICA is connected to the circus industry, and how graduates are able to pursue work locally and internationally once they’ve completed the course.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Disney International Internships: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships
Certificate IV in Circus Arts at NICA: https://www.nica.com.au/certificateIV
Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA: https://www.nica.com.au/bachelor
What we’re talking about: Today on Course and Career Chat I’m chatting with Linda, who is in her final year of a Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA. Linda shares how she found her love of Circus by pursuing the subjects she had enjoyed at school like Drama and Music. She also gives us an insight into what her course is like, including what she’s studying, the types of circus arts you can major in and what she has chosen, and the ways that NICA prepares graduates for a career in circus both locally and internationally.
Choosing Subjects That You Like One of the things that made sense to Linda as a teenager was that if she chose HSC subjects that she liked, then she would end up in a career that she would like. I wholeheartedly agree with this advice, but that’s not necessarily a popular opinion, particularly when the subjects you like are more creative. We talk about why this might be the case, and Linda shares how she found a balance and chose pathways that allowed her to do more of what she liked, but also helped her parents and teachers feel comfortable about her future. After she finished school, Linda completed a Bachelor of Arts which allowed her to do further study in business, drama and music which she had enjoyed at school. During this course she first discovered circus through an extracurricular group.
Certificate IV in Circus Arts at NICA After Linda finished her degree, she had a decision to make. She was transitioning into full time at her corporate job where she had been working throughout her degree, and she was also really enjoying performing with the circus club she had joined and that’s where she first heard about the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA). She decided to take a year away from her corporate job to move to Melbourne and complete the Certificate IV in Circus Arts. Linda explains what’s involved in this program, what she learnt and how to apply.
Bachelor of Circus Arts in NICA After completing her certificate, Linda decided to progress to the Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA. She gives us a great insight into the course, including what she has learnt, the types of circus arts she has chosen to major in and what else she could have chosen, and the performance opportunities she’s had throughout the course. Linda also explains how NICA is connected to the circus industry, and how graduates are able to pursue work locally and internationally once they’ve completed the course.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Disney International Internships: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/professional-internships
Certificate IV in Circus Arts at NICA: https://www.nica.com.au/certificateIV
Bachelor of Circus Arts at NICA: https://www.nica.com.au/bachelor
What we’re talking about: In this episode I’m chatting with Gordon about his pathway from school through university to an apprenticeship and career in baking. Gordon did the International Baccalaureate (IB) at school and went into a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne, but couldn’t see himself working as a scientist. He deferred and got a casual job packing orders at a wholesale bakery and fell in love with the environment, and when an apprentice position came up he took it up and went to trade school at Federation University to complete a Certificate III in Baking. He tells us about his career so far and the range of options you have for work as a baker.
Studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) At Gordon’s school he had the option to choose between completing VCE or the IB, and he gives a great explanation of the differences between the two, why students might choose to do the IB and why he specifically felt that the IB was right for him. He shares the subjects he did and how he chose them, and how it gave him a rounded education. He also describes how he took responsibility and turned things around towards the end of the year when he felt unprepared for and anxious about his exams.
Studying a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne Gordon explains that he always assumed he would study at university after he finished school, and although he wasn’t sure what he wanted to pursue as a career, he chose a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne. He enjoyed the learning in the course and studied a range of subjects including Computer Science, Psychology and Geography, but as he was reaching the end of his course, he couldn’t see himself working in these areas.
Completing a Certificate III in Baking at Federation University He deferred his uni course and took some time off to consider his options, and when he decided to find a new casual job, he ended up working in a wholesale bakery packing orders. He loved the environment of the bakery and the products they were making, and when an apprenticeship became available he was encouraged to try baking and he found a real passion for it. He completed a Certificate III in Baking at Federation University, and he gives a great insight into how this works.
Gordon’s career as a baker so far Gordon has had a range of experiences in his career so far, and he explains what he’s learnt and how he has progressed through different stages. He shares what his day-to-day work as a baker looks like, and how that has changed over time. Gordon is also consulting for other bakeries and he shares how he started doing that and why, and he also gives examples of other jobs that bakers can do within the industry, showing the range of experiences that a baker can have throughout their career.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Thank you to Monash Tech School for sponsoring this episode: https://www.monashtechschool.vic.edu.au/
Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-science/
Certificate III in Baking at Federation University: https://study.federation.edu.au/course/DLKR?_ga=2.19212216.1480333143.1655813434-143544218.1655813434
What we’re talking about: This week’s guest, Jack, is completing his Honours year in the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges at Monash University, and he has a major in Ecology and Conservation Biology and a minor in Zoology. For his Honours project, Jack is investigating the Zygomaturus, a giant extinct marsupial that lived over 30,000 years ago in Tasmania. He shares great information about the very unique course he’s doing, as well as the experiences he’s had throughout the course to explore what his career might look like and the fascinating work he’s doing now. For those of us who dreamt of being a palaeontologist as a child, his insights show us what a career in palaeontology actually looks like.
Collaboration in VCE In the beginning of this conversation, Jack and I discuss the competitive nature of VCE and he gives some great examples of how you can counter that and create more of a collegiate atmosphere at school (and in the process, get more out of it than if you’re just focusing on your ATAR).
Science Advanced - Global Challenges Monash introduced the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges a few years ago now, and it’s a very small cohort within the larger Bachelor of Science. Jack explains that in this course they focus on larger themes like leadership, business and connecting with industry, science communication, building your network and an exchange. Jack also shares what his internship looked like and how students were able to report back to the rest of the group, helping to build self confidence and communication skills.
What does a Palaeontologist do? Jack does a great job of giving us an insight into the world of palaeontology by explaining how his Honours project works. The project he’s doing is part of a collaboration between the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, the Evomorph lab at Monash, Melbourne Museum and the Queen Victoria Museum in Launceston, and Jack explains how he and the partner he’s working with are investigating the Zygomaturus using a range of really interesting methods and equipment. He explains how they will share their work with the scientific community at the end of the year, but also how the team will communicate their findings to the general public by planning and creating an exhibit at the museum.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Science Advanced - Global Challenges at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/science-advanced-global-challenges-s3001
What we’re talking about: This week on Course and Career Chat my guest is Oliver, and he recently graduated from a Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Victoria University and is currently studying a Master of International Relations at ANU in Canberra. In this interview, we focus on his experience of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice, including what he learned throughout the course and the areas where graduates can end up after graduation. We also discuss the ways that the course has prepared him for his current studies in International Relations, and take a look at what Oliver plans to do when he finishes his postgraduate studies.
Imposter syndrome at university Oliver shares that he loved school when he was younger, however he was much more focused on the extracurricular activities available than on the academic side of things. Despite this, he’s now studied at several universities and is currently doing a postgraduate degree. We discuss how he has achieved this and why it’s a great example for students who aren’t overly academically minded.
Bachelor of Criminal Justice After realising that teaching wasn’t for him, Oliver tried a few different courses before starting a Bachelor of Criminology and Justice in Perth. He transferred to the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at VU, and he gives us a great insight into what the course was like, what he studied, how it changed his perspective about people and society, and where graduates of the course can end up working.
Master of International Relations After completing his degree, Oliver decided to continue studying and is currently completing a Master of International Relations at ANU. He shares how his understanding of criminology and criminal justice has supported his learning so far, and how he hopes to use both in his future career as a diplomat.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-criminal-justice-abcj
Master of International Relations at ANU: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/mintr
What we’re talking about: My guest this week is Tiana, and she recently graduated from a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University majoring in Anthropology and Human Rights. We discuss so much in this episode, including great information about how to network as a uni student, what it’s like to study anthropology and human rights, and the types of work that Tiana and her fellow graduates are pursuing.
Moving from regional Victoria to Melbourne Tiana shares that she was the first in her family to finish high school and go to uni, and she’s grateful that her parents were really supportive of her and encouraged her to pursue whatever she wanted. This gave her the freedom to try out different VCE subjects so that she could explore her interests, and when it came time to apply for uni she chose based on the location of Monash as well as the range of courses offered there.
Networking as a uni student Tiana shares really valuable information about how she used LinkedIn to network while she was at uni. She describes it as a “landing page for her career” and explains exactly how she used it to find out about volunteer and work experience opportunities in her field. This allowed her to gain experience, learn more about what she wanted to do, and have insightful conversations with mentors working in her field, helping her learn more about how their careers had progressed.
Anthropology and Human Rights Tiana explains what anthropology is and we explore how it’s related to the types of subjects that she was interested in throughout VCE. She shares a lot about the types of work experience she completed as a uni student, as well as explaining what her day-to-day work looks like working in mental health policy with the Department of Education, and what other graduates are doing now in their careers.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Arts at Monash University: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/arts-a2000
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Declan, and he has recently graduated with a Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sports Practice) at Victoria University. In this interview, Declan shares great information about his course and the opportunities he had to explore exercise science and sport while he was studying, and also the next steps that he and his peers are taking in their careers.
Exercise Science (Sports Practice) at VU Declan was always interested in sport, and once he accepted that he wasn’t going to be able to pursue a career as a professional sportsperson, he started to investigate other ways he could work in sport. He shares great information about what his course was like, including the facilities available at Victoria University that allows students to explore the way exercise impacts the human body in a range of different conditions. Declan also discusses the clinical practice he did throughout the course, and his involvement in the Sons of the West program which is a collaboration between VU and the Western Bulldogs.
Where Exercise Science Can Take You Declan explains that the course he did can lead to careers in professional sports programs as well as general health and physical activity within the community. He is about start further study to become a PE teacher where he will be able to use his understanding of exercise and health with his students, and he also shares how others he studied with will pursue careers in osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractics, private practice, sports business/management and high performance coaching.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Exercise Science (Sports Practice) at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-exercise-science-sport-practice-abhd
What we’re talking about: I love speaking to guests who are doing very specific courses, and this week my guest is Naomi who has recently graduated from a Bachelor of Applied Business (Fashion Marketing) at Collarts. In this interview she shares her experience of studying at Collarts, the types of things she studied throughout her course, and the opportunities she had to explore what her career might look like within the course. She also gives us an insight into the work she is doing now working as an e-commerce assistant within the industry.
Fashion Marketing at Collarts Naomi initially studied Nursing very briefly, before taking a break from study to work out what she really wanted to pursue. With a love of fashion and an interest in marketing, when she found this course at Collarts it felt like it was perfect for her. Naomi shares how fashion and marketing are woven together throughout the course, giving students the understanding of the industry and the skills in marketing they need. She also explains how students can find out more about the range of opportunities available to them once they graduate.
Working in the Fashion Industry Naomi is working at a smaller womenswear company, and she gives us details about the huge range of experiences she’s had and the types of work she does in her role. This has allowed her to gain a heap of experience and a great understanding of the sorts of things she enjoys doing.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Applied Business (Fashion Marketing) at Collarts: https://www.collarts.edu.au/fashion-marketing
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Marc, and he is the course chair for two courses at Victoria University - the Bachelor of Screen Media and the Bachelor of Animation and Visual Effects. Marc shares his experiences of high school, applying for media courses and his early career, and then he gives us a great insight into what it’s like to study these courses at VU.
Applying for courses Marc shares his story of applying for uni courses and preparing his portfolio, and he had a few hiccups along the way! Through sharing his experience, he gives some great tips for students who are preparing their own portfolios to help them know what to expect, feel more confident and ready to approach their interview.
Studying at Victoria University If you’re thinking of studying screen media and animation or visual effects, then you want to hear Marc explain how it all works at VU. He talks about the way that the industry connections work and are mutually beneficial for the uni and the industry, describes the facilities and environment that you will be learning in, and shares how the block model works to facilitate your learning throughout the course.
Are you the right fit for these courses? Marc shares great insights into the types of students that will really thrive in courses like his. If you’re passionate and excited about creating content for screen, listening to Marc will help you decide which of these courses would suit you best.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Animation and Visual Effects at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-animation-and-visual-effects-abav
Bachelor of Screen Media at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-screen-media-absn
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Tayla, and she completed a Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University in South Australia, and then a Bachelor of Paramedicine at Victoria University. In this conversation, Tayla shares great information about both of these courses and the reasons behind her decision to study these subject areas, and she also gives us an insight into what it’s like to be a paramedic, including the skills that are necessary to be really great at the job.
Medical Science at Flinders University Growing up, Tayla had wanted to be a lawyer until a school project piqued her interest in Science. She first studied Medical Science at Flinders University with the intention of going on to study Medicine. She shares her experience of the course and how she went about applying for Medicine after she completed the course.
Paramedicine at Victoria University Once Tayla decided not to pursue Medicine, she was looking at different options and discovered paramedicine. She explains what the course is like and gives a great comparison between what it’s like to study under the block model at Victoria University as opposed to the more traditional model used at universities, and she also shares what she learnt during the course and how she was able to get a sense of what it would be like to be a paramedic. She also shares how the course helped her prepare for applying for work so that she could feel confident approaching applications and interviews.
What it’s like to be a paramedic Tayla has started to work as a paramedic while she’s still a student as part of the state’s pandemic response. She explains what her day-to-day work is like, and she also discusses the skills that she has realised are a key part of being a successful paramedic.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Tayla’s courses
Bachelor of Medical Science at Flinders University: https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/courses/bachelor-medical-science
Bachelor of Paramedicine at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-paramedicine-hbpd
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Mark, and he is about to complete a Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University. Osteopathy is closely related to chiropractics and physiotherapy, and Mark clearly explains the similarities and differences between them. He gives us an insight into his course and the opportunities he had to explore what a career in osteopathy would look like. Mark also shares where he wants to take his osteopathy degree once he graduates in a few months.
Osteopathy vs Physiotherapy vs Chiropractics These three areas of allied health have a similar focus and the work the practitioners do has some overlap, but they work from different philosophies about how the body works. Mark does a great job of explaining how they are linked and how they are different so that students can make a choice about which one aligns best with their beliefs.
Osteopathy at Victoria University Osteopathy is only offered at a few places in Victoria, and Mark discusses some of the key features of the course at Victoria University. He particularly shares his experience of the block model, where students focus on one subject at a time instead of completing four subjects concurrently each semester. He also discusses the opportunities he had to practise his skills in osteopathy at the clinic the uni has in the city, as well as at a clinic the uni partners with in regional areas where students get to serve communities and gain a greater range of experience.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Mark’s courses:
Bachelor of Science (Osteopathy)/Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) at Victoria University: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-science-osteopathy-master-of-health-science-osteopathy-hcop
Bachelor of Arts at Monash University: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/arts-a2000
What we’re talking about: My guest this week, Sophie, has a different pathway to a lot of the guests I’ve had on the podcast so far. After things didn’t go quite to plan after she finished Year 12, she saw an ad for a traineeship working in a primary school. She shares great information about what a traineeship is, how it all works, and how it has helped her decide where to go next in her career.
How do traineeships work? Sophie explains how she found out about her traineeship and how she applied and got accepted. She explains how she was able to manage getting her Certificate III in Education Support while working full time at the primary school she was at, and the types of things she learnt through her qualification and the experiences she had at her workplace. Traineeships are offered in a range of different areas (see the link below for more information).
Working in Education Support In her role at her school, Sophie provided education support in classrooms throughout the school. She outlines the type of work she’s been doing in the school and what it’s like to be an education support worker in schools. Sophie also shares how the experience she’s gained and the conversations she’s been able to have with others working in schools has led her to pursue teaching as a career.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Traineeships through AFL Sportsready: https://aflsportsready.com.au/traineeships/
What we’re talking about: My guest this week is Myf, and she completed a Bachelor of Arts/Science at Monash followed by a Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne.
Double Degrees Help You Explore More Options In high school, Myf studied mostly Maths and Science subjects, and when she finished school she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do in her career. Because of that, she chose to do a double degree in Arts and Science, which allowed her to explore a huge range of options before deciding on her majors (Chemistry, Biology and Linguistics). We discuss the benefit of double degrees and why we both think they’re a great option for students who aren’t quite sure what they want to pursue yet.
English Language and Linguistics Myf did the VCE subject English Language at school, and loved it because of the way it allowed her to unpack how language works. Later when she was at uni, she continued to explore this area of language by majoring in Linguistics in her Arts degree. During one of the lectures, they discussed the careers you could pursue with a Linguistics major, and her interest in speech pathology was born. Myf explains what linguistics is and what she studied at uni.
What is Speech Pathology? After Myf finished her double degree, she chose to do a Masters of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne. She explains the difference between her experiences in her Bachelor degrees and her Masters, and outlines the placements she did as part of her Masters that gave her an insight into the different settings where speech pathologists work. She explains what speech pathologists do, and explains what she does in her day-to-day work as a speech pathologist in schools.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Check out career planning digital resources here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Bachelor of Arts/Science at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/science-and-arts-s2006
Master of Speech Pathology at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-speech-pathology/
What we’re talking about: My guest today, Jac, has a wealth of experience in a whole range of courses and experiences related to further study. We discuss the courses she’s studied, but also talk a lot about her decision making behind choosing these courses and what she suggests you should think about before making your own decision. We look at non-traditional ways to make uni life work for you, and how you can use what you’ve already done to help you really enjoy your uni experience.
DENTISTRY After completing work experience with her local dentist in Year 10 and really enjoying it, Jac initially studied Dentistry at La Trobe University in Bendigo. She gives us great information about how the course works, what she enjoyed about it, what she found difficult, and why she decided not to finish the course. Jac also moved out of home to study and gives us an insight into what it’s like to live on campus.
PATHOLOGY After taking a break from study and deciding not to return to Dentistry, Jac went to TAFE to study Pathology so that she could work in that area instead of retail or hospitality while she completed her Law degree. She shares her experience with TAFE and working in pathology, and explains why she chose to take this path.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW Jac went back to study and chose to do Science/Law at Monash University. She took her time in deciding what to pursue, and gives great advice about how to make an informed decision when you’re not 100% sure which pathway to take. She also gives us an insight into her work as an intellectual property lawyer, explaining what they do and what it’s like.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
For resources to support your career planning: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/resources
Some of the courses that Jac studied have changed slightly since she was there. Here are similar courses at the same institutions for you to look at:
Bachelor of Dental Science at La Trobe - https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-dental-science-honours
Certificate III in Pathology Collection at Holmesglen - https://holmesglen.edu.au/Courses/Community-and-Health-Sciences/Pathology-and-Laboratory-Testing/Certificate-III-in-Pathology-Collection/
Bachelor of Laws/Science at Monash - https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/laws-and-science-l3007
What we’re talking about: It’s the last episode of Course and Career Chat for 2021! I’ve loved bringing these conversations to you this year and I hope that it’s given you some clarity around what you want to do when you finish school. Today I’m sharing the key themes I’ve taken from the podcast so far.
People are willing to share with you To bring you episodes about different courses and careers, I’ve had to reach out to people I’ve never met before to ask them to be a guest on the podcast, and I’ve found that overwhelmingly people want to help and are happy to share their experiences with you. So if there’s something you want to know about, why not ask? Talk to people doing the courses and careers you’re interested in to get the information you need to make an informed decision.
There are lots of ways to do well in VCE I always ask my guests about their experiences throughout VCE and if they have any tips for current students. Every guest and given slightly different advice, and by listening to the episodes, you can pick and choose the tips that you think will work best for you.
The idea that no one knows what they want to do when they’re in Year 12 is false. I’ve definitely fallen into the trap of wondering if it’s just impossible for anyone to know what they want to do when they’re 18 years old and confidently choose a career path. What I’ve discovered through interviewing guests, is that while it might be the norm that students don’t know what they want to do, it has more to do with them not having the opportunity or spending the time really thinking about what they want than not knowing. When guests have either had a great careers program at school and effectively engaged with it or have spent the time outside of school doing this work, they step forward with much more confidence into something they really enjoy and either follow this through or make a slight change rather than a really dramatic one.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Grab 25 Ways to Explore Careers here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
Like and Follow Roadmap Education:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roadmapeducation/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadmap_ed/
Send me an email to let me know what you’d like to hear about in 2022: kim@roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: Today my guest is Lydia, and she has just completed a Bachelor of Design majoring in Architecture at The University of Melbourne. In this episode we talk about how important it is to get the information you need so that you can make really good decisions about what you want to do next after you finish school, looking into courses to make sure that you’ll be able to study the things you like, and the experiences that Lydia has had so far to give her a taste of what a career in architecture might look like.
Finding out more to make an informed decision Lydia tells us about the conversations that she had leading up to when she had to make a decision about what course and career she should pursue. She had a few interests and took the opportunity to speak to people who were in these roles so that she had a really clear idea about what they did and how they spent their time, making it much easier to make an informed decision.
Choosing a course that suits your needs Because Lydia had a broad range of interests, she looked at courses all over Australia and found one that allowed her to continue to do some study in areas outside of architecture that she enjoyed. She also recognised that doing these subjects would round out her knowledge and allow her to apply it to her study of design. With this in mind, the Bachelor of Design at The University of Melbourne suited Lydia and allowed her to explore more of the things she wanted to study.
What a career in architecture can look like Lydia has had two placements in very different aspects of architecture and she explains what those experiences were like and how they helped her get a really good understanding of how she can apply what she’s learning at uni to her career.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Grab 25 Ways to Explore Careers here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
Lydia’s course, the Bachelor of Design at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-design/
Architecture major at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/major/architecture/
What we’re talking about: Today my guest is Patrick, who has completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne followed by an Honours year in Psychology at the University of Canberra. In this episode, he shares how he chose his subjects for VCE when he didn’t have a clear career path in my mind, experience in Biomedicine before transferring to Arts, completing his Honours thesis interstate and the pathways he can choose from as he begins his career in Psychology.
CHOOSING PSYCHOLOGY IN VCE Patrick nearly didn’t study Psychology in VCE. By completing a couple of Unit 3 and 4 subjects before he was in Year 12 and choosing the rest of his subjects based on prerequisites for the types of courses he was thinking of at the time, he already had 6 VCE subjects and therefore didn’t need a 7th. When he needed to choose a subject just for the orientation period at the end of Year 11, he chose Psychology and when he enjoyed it he decided to keep it for Year 12, which is lucky given that the experience gave him the incentive to study Psychology at uni later on.
ARTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE After starting a Bachelor of Biomedicine and not enjoying it, Patrick decided to follow his interests in Psychology, Journalism, Creative Writing and Radio and transferred into a Bachelor of Arts. We discuss his experiences in the course, the stigma around Arts degrees and the range of careers you can pursue with a Bachelor of Arts.
PURSUING PSYCHOLOGY After finishing his Arts degree and majoring in Psychology, Patrick wanted to pursue his Honours year in Psychology and applied all over the country before being accepted at the University of Canberra. He gives us a great insight into what Honours in Psychology looks like, what he plans to do now he’s finished, the opportunities to get some experience as a student, and the range of areas you can work in after completing it.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Patrick’s course, the Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-arts/
Honours in Psychology at The University of Canberra: https://www.canberra.edu.au/course/769AA/3/2021
Grab 25 Ways to Explore Careers here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Amanda, and she completed a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University. Amanda shares great information in this episode about what Occupational Therapy is, how it differs from Physiotherapy and other similar fields, how she learnt more about it before she chose to pursue it, and all the settings where an Occupational Therapist can work.
Finding out about Occupational Therapy Amanda started to hear about Occupational Therapy through her cousin, who was studying OT at the time, and then by talking to an Occupational Therapist she met through her work experience placement. Through conversations with these people, she learnt what Occupational Therapy was and felt confident and excited applying for the course.
What is Occupational Therapy? Amanda gives a really clear explanation of what Occupational Therapy actually is and how it differs from similar fields such as Physiotherapy and Osteopathy.
What sort of work does an Occupational Therapist do? Amanda has started her career and has already had experience in a few different settings. She describes the type of work she’s done so far, and gives us an insight into some of the other places that Occupational Therapists work, as well as the different people that they work with and the types of tasks and activities they focus on.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Amanda’s course, the Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/occupational-therapy-m3001
Grab 25 Ways to Explore Careers here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Lauren, and she is the Associate Head of School Teaching and Learning at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin University. She shares such great insights into nursing in this episode as she discusses her career as a nurse as well as the courses offered at Deakin and why they have such a great reputation.
How Lauren became a nurse Lauren grew up on a farm in rural Victoria and was initially interested in studying Sport at uni, but when she and her family went to the Nursing session at the Deakin Open Day while they were waiting for the session on Sport, she was much more interested in what they had to say than she thought she’d be. She added Nursing at Deakin to her preference list and ended up getting into the course, and she’s never looked back. Lauren shares her experiences throughout her career as a nurse which is a great insight into the range of roles a nurse can take.
Mentoring and teaching After a number of years as a nurse, Lauren realised she enjoyed mentoring the young nurses as they started their career and decided that she would do some further study so that she could pursue teaching. While she soon recognised that teaching in secondary school wasn’t for her, a position as a lecturer at Deakin came up and Lauren was able to combine her love of teaching and nursing in this role. She gives us an insight into her career trajectory throughout her time at Deakin.
Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin Lauren discusses nursing in general including details about flexibility within the profession, income and the range of roles you can pursue as a nurse. She also gives us an insight into how Deakin has been able to maintain an excellent reputation here and overseas in the nursing field. Lastly, she goes into detail about the courses available at Deakin, the opportunities available within the courses to gain some experience and explore what your career might look like, and how you might know that it’s the right career for you.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Nursing and Midwifery at Deakin: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/find-a-course/nursing-and-midwifery
Grab 25 Ways to Explore Careers here: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/explore
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Marni, and she’s completing a double degree in Science and Global Studies at Monash, majoring in Environmental Science and International Relations. As well as discussing her course and what she’s been studying, we talk a lot about the amazing range of experiences that Marni has had throughout high school and at uni, and how each one has helped her learn more about herself and what she wants to achieve.
How curiosity can lead you to great opportunities Marni has always been a curious person, even as a small child. This played out in the experiences she had at school as she chose to explore different subjects and opportunities. We discuss how being curious at school can help you do really well in subjects that you’re interested in and discover things you want to study further instead of just ticking the boxes of what your teachers want you to do to get a good mark on an assignment. Throughout high school and at uni, Marni has had a huge range of fantastic experiences such as travelling overseas for different programs, Model UN, and holding various roles in the Monash Student Association.
Science and Global Studies at Monash When looking at courses in Year 12, Marni had two strong interests - Science (particularly Biology), and International Relations. She had dreams of helping the world combat climate change and was looking at courses in one or the other area, until she found a double degree where she could combine both her passions. Marni gives us an insight into Science and Global Studies at Monash including what she’s been studying and how the course works, as well as the opportunities she’s had to explore what her future career could look like. She also explains how Monash’s Global Immersion Guarantee works.
Monash Student Association Marni has held various roles in MSA throughout her time at uni, and she explains that the role of the MSA is to make sure that student life is as good as it can be, including facilitating clubs, activities and ways to make sure that all students are included and feel safe and accepted at uni. Not only is the work rewarding and has a real impact on learning at Monash, it also gives members great opportunities to challenge themselves and grow as leaders and change makers.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Marni’s course, Science and Global Studies at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/science-and-global-studies-s2003
Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee: https://www.monash.edu/arts/learning-abroad/global-immersion-guarantee
Monash Student Association: https://msa.monash.edu/
What we’re talking about: My guest this week, Carly, is currently completing a Bachelor of Business (Professional) at Swinburne. She shares her experience with the course and in particular her professional year, which is a 12 month internship that she’s undertaken as part of the course.
How to decide if Business is for you Business and Commerce are very popular courses, even though it can be difficult to get an understanding of what it is while you’re in high school. While there are VCE subjects like Accounting, Economics and Business Management, they aren’t prerequisites for uni courses and lots of students pursue Business or Commerce without having studied them. Carly talks about how her parents noticed that she was interested in business and would make comments about different businesses from a young age. She also had some business experience at the age of 13 or 14 when she started a small business with a friend. It was interesting to hear how she made links between her different interests to work out what to pursue once she finished school. We also discuss the similarities and differences between Business and Commerce degrees.
Professional and Applied Courses At Swinburne, you can choose to complete a Bachelor of Business or a Bachelor of Business (Professional), which includes a 12 month internship in the third year of the course. Carly loved the idea of being able to get real experience as part of the course and understood that this would be a point of difference later on when she would be applying for graduate positions. She gives us a great insight into what her professional year has been like, including finding placements, the application process, the type of work she’s been doing, and the support she’s received from Swinburne and her workplace coordinator throughout the year.
Business at Swinburne Carly talks about some of the subjects that she’s done at uni, particularly related to Marketing and Human Resources which are her two main areas of interest. She makes links between what she studied in VCE and what she’s doing now, and outlines the systems that Swinburne puts in place to support students with understanding the coursework.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Carly’s course, the Bachelor of Business (Professional) at Swinburne: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/bachelor-of-business-professional/
What we’re talking about: Today on Course and Career Chat my guest is the Head of the Photography Department at Collarts. Rikki is here to share his career story from high school to teaching photography at various tertiary institutions, and he also gives us so much information about the brand new Bachelor of Photography. He shares everything you need to know about the course including what you’ll learn, how the course is delivered, and the unique opportunities available when you study at Collarts.
Becoming a photographer Despite loving Art in high school, Rikki didn’t go straight into studying photography after he finished school. He went travelling with his girlfriend and working, and when Rikki took her to an interview at a university, he saw a pamphlet for the photography course and thought nothing of it. A few days later he had a moment of realisation in the Queensland desert, quit his job, enrolled in the course and never looked back. What followed was a successful and varied career in photography that eventually led to an opportunity to teach photography at university.
New Bachelor of Photography course at Collarts The first intake of students has just started in the new Diploma and Bachelor of Photography. Rikki explains how the course works from a practical sense including the structure of the course, how it’s delivered and what subjects you’ll study. He also gives an insight into what types of photography you can specialise in and how the course is specifically set up to help students not only know how to be a great photographer, but also gets them ready with the experience and portfolio necessary to get work and start their career.
Why Collarts? Rikki gives us an insight into what it’s like to work and study at Collarts. He explains how being around like-minded creatives can be fun and build a feeling of connectedness, but also allows for unique opportunities for students to work on projects with students in other courses, adding to the experience and giving students an edge when they’re starting their careers.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Photography at Collarts: https://www.collarts.edu.au/photography
What we’re talking about: My guest today on Course and Career Chat is Laura, and she is currently completing a Bachelor of Forensic Science majoring in Crime Scene Investigation at the University of Technology in Sydney (UTS). She shares how her interest in forensic science has developed over time, and how she explored her interests through various similar courses before focusing on this one. She also discusses the ways she’s been able to get a sense of what a career in forensic science could look like.
Being interested in “morbid” topics From an early age, Laura remembers being interested in death, the human body and the darker side of humanity, and she noticed in particular other people’s discomfort when she brought it up. She also discusses the impact of tv shows like CSI and Bones on the profession, and shares a lot about the things that interest her about forensic science.
Criminology, Psychology, Mortuary Practice, Forensic Science Laura has tried out a few different degrees on the way to where she is now. She started with a double degree in Criminology and Psychological Science at Deakin, but she recognised that she really wanted to find out more about how cases were handled after a crime was committed rather than looking at preventing crime. She then went to Sydney and started a Bachelor of Medical Science majoring in Mortuary Practice at Western Sydney University before moving to UTS to study Forensic Science. She had a range of experiences along the way in each of these areas and shares what she’s learnt.
Studying forensic science Laura talks about the types of subjects you do in a forensic science degree, as well as the opportunities she’s had to listen to experts in the field. She shares what she learnt, and how students can get some hands on experience in the area when security around this type of work is so important. She also mentions cases she’s particularly interested in and where things can go wrong in a case.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Laura’s current course: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/find-a-course/bachelor-forensic-science
Previous courses:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-criminology-bachelor-psychological-science
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-medical-science-forensic-mortuary-practice
What we’re talking about: Today on Course and Career Chat I’m chatting with Jacinta, who completed a Bachelor of Interior Design at Collarts. She was initially planning to study overseas, but after things didn’t go to plan, she reflected on what she enjoyed doing and realised that she actually wanted to study interior design instead. She felt great about Collarts as soon as she was interviewed and received a conditional offer before results were released. Jacinta gives us great insights into what her course was like and also what she’s been doing in her career so far.
Pursuing Basketball Scholarships in the US Jacinta shares that she was on track to apply for scholarships to US colleges to pursue playing basketball. She was given the advice to do maths and science in VCE to ensure she would have the GPA to be accepted, even though she really enjoyed Studio Arts and Media. Jacinta was working with a company and creating a portfolio to show her skills when she got injured during a game, making her question whether this was the pathway she really wanted to go down anyway.
Interior Design at Collarts Jacinta explains the process of applying to Collarts, including creating a portfolio during VCE and what the interview process looks like. She felt welcome right away and loved her course, and Jacinta goes into detail about what she studied, the structure of the course, and all of the opportunities she had throughout her course to get an idea of what a career in interior design would look like, including amazing optional experiences and a compulsory placement at the end.
Careers in Interior Design Jacinta highlights the fact that at 20 years old she’s already qualified and has a full time job doing something she loves due to the structure of the course (6 trimesters over 2 years). She goes into detail about the types of things she works on day-to-day as an interior designer. She also runs her own business (link below) creating prints on acrylic. Jacinta also shares that a friend who completed the course with her now works on the business side, using her knowledge of interior design and her business skills to promote and grow interior design businesses.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Jacinta’s course: https://www.collarts.edu.au/interior-design/bachelor-degree-diploma
Jacinta Ashby Designs: https://www.instagram.com/jacintaashbydesigns/
What we’re talking about: Today on the podcast I have two guests - Ella is studying Arts/Law at Monash University and Hannah is studying PPE/Law at ANU. In this episode there’s a theme around studying things you enjoy, both in VCE and beyond. Ella and Hannah give great insights into their courses, and we also discuss scholarships, moving interstate, and making difficult decisions when your first preference is just out of reach. We also talk about their amazing podcast, which is a must-listen for all VCE English and Literature students.
Enjoying VCE Both Ella and Hannah were high achievers who loved English and Humanities subjects at school and consciously chose subjects in VCE that they enjoyed and played to their strengths. On top of that, they also continued to pursue activities that were offered at their school and take part in the social aspect of school as well. We discuss the idea of making VCE work for you instead of making it unnecessarily hard for yourself.
Making informed decisions about tertiary courses Hannah knew early on that she wanted to study at ANU after speaking to her sister’s friends about it. She applied and received a provisional offer to study PPE/Law around the middle of Year 12, and then navigated moving interstate and applying for and receiving a scholarship to cover the cost of living at a residential college. Ella knew she wanted to study Law and, after doing a lot of research, decided she wanted to study at Monash. When her ATAR wasn’t quite high enough to get into her first preference, she made the choice to study Arts at Monash and transfer into Law rather than going straight into Law somewhere else. We talk about their courses and what they’ve been studying in their degrees so far, and what their careers might look like in the future.
Sharing their love of English and Literature Ella and Hannah started their podcast, So Little Time: the lit-lover’s guide to VCE, during lockdown in 2020. Each episode concentrates on a VCE text, and it’s so easy to listen to because it’s two friends chatting about books, but it’s also well-researched and includes guests that provide extra tips for VCE students. Definitely a must-listen and an easy way to immerse yourself in the texts you’re studying.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Ella’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/laws-and-arts-l3003
Hannah’s course: https://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/program/bppe-allb
Follow Ella and Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solittletime.podcast/?hl=en
Listen to So Little Time podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/so-little-time-the-lit-lovers-guide-to-vce-english/id1509520418
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Nitya and she shares her experiences about studying Radiography. Nitya gives some great insights into how VCE subjects relate to her course, and also what she’s been studying at university and where it could take her next.
How VCE subjects can relate to your course It’s easy to see what prerequisite subjects you need to do a course, but often there are other subjects that are not prerequisites but provide content that will be helpful as a foundation. Nitya talks about how Chemistry and Physics are really helpful when studying Radiography even though they weren’t prerequisites for her course.
Radiography Nitya talks about being interested in Radiography because of the thought of using exciting medical equipment as well as supporting patients and helping them. She explains that in the course students learn about a range of modalities including x-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, mammography and angiography, as well as studying anatomy, pathology and psychology. She also talks about what your career could look like when you’ve finished the course and further study options.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Nirmal, and he is finishing his degree in Commerce and Actuarial Science at Monash University. In this conversation we talk a lot about being ok with not knowing exactly where you’re going but using the information you’ve got to take the next best step in your career path. Nirmal explains how he used opportunities throughout school and after exams to explore his options and choose a pathway that felt right for him, as well as giving us an insight into his course and his first steps into his career.
Work from a place where it’s safe to fail Nirmal has some great advice that applies not only in high school but also throughout further study and into your career and life in general. If you can be yourself and also work from a place of feeling like it’s safe to fail, then your mindset changes from every SAC or exam or decision being super stressful to everything being a lesson and something you can learn from. This means that instead of beating yourself up when things don’t go as planned, you can just learn the lesson and work out how you can do things better next time.
Using your time after exams are over to rethink your career path Although he submitted a preference list in Term 3 of Year 12, once exams were over Nirmal really took his time to explore his options and work out what he actually wanted to do. He spoke to people he knew who were doing courses he’d been thinking about and went to a Change of Preference Expo to ask more questions, and this research helped him choose his next best step.
Pathways for students who love maths Nirmal comes from a family of engineers and, given that he liked maths, it made sense for him to have a lot of engineering courses in his preference list. Once he had time to think about it, he realised that he really didn’t enjoy applied maths like physics, and that led to him exploring other courses including Commerce and Actuarial Science. Nirmal explains more about his course and how maths is used in these areas, and what his work looks like as he finishes his course.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Nirmal’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/commerce-and-actuarial-science-b2030
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Kaysia who completed a Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science majoring in Formulation Science at Monash University. We discuss knowing the prerequisites you need for your course and using your vision for the future to motivate you, her course and the various career opportunities available, and how her course prepared her to secure her first job.
Completing prerequisite subjects in high school Kaysia talks about having to do Maths Methods when it wasn’t her strength because it was a prerequisite for the tertiary courses she wanted to do, and I share a similar story about English. We discuss some strategies you can use if you find yourself in a similar situation to get the results you need to pursue courses and careers you’re interested in.
Pharmaceutical Science Kaysia explains really clearly the difference between Pharmaceutical Science and Pharmacy, what Pharmaceutical Science actually is and how the majors you can choose from within the course correspond to the different steps in the drug development process. She majored in Formulation Science and explains how this involves formulating different products from paint to flavours, cosmetics and medication.
Employability Within the course at Monash, they have a week called Employability Week each year. Throughout this week, students learn how to write resumes that stand out, how to present yourself in an interview and what the industry is looking for when they’re hiring graduates. As part of the course, students also apply to different companies and practise these skills for their internship, and many students end up working at these companies after they graduate.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Kaysia’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/pharmaceutical-science-p2001
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Jo, who completed a Bachelor of Science and Arts at Monash University. While we do spend time discussing her course, the major themes in our discussion are more about how she followed her interests and took advantage of a range of opportunities that allowed her to explore all of these areas leading her to her current role at the Bureau of Meteorology.
Learning to be true to yourself This is a common theme throughout this conversation, and it’s a really important discussion to have. It’s easy to be led by the opinions of others as you make choices around subjects, courses and even how you spend your spare time. If you can tune into yourself, pay attention to what you love to do and what you want to achieve, you can take the pressure off and make the next best step forward for you at each stage. Jo shares how she struggled with this in Year 12 and how she got through it and ended up in a much better place mentally as she learnt to pursue her interests.
Other opportunities to explore at university Jo got involved in some different programs while she was at uni that had a profound effect on her both personally and in terms of her career. She was a mentor for Access Monash and loved giving back by mentoring high school students who hadn’t experienced the same privilege as she had to help them access tertiary study. She also did the Greensteps program and an internship with the sustainability department at Monash City Council to explore her interest in environment and sustainability that she wasn’t explicitly studying within her degree. She describes her experiences in these programs and how they were at least as informative and important to her as the courses she completed.
Meteorology After completing Science and Arts and majoring in Physics and French, Jo felt that a career involving environment and sustainability actually aligned more closely with her interests and values. She applied for lots of different roles before coming across the Graduate program at the Bureau of Meteorology and realised that it not only would allow her to explore these areas, it also required a background in Physics or Maths as a prerequisite which meant she was qualified for the role. Jo shares her experience in this program so far.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Bachelor of Science and Arts at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/science-and-arts-s2006
Graduate Diploma in Meteorology: https://learn.bom.gov.au/course/view.php?id=172
Access Monash: https://www.monash.edu/access
Monash University’s Greensteps program: https://www.monash.edu/msdi/study/extracurricular/greensteps
Jo also shared this resource with me after our interview, relating to the theme we discussed around being guided by values, not goals.
ACT Mindfully: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/free-stuff/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Shirlaine, who is a qualified teacher and the owner and founder of TSE Tuition. We talk about her journey from high school through the Bachelor of Arts and Education double degree at Monash, and the career decisions she made around secondary teaching, becoming an academic and starting her own tutoring business. She also discusses everything you need to know about what you can do to help yourself before engaging a tutor, as well as what you should look for in a tutor or tutoring service if you decide to follow that path.
Pursuing secondary English teaching Shirlaine always wanted to be a teacher because she liked writing essays, reading and analysing language and texts, and the only place she could see when she was younger to do that every day was to be a teacher. She did subjects she loved in Year 11 and then chose more strategically in Year 12 before doing a Bachelor of Arts/Education at Monash, and Shirlaine explains how this course works.
Pathways in Education During her course, Shirlaine discovered that she actually wanted to become an academic. She completed further study to pursue this but when funding was cut in the arts, she realised that a career as an academic didn’t align with how she wanted her life to look. At this stage she was qualified as a teacher but couldn’t see herself working in a school either. She had extensive experience as a tutor at the time and decided instead to create a third option for herself - starting her own tutoring business.
Do you need a tutor? Shirlaine gives some great advice about what you should ask yourself and what you can do to get the most out of your experience at school in the classroom before you start thinking about engaging a tutor. If you’ve exhausted these strategies and decide you would like to work with a tutor, she gives clear tips about what to expect and look for in a tutor or service provider to get the most out of it.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Shirlaine’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/education-and-arts-d3002
At TSE Tuition, Shirlaine and her team offer one-to-one tutoring for all secondary English subjects.
Website - https://tsetuition.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TSEtuition
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tse_tuition/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/TSEtuition
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Ria, and she is currently in the process of making a shift in her career from Pharmacy to Audiology. As well as talking about the courses you need to do to work in these areas and Ria’s career as a pharmacist, we also discuss the University Extension program that students can enrol in to extend their studies in high school, and the similarities between the two careers that Ria has noticed so far.
Pharmacy Ria studied the Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) at Monash University after doing work experience at a pharmacy in Year 10 and really enjoying Chemistry in VCE. She discusses the range of subjects and topics she did in the course, as well as the various placements that allowed her to explore what a career in pharmacy could look like. Ria really enjoyed her regional placement and the community feel of working in a rural community, and she has worked in a regional community as a pharmacist for 3 years. She details the work that she does and other tasks that pharmacists do.
Communication and working with people from all walks of life All the areas that Ria has been interested in (pharmacy, physiotherapy and audiology) require you to be able to communicate really clearly with other medical professionals and speak their language, and then also to be able to get this information across to patients or clients from all walks of life. This skill is so important and can make or break your career.
Audiology Ria is currently embarking on a career change and is studying a Master of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne. She shares great information about how to apply and the prerequisites you need, what you study in the course, the placement opportunities and what a career as an audiologist can look like.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Courses Ria mentions:
Pharmacy (Honours) at Monash: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/pharmacy-p3001?domestic=true
Pharmacy (Honours) double degree with Masters: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/pharmacy-p6001?domestic=true
Master of Clinical Audiology at The University of Melbourne: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-clinical-audiology/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Laura and she’s recently completed a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Monash University. She explains really clearly what VCE English Language looks like for those students considering it, as well as talking about how her course works, the work she’s doing now with her current qualification, and the various ways you can complete your studies to become a qualified psychologist.
How the Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) works Laura explains in detail how the course works, including the research component of the honours year and other opportunities to explore research in psychology, and the range of subjects you are exposed to within the course.
Working as a behaviour therapist After completing her course, Laura has been working as a behaviour therapist, helping students with ASD and ADHD develop school and social skills. This work is so rewarding and it’s worth noting that this is one pathway of many that you can follow before you become a fully qualified psychologist.
Further study to become a qualified psychologist To become a qualified psychologist, you need to complete a four year APAC accredited undergraduate course (like the course Laura has completed), plus a minimum 2 years study. Laura outlines three different ways you can do this and the reasons why you might choose to follow each pathway.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Where to get help from me: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop
Laura’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2022/psychology-m3005
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Rory about his course, the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research at Monash University. We discuss having to persevere with subjects that you’re not really interested in, exploring tertiary course options and comparing courses, and making career decisions that suit your life as a whole.
Having to do VCE subjects you’re not interested in After studying a Geology elective in Year 10, Rory really just wanted to do more subjects like that. He particularly wasn’t motivated to study English or Maths, and it took lots of conversations with teachers and adults in his life to understand that not only were these subjects prerequisites for tertiary courses he might be interested in, but the content would actually help him in his career.
Researching different tertiary courses When Rory was looking at courses to put on his VTAC preference list, it was important that he not only looked at Science degrees but also that he made sure that within the course he could major in Geology. He worked out he could do that at Monash, and he also saw that if he wanted to focus on research he could do the Bachelor of Science Advanced - Research as opposed to a regular Science degree. We discuss the difference between the two, as well as the benefit of considering double degrees.
Making career decisions Rory got his first job as a full time exploration geologist and really enjoyed the work as he started his career. However, he soon realised that being closer to family and friends was really important to him, so he explored options closer to home and is now working in a similar field as an environmental scientist, which he still really enjoys and allows for more balance in his life.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Rory’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/science-advanced-research-s3002
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Tina who is completing a Master of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University. We discuss how she experimented with different study strategies to work out what worked best for her in VCE, how she navigated not really knowing what she wanted to pursue, and how she wants to incorporate other interests into her career as a physiotherapist.
Structuring your study to suit you Tina recognised that what worked for her in VCE was to get to school early or stay late and get all her homework done at school instead of bringing it home. It felt difficult when her friends were doing things differently, but she stayed true to herself and worked out which strategies worked best for her. She also discusses how she experimented with different study plans for English and Specialist Maths in particular to find out whether changing her approach would improve her results.
Being unsure about what to study after VCE Tina wasn’t sure what she wanted to do and speaks about being reluctant to see her school careers counselor because she didn’t really know her, but she admits now that it was very helpful. She investigated further at the Open Day so she had some courses to put into her VTAC application when it opened, but she also knew that she could move courses around in her application later so wasn’t too concerned about it. Tina also applied for an early admissions program (Aspire) at La Trobe and she talks us through that process.
Physiotherapy and Yoga Tina is about to embark on placements to experience different settings that physiotherapists can work in. She also is really interested in yoga and is keen to train to be a yoga instructor and incorporate the philosophies of yoga into her work as a physiotherapist.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Episode 2 - Exercise Science and Physiotherapy: https://www.roadmapeducation,com/podcast/2
Tina’s course: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/master-of-physiotherapy-practice
La Trobe University’s Aspire Early Admissions Program: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire/about-aspire
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with India, who completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Politics followed by the Juris Doctor (postgraduate Law) at the University of Melbourne. India talks about her love of learning, her desire from an early age to be able to have more of a say in what she’d be studying and how she found that in her Arts degree. We also discuss the problems with comparison in VCE, and her experiences in studying Law and beginning her career in a corporate law firm.
Following a love of learning A theme that follows throughout the discussion is the idea that learning and being able to explore and choose her own direction within broader courses is something that India always knew she wanted to do. Even though she knew quite early on that she probably wanted to study law, the opportunity to explore a range of subjects within an Arts degree really appealed to her. Her Arts degree made it really easy for her to go on exchange for a semester in Washington DC during an election year, which was a dream come true for India given her interest in Politics.
Know yourself and don’t compare yourself to others India talks about how she often fell into the trap of looking at how much study everyone else was doing during VCE and wondering if she was doing enough. When she instead focused on what she knew worked for her, like taking mental breaks, casual work, getting at least 8 hours of sleep, etc she felt much better and was more successful at school.
Pursuing Law India explains the process of applying for the JD, including completing as undergraduate degree and then the LSATs. She also talks us through the course and what you study, and then her experience of her graduate year working in a large corporate law firm so far.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
India’s courses:
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/discover/inside-melbourne/how-to-study-arts-law-at-melbourne
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-arts/
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/juris-doctor/
Connect with India on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/india-mauritzen/
What we’re talking about: My guest today is Zach, and he recently completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Software Engineering) at Monash University. We discuss the reality of creating good study habits and how to explore your options when you’re still not sure what you want to do when VTAC applications are due. Zach also talks us through his course and goes into detail about how internships work.
Creating good study habits Zach explains that he had some trouble early in VCE because it was the first time in his schooling where he’d actually had to do some homework and study at home. Couple this with not knowing what he wanted to do, and it made it difficult for him to have the motivation to do the work and get the results he really wanted.
Exploring course options When VTAC applications were due, Zach still wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He talks us through the decisions he made along the way and how he made each choice that led to the course and career he’s in now. Zach started in Science/Arts and ended up with a Bachelor of Engineering by following his interests along the way, and he’s really happy in his career. His experience helped him discover what he didn’t want to do on the way to working out what he did want to do.
Software Engineering Zach explains what Software Engineering is and discusses what the course is like, including the internship he did as part of the course and how valuable that was. He also distinguishes between Software Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology for those trying to choose between them.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Zach’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/engineering-e3001#overview-1,Software_engineering
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Heshi, who has just completed a Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) at Swinburne. We discuss the idea that you can change your mind anywhere along the way and none of it is wasted, as well as looking in detail at the course and the careers that you can pursue as a graduate student.
There are no mistakes Media was the only VCE subject that Heshi completed Units 1-4 as she changed her mind about what she wanted to pursue halfway through. Later on, she missed out on her first preference and started one course, nearly began another one interstate, but realised that Swinburne was where she wanted to study so came back and applied again and got into her dream course. We discuss the fact that there are always transferable skills and knowledge that you will continue to use throughout your life and career.
Bachelor of Film and Television Heshi explains that in the first 2 years you get exposed to all the various roles in the industry and then you decide which stream you want to pursue. In the last two years you work as a team to create a grad film that you can enter into festivals and use to help you network and get access to job opportunities.
Careers in Film and Television Heshi discusses the idea that there are actually more opportunities, including state-funded ones in Victoria, than most people think. She also talk about the internships she was able to do as a student and her current role as a grad in an advertising agency.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
The course that Heshi first started: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/bachelor-of-media-and-communication-bachelor-of-business/
Heshi’s course: https://www.swinburne.edu.au/study/course/bachelor-of-film-and-television-honours/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m speaking with Yushara, who has completed a Bachelor of Science at Monash University followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Melbourne before embarking on her career as a vet. We talk about applying for courses in multiple states, exactly how the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine works, and the experiences that Yushara has had in her career so far.
Applying for courses interstate Yushara applied for courses in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, and we discuss the logistics of applying, why it’s worth considering and the things you need to think about when offers are released.
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Yushara talks us through the pathways into this course and how to apply. She also explains what you study within the course and the structure of the course, including the hands-on aspect in the final 2 years.
Yushara’s career as a vet so far Yushara spent the first year of her career working in a suburban vet clinic working with an amazing team to look after pets (and their owners). More recently she’s been working in Canberra in the Animal Health Policy branch in the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. She explains the varied roles and opportunities that are available to vets beyond what most of us would think.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
The courses Yushara completed:
https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/science-s2000
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/doctor-of-veterinary-medicine/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwktKFBhCkARIsAJeDT0jJdpWNYj9OEXVIK5eU1VvdymAZh0494WTmmjbTzzbNQfFBrygj-_caAk4mEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting to Tigah, who left school at the end of Year 10 to pursue further education at TAFE. She completed a Certificate III in Design Fundamentals last year, is currently studying a Diploma of Visual Arts, and is thinking about continuing her study with a Bachelor of Fine Arts next year. As well as talking about these courses, Tigah shares how she and her mum did lots of research to plan exactly what she was going to do after leaving high school, and we discuss the broad range of careers she’s able to pursue following her studies in Visual Arts.
Leaving school at the end of Year 10 Tigah explains that she didn’t really enjoy school and always knew that she wanted to pursue Art. With the support of her mum, she did a lot of research and came up with a solid plan to continue her education at TAFE. Tigah explains the process of applying for TAFE and has some tips for others who are considering leaving school.
Design Fundamentals, Visual Arts and Fine Arts Tigah explains the difference between these 3 courses and what she’s been studying so far, as well as the experiences, equipment and facilities.
Careers in Visual Arts Tigah had been considering a career as a tattoo artist, but she’s enjoying the study she’s doing and is considering the bachelor degree while she explores other career options. She’s already had some commission work and logo design, and plans to one day have her own studio.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
More information about how I can help you plan further study and career options: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop
The courses Tigah mentions:
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/CUA30715-01/Certificate-III-in-Design-Fundamentals
https://www.tafensw.edu.au/course/-/c/c/CUA51115-01/Diploma-of-Visual-Arts
https://nas.edu.au/bachelor-of-fine-art/
See some of Tigah’s work here:
https://instagram.com/tigahroseart?utm_medium=copy_link
https://m.facebook.com/mumthatsabadword/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m talking with Maddy about her course, the Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering/Bachelor of Commerce at Monash. We discuss enjoying your study throughout VCE and uni by allowing yourself to explore a range of options and pursue different interests. Maddy also explains how double degrees work and why she thinks they’re a great option, as well as telling us all about Robotics and Mechatronics and her experience in the course so far.
Balance in VCE and at uni A common theme throughout our conversation is that balancing different interests throughout VCE and at uni can help minimise stress. Maddy talks about choosing a range of subjects in VCE, getting involved in a range of activities at school, and exploring more options with a double degree.
Double degrees Maddy explains in detail how double degrees work. We discuss the benefits of double degrees and dispel some myths that I commonly hear from students that might discourage you from looking at them.
Robotics and Mechatronics The first year of Engineering at Monash is a common year, allowing students to explore each of the types of Engineering they can choose from. Maddy chose Mechatronics, which is a mixture of electrical, software and mechanical engineering, and she explains what it is, goes through some of the projects she’s worked on in her degree, and talks about the two main areas of AI and Automation.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Maddy’s course: https://www.monash.edu/study/courses/find-a-course/2021/engineering-and-commerce-e3005?domestic=true
What we’re talking about: Today I have two guests, Stephanie and Isabelle, and they’re here to talk about the Bachelor of Criminology. We discuss how Criminology is related to VCE Legal Studies and Psychology, how straightforward it is to transfer between courses, and how the course is structured. We also discuss exactly what Criminology is and the careers it can lead to.
VCE subjects that relate to criminology Stephanie and Isabelle discuss the idea that VCE Legal Studies is actually more aligned with Criminology than Law, so if you like Legal Studies then Criminology is definitely worth looking at. They also suggest that if you like VCE Psychology and are thinking about Criminology, consider doing a double degree with Forensics or Psychology.
Transferring between courses and the how to plan your course Both Stephanie and Isabelle have experience transferring between courses at uni, and they highlighted how simple the process is as long as you have a certain WAM (weighted average mark) across your subjects (at Deakin it’s currently a 70% WAM). They also talk about different ways you can structure things, like skipping the third trimester to travel, work or complete another study option such as a TAFE course, or using the third trimester to fast track your degree or make up a subject if you underload or fail a subject.
Making friends at uni Stephanie and Isabelle met each other just before they began at Deakin through a Facebook group. They discuss ways to meet new people and get involved more in your course before you start and throughout your time at university.
Career opportunities Criminology is a really broad course that pairs well with lots of other bachelor degrees. Stephanie and Isabelle take us through some different careers that they can pursue with their degree and share where they currently are planning to go next.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Stephanie’s course: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-criminology
Isabelle’s course: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-criminology-bachelor-laws
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Bronte, a former student of mine who has recently completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine and has started a Master of Public Health, both at the University of Melbourne. As well as giving us lots of great information about these two courses, Bronte shares how she takes risks and gives herself the opportunity to explore areas she’s interested in by looking at all the possible pathways so she can pivot when necessary.
Different opportunities in VCE Bronte did 2 subjects that were a bit different in VCE - Extended Investigation and University Extension (Biomedicine). She gives us an insight into her experiences in these subjects and we discuss the links between them and what she’s doing now.
Looking Beyond Course Names to Find the Best Fit Halfway through Year 12, Bronte had a change of heart and wondered if she should pursue Biomedical Engineering instead of Biomedicine, but instead of just filling her preference list with different Biomed and Engineering options, she looked into the courses and found one which would allow her to explore both options before choosing a major once she had a better idea of which path she really wanted to go down.
Being Self Aware When Considering Career Options While Bronte was interested in anatomy and physiology, she chose to pursue public health rather than medicine because she was aware that working 1:1 with patients would have a negative effect on her mental health.
Exploring all the options so that you can take risks There’s a theme all the way through Bronte’s story, where she talks about doing lots of research before making decisions about her next step so that if she explores an option and doesn’t want to pursue it, she already knows how she can pivot and follow a different pathway. By doing this, it takes the pressure off the decision and gives her the freedom to explore with confidence. She also tells her mum’s story and explains how much of a role model her mum has been for her.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
The courses Bronte mentions:
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-biomedicine/
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-public-health/
What we’re talking about: Today I’m chatting with Jack about the Bachelor of Property and Real Estate and Bachelor of Commerce at Deakin. He talks about his experience with the Morrisby and seeking career advice outside of what was available at school, VCE as a competition, and choosing a course by looking ahead to what you want from your career.
His experience with career planning as a student Jack did the Morrisby in Year 10 and was told he was suited to a career in finance or investing, which was an area he had already considered. This helped him choose his VCE subjects to continue exploring this path. Later when he wanted more specific advice, he saw an independent career advisor who looked more into his interests and found the Property and Real Estate course for him.
VCE as a competition We discuss the idea of how artificial the VCE is in comparison to real life, and how the competitive nature of it makes it particularly stressful for students who might not be getting the results they would like.
Choosing a course based on how you want your career to look Jack recognised that while he was interested in commerce, he felt he was more suited to a career that would allow him to get out of the office as well. This led to him finding the course he’s now doing instead of settling for a more general commerce degree.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Jack’s course: https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-property-and-real-estate-bachelor-commerce
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
What we’re talking about: As well as discussing the Bachelor of Psychological Studies, Chloe and I chat about some different ways of working out what you’d like to do when you finish school, how SACs work and what you need to do to “pass”, and the VU block model of learning.
How your normal life can help you see what careers you might pursue Chloe reveals that she was interested in tv shows like CSI and Bones and initially thought she might do Forensic Pathology. While she did change her mind, it’s easy to see the link between her current career path and her interest in those shows. Also, by following her interests in choosing her VCE subjects, Chloe realised it actually wasn’t what she wanted to do, which in reality is just as important.
How SACs work in VCE Chloe takes us through the process of resitting a SAC when you need to, and we discuss what you actually need to do to “pass” a SAC.
The Victoria University Block Model Chloe really clearly explains the benefits of the VU block model, including focusing on one subject at a time over a 4 week block, smaller class sizes and greater accountability.
The Bachelor of Psychological Studies We talk about the opportunities available within this degree, the difference between this course and the Bachelor of Psychology, and the careers it can lead to. We also chat about what it means when a course is accredited.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Chloe’s course: https://www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-psychological-studies-abpa
Smiling Mind: https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
What we’re talking about: Maddy's here today to talk about her course, the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design), how she used her subjects in VCE to make great choices about what course to study, and what her future career might look like.
Choosing practical subjects in VCE Maddy had already thought about what she wanted to do when she finished school before she chose her VCE subjects, so she was able to choose subjects that were related to the career paths she was looking at at the time, allowing her to investigate them further.
Doing your own career research to find out what opportunities are available Maddy showed a lot of initiative when it came to researching courses, and she found that doing this meant she was much more aware of some of the more unique courses available instead of only looking at the more common courses.
Overcoming procrastination, particularly for folio subjects Folio subjects can be difficult for students because they can have peak workloads and also require you to show your creative side which can be daunting for some students. Maddy explains how in Year 11 she was reluctant to do her work at school because she wanted to hide her work, but then when she made the decision to stop doing this in Year 12 and put herself out there, she found it so much easier to keep up and do her work.
Design Maddy explains how her course, the Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) at RMIT, works in terms of what you learn, the opportunities available within the course, and what a career in Design could look like.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Your PERFECT Preference List: https://www.roadmapeducation.com/shop/perfectlist
Maddy’s course: https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/undergraduate-study/bachelor-degrees/bachelor-of-design-communication-design-bp115
What we’re talking about: Balancing study and activities in VCE Mia did a lot of activities in VCE including aerobic gymnastics at the national level, so she knows a thing or two about balancing school work and outside interests. Both of us agree that continuing doing the things you love can help keep some perspective when there’s a lot going on at school.
Making the most of your opportunities at uni Mia discusses the fact that late in her Commerce degree, she realised that she hadn’t embraced the experiences at uni the same way as she had during high school, and that this negatively affected how she felt about the course and how she performed in her subjects.
Working out what you actually want to do After Mia recognised that she didn’t want to pursue a career in Commerce, she realised that when she reflected on the things she was already doing in her life, it was obvious that teaching was something that she would enjoy. It’s a great reminder that working out what you want to do is often more simple than we make it.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Courses Mia mentions:
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/undergraduate/bachelor-of-commerce/
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/master-of-teaching-secondary/
Mia’s Instagram @the.studentspace https://www.instagram.com/the.studentspace/
Mia’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-student-space/id1552818832
Join me today as I speak to Sarah, a medical student who first completed a Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering (Honours) before pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
What we’re talking about: Sarah’s perspective from moving schools at the end of Year 10
Biomedical Engineering
The process of applying to study Medicine
What you actually do when you’re studying Medicine
Sarah’s perspective from moving schools at the end of Year 10 Sarah moved schools at the start of Year 11, having already completed Maths Methods Units 1&2 at her old school. Learning that her new school felt she should repeat this rather than continuing to accelerate when maths had always been a strength of hers was particularly difficult, however she now views the perspective she gained from seeing how different schools focused on different aspects of school life as really positive.
Biomedical Engineering Sarah’s undergraduate degree was Biomedical Engineering and she discusses what this course is like. Sarah didn’t do Specialist Maths in VCE but was able to catch up during the course and didn’t notice any difference between students who had previously completed Specialist Maths and those who hadn’t in terms of marks. The placements allowed students to explore a range of options, from fixing equipment in hospitals to researching areas such as building prosthetic limbs.
The process of applying to study Medicine Once Sarah decided she wanted to pursue Medicine, she had to ensure that she had completed the relevant prerequisites in her undergraduate degree and then take on the application process including the GAMSAT and multiple mini interviews (MMIs). She takes us through the process and we discuss why it’s a good one, even though it can cause a lot of stress for students.
What you actually do when you’re studying Medicine Sarah outlines the course and explains what you study at university before going out to work on placements. While she is still deciding which path to take after she graduates, it’s clear she’s made the right decision as she has found every rotation super interesting and enjoys learning more about the different opportunities available to her.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Courses that Sarah mentions:
https://study.unimelb.edu.au/find/courses/graduate/doctor-of-medicine/
https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/undergraduate-study/honours-degrees/bachelor-of-engineering-biomedical-engineering-honours-bh069
Alex is with us today to chat about her journey from enjoying writing at school to pursuing a Bachelor of Communication (Professional Communication). This course starts with a more general approach and allows students to experience different areas, which has led to Alex pivoting and choosing a major that’s different to what she initially planned.
What we’re talking about: Today we talk about accelerating in VCE, using your time efficiently to get your study done, how a Bachelor of Communication degree works and the benefits of doing a course that starts off in a more general way.
Accelerating in VCE:
Alex did Global Politics Units 1&2 in Year 10 and followed it with Units 3&4 in Year 11. She had a few different options for acceleration to choose from and chose politics because it was the one she was most interested in. We talk about the pros and cons of accelerating and how to decide whether it’s a good idea or not for you.
Using your time efficiently to get your study done: Alex realised that she needed to spend less time creating beautiful flash cards and getting organised to study, and just work out what needed to be done and do the work. I’ve helped so many recovering perfectionists with this and completely agree that sometimes you can fool yourself into thinking you’re studying when you’re actually procrastinating.
How a Bachelor of Communication degree works: Alex gives a great insight into how her degree works, including explaining more about the general first year, when you start to specialise, opportunities for travel and how students get a taste of what sort of work they will actually do when they finish their degree.
The benefits of doing a course that starts off in a more general way: Even if you know (or think you know!) what you would like to pursue, it can be better to start with a more general degree that allows you to specialise in a particular area after you’ve had a taste of a few similar options, especially if your experience up until this point is relatively limited. Alex thought she would major in journalism, but after having the chance to experience advertising, public relations and media as well, she discovered that she enjoyed advertising more as it would give her more opportunities to work in a team environment.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
Course that Alex mentions:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/undergraduate-study/bachelor-degrees/bachelor-of-communication-professional-communication-bp222
This week I’m talking to Jess about her pathway through Health Science and Exercise Science on her way to a career in Physiotherapy.
What we’re talking about:
In this episode, Jess and I discuss how pursuing your interests will lead to a career you love, the difference between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy, reasons for taking a gap year and what you actually do in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
Pursuing your interests: Although Jess didn’t always know exactly what she wanted to do when she finished school, she used her interests and strengths to help make each decision she had to make along the way. She enjoyed PE at school and had always been involved in a lot of sport, and even after she went into Health Science and then Exercise Science, she recognised that Physiotherapy would give her a career that allowed her to do more of the tasks she enjoyed doing.
Difference between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy: Jess admits that the line between Exercise Physiology and Physiotherapy is a bit blurry, but she gives some examples of some of the different tasks that you would do in each role. One of the main differences is that as a Physiotherapist you’re more likely to make a diagnosis and prescribe treatment or exercises for a patient, whereas an Exercise Physiologist might be more likely to treat a patient further along the track.
Reasons for taking a gap year: Jess took multiple gap years between finishing school and beginning her career, and discusses the reasons behind each of them, including wanting to give herself a break to recharge after Year 12 and taking some time to plan her next move and research her options (including eligibility for particular courses) before starting her Bachelor of Physiotherapy.
What you do in a Bachelor of Physiotherapy: Jess takes us through what classes are like in a Physiotherapy degree, including working with cadavers and getting industry experience.
Links mentioned:
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
The courses that Jess mentions:
https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-health-sciences
https://www.deakin.edu.au/course/bachelor-exercise-and-sport-science-honours
https://www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-physiotherapy-honours
What we’re talking about: Welcome to the trailer for Course and Career Chat! Today I'm here to introduce myself, tell you the story of my career from secondary school to now and explain why I think that career planning is so important for feeling confident and achieving your goals at school.
An introduction to me (Kim Whitty) and Course and Career Chat: My name’s Kim and I’m a teacher, careers practitioner and the founder of Roadmap Education. I help students thrive in VCE by putting career planning at the heart of their strategy for confidence and success at school. I believe that if students know what they want to do when they finish school, it helps give them something to work towards rather than just working really hard to keep their options open. Why career planning is so important for feeling confident and achieving your goals at school: So many students work hard at school for the sake of working hard because there is so much urgent studying to do and assessments to study for. They feel they don’t have the time to work out what they actually want to do, so they just want to get the best results possible and use that to determine what course they apply for. I’m encouraging students and schools to flip that around so that students can implement a clear plan and know what they’re aiming for.
The story of my career from secondary school to now: Follow my story from having no clue what I wanted to do after school, getting into my first preference at university and working out that it wasn’t right for me, pivoting into a different course by taking the time to consider what I was actually interested in and ending up in a course and career that I love. This story is why I’m so passionate about helping students make informed decisions about what they want to do when they finish school.
Links mentioned: My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com