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CHADSTONE CAREER EXPO

WEEKLY CAREER NEWS

YEAR 12 STUDENTS

  • University and TAFE applications – reminders, key dates and resources
  • Closing on Monday! Applications for the Schools Recommendation Scheme
  • Get help with your VTAC preferences by booking a consultation with a university
  • Scholarship – construction management
  • Exam preparation lectures

ALL STUDENTS

  • TAFE and Polytechnic institute applications for 2024
  • Apprenticeship and traineeship applications for 2024
  • Summer schools. Note – applications for the National Computer Science School close this Friday.
  • FLiCKER FEST 2024 – FlickerUp competition
  • Upcoming career events

EVENTS RUNNING DURING THE TERM BREAK

  • University campus tours
  • Whitehouse Institute of Design – art, design and portfolio workshops
  • Australian Catholic University – talk with industry series
  • ASE Group – business Camp
  • Box Hill Institute – beauty therapy careers day
  • Australian Institute of Music (AIM) – performance and songwriting workshop
  • Swinburne University – a day in the life of a Swinburne student workshops
  • Monash University – information session on IT courses
  • Monash University – Business Explorer Program
  • Monash University – Fine Art, Design, and Architecture Experience Day
  • Kangan Institute – 3-day fashion camp.
  • Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) – gaming, animation & virtual reality experience day.

Kingston Youth Services: Work Ready Workshops

 http://kingstonyouth.org.au/skills-workshops/

Free workshops are available at Kingston Youth Services around work readiness and entering the workforce.

The Work Ready Workshops will increase confidence navigating the employment sector for young people.

Topics covered include looking for work, developing resumes and cover letters, preparing for job interviews, and understanding worker rights.

These workshops can be adapted to a school or classroom setting for individual classes, or presented at whole year-level assemblies if preferred.

Work Ready Workshops Topics

  1. Looking for Work
  2. Volunteering
  3. Resumes, Cover Letters, Key Criteria
  4. Job Interviews

Deakin | Science and Environment School Experience Program

9 to 13 October 2023

The School of Life and Environmental Science would like to offer Year 10 students with an interest in science and the environment, the opportunity to participate in this hands-on experience. The program includes a full day of engaging and interactive activities in the field of science and the environment. Students will get the opportunity to participate in activities such as water testing, vegetation surveys, protein analysis, food chemistry and molecular biology.

Online Panel: Navigating a Pathway in STEM – What girls and their family supporters need to know

11 October 2023

We know that for young people, and their family supporters, navigating a pathway into a STEM career can be challenging for a range of reasons. First, STEM offers diverse options in careers, some of which are unknown or misconceived. Second, information available can be outdated, limited or misinforming depending on access to information.

We have heard from girls, parents/carers and teachers, that addressing the challenges to navigating STEM pathways is a priority. This online panel will host a range of people that are passionately involved across the STEM careers sector.

The Future of Education Summit 2023

12 October 2023

Welcome to The Future of Education Summit. This National Summit has been designed to empower educators, innovators and workforce shapers as we explore how we can prepare our next generation for the ever-changing future. Over the course of the Future of Education Summit, attendees will be challenged to find new and exciting ways to engage students, explore how they can scale their impact, and experience authentic collaborations with other changemakers.

As educators around the world work to redesign curriculum, reimagine their schools, and rethink the student learning journey, the Future of Education Summit has been designed to give attendees the skills and experiences they need to become leaders in their communities.

Getting Ready for Work

Key skills for your future career: flexibility

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, one key skill has emerged as a true game-changer: flexibility. Whether you’re a high school student setting your sights on the future or an adult navigating the complexities of the working world, honing your ability to adapt and be flexible can significantly impact your career trajectory. Let’s explore why flexibility is so crucial and how you can cultivate this valuable skill.

Embracing change

A common saying is that the only constant in life is change – and the same holds true for the world of work. Industries evolve, technologies advance, and new challenges arise. Being open to change and willing to adapt is a trait highly sought after by employers. It demonstrates your ability to navigate shifting circumstances with grace and poise.

Problem-solving powerhouse

Flexibility often goes hand-in-hand with problem-solving. When you’re faced with unexpected situations or shifting priorities, a flexible mindset enables you to approach these challenges with creativity and innovation. It allows you to think on your feet, find solutions, and turn obstacles into opportunities.

Expanding your skill set

Being flexible means being open to learning and acquiring new skills. This mindset not only keeps you relevant in a constantly changing job market but also positions you as an asset to any organisation. Embrace opportunities for training, workshops, and self-improvement, and you’ll find yourself more adaptable and valuable in your career.

Building strong relationships

In the professional world, teamwork is often the cornerstone of success. A flexible individual is someone who can work effectively with a diverse range of personalities and adapt to various work styles. This ability to harmonise with others fosters strong, collaborative relationships, creating a positive and productive work environment.

Seizing new opportunities

Flexibility can open doors to unexpected opportunities. By being open to different roles, projects, or even career paths, you may find yourself on a trajectory you never imagined. Embracing change can lead to exciting new experiences and personal growth, ultimately shaping your career in ways you might not have anticipated.

Maintaining work-life balance

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for your wellbeing. Flexibility in your approach to work allows you to better manage your time and priorities, ensuring that you have the space to pursue your passions, spend time with family and friends, and take care of your physical and mental health.

As you chart your course through high school and beyond, remember that flexibility is a key skill that can propel you to success, not just in your future career but your personal life too. Embrace change, hone your problem-solving abilities, and be open to new opportunities.

Find out more about the world of work here.

Competitions

Grok Web.Comp 2023

Web.Comp is a web design competition for school students. We’ll teach you how to build a website as we go along, rather than expecting you to be an expert already.

Web.Comp has two components:

Learn is a four-week series of challenges where students learn as they go along. Each week, we’ll release interactive notes with the information students will need to complete the week’s web design challenges. Students earn points for completing problems and claim a place on the leaderboard – participants will receive certificates for their results in this competition. The Learn competition starts 23 October.

Tournament is a week long competition where students can design their own web pages and submit their creations to compete against other students’ designs. They can also vote for their favourites. The Tournament begins on November 20th.

Web.Comp is free to all Australian students thanks to the generous support of WiseTech Global.

Apply for the National Computer Science School 2024

NCSS is a ten-day summer school bringing together talented young people from around Australia, running from 6th-15th January 2024.

NCSS will run streams at UNSW in Sydney (Cyber Security) and at the University of Melbourne (Chatbot/web/cloud development).  Both streams involve learning advanced computing skills in a university setting.

The programme also includes fun teamwork activities, and the opportunity to meet industry professionals.

All NCSS students reside on campus at a residential college, with NCSS tutors and staff providing pastoral care for the duration of the summer school.

Applications will close at 5pm AEST on 15th September.

We can offer financial support to students from low-SES schools, rural and remote areas, and in cases of financial hardship. 

If you have any questions about financial support, or need any further information please email us via summerschool@grokacademy.org.

To find out more and complete an application, please visit grokacademy.org/ncss.

Workplace Spotlight

How to become a Data Scientist

Data scientists are professionals who engage in a process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting substantial datasets to extract valuable insights and support decision-making. They employ a combination of computational skills, statistical methodologies, and domain knowledge to tackle complex problems and discover meaningful patterns within data.

If you’re great with numbers and enjoy solving puzzles, a career in data science could be perfect for you.

If you have these skills, you could make a great Data Scientist

  • Excellent problem solver
  • Analytical and logical
  • Strong maths skills
  • Good communicator
  • Programming knowledge
  • An eye for patterns
  • Willing to learn
  • Great collaborator

What’s involved in the job?

  • Gathering information from various sources
  • Ensuring data is accurate and ready for analysis
  • Selecting the right tools to analyse the data
  • Looking for patterns and trends in the data
  • Teaching computer models to understand the data
  • Using these models to make predictions
  • Visually representing findings to make them understandable to any audience
  • Using data insights to improve processes and performance

Where do Data Scientists work?

As a Data Scientist, you will be working mainly indoors, most commonly in offices and laboratories, but there may be some opportunity to work out in the field directly collecting data.

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

Most Data Scientists work full-time, and part-time and casual roles aren’t very common. They often work for tech companies, government and the public service, and research institutions.

Many Data Scientists earn an above average salary throughout their career.

Data scientists are generally more common in metropolitan areas or urban centres – but as technology advances and remote work becomes more common, opportunities for data science roles in rural areas or smaller towns might also increase.

How to become a Data Scientist

To become a Data Scientist you will need to complete a relevant university degree.

Step 1 – Complete high school with a strong focus on English and Maths. Sciences could also be beneficial.

Step 2 – Find work experience with STEM or tech-related organisations or businesses.

Step 3 – Complete a relevant undergraduate degree, such as in mathematics, statistics, or computer science.

Step 4 – Consider further studies or look into specialisations, such as machine learning or data visualisation

Step 5 – Start building a portfolio of projects you’ve completed or have worked on.

Find out more here:

Similar Careers to Data Scientist

  • Statistician
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Database Administrator
  • Programmer
  • Systems Analyst
  • Mathematician
  • Actuary

Find out more about alternative careers or if you would like to visit the Kilbreda Careers Website see https://www.kilbredacollegecareers.com/

Laura Lunardi
Careers Coordinator