Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Last week I was out at the annual Careers Advisor’s Day at Macquarie University (MQ). Apart from it looking stunning in the Autumn sun, with huge grounds that surrounded the University, it only took 30 minutes to get there from the Eastern Suburbs (a big concern for Emanuel students!).

Now more than ever MQ is having its moment in the sun, with an increase in enrolments from all over Sydney including from our School. 

Here are a few of my highlights from various speakers:

Lee-ann Norriss, Executive Director – Future Students

There are lots of new buildings on campus, that have been built during COVID times. New eateries, coffee shops, bars and a new medical and health precinct are also new. The new accommodation hub opened this year too with amazing facilities alive and well on campus. I went to visit these facilities and felt I had walked into a new hotel. Students have never had it so good!

Employability and Graduate Success, Director – Kylie Ebert

Employability facts

Higher Education is the key driver of employment and income. Australia needs job-ready graduates that need to be prepared with enhanced STEM skills and also critical thinking, creativity, communication and problem solving skills:

• Graduates need resilience and agency more than ever before.
• Employers are looking more broadly than ever before.
• QS 2019 globally – data skills and resilience are now crucial.

How has COVID changed things? It has highlighted the inequalities regarding technology and resources. 20-29 year olds and 70+ year olds were the most affected by job losses.

Employability myths

• “You can leave a job application to the last minute!” No. It needs a lot of application, time and preparation.
• “Study and work are competing priorities for students.” No it isn’t. You can work hard on your employability whilst studying.
• “Students are too busy for co-curricular activities.” Definitely invest in something extracurricular pursuits. Make the most of your time. 
• “A degree is enough to get you a job.” No chance! You need to stand out.
• “There are no jobs due to COVID.” Untrue. It is just a changed market.
• “Employers are most interested in graduates with the highest grades.” Untrue. It is cultural fit that is more important. A.I based recruitment strategies and diversity and inclusion targets have also changed the market.
• “Everyone is looking for a full time employment in a traditional 9-5 job.” Not at all. Many part time options are available but you have to sell yourself and stand out.

The Macquarie University ingredients – what is the secret?

• #9 in Australia
• Top 110 in the world
• QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020
• Global MBA ranked #1 in Australia, #6 by CEO Magazine 2020
• Connected to 300 global companies on campus and MQ Park
• Careers and employment services, weekly newsletters, expo’s, resumes and interview career progressions etc. Professional Development programs
• 140 different students groups
• Mentoring and volunteering groups
• Design thinking and pitch incubator programs
• Industry relevant courses – work integrated learning (PACE)
• MQSE (Macquarie Student Employment) Program – internship programs
• MQ Entry Schemes and Programs – max of 15 combined (for most courses)
• Academic Advantage – now up to 6 points
• Big History Scheme – 3 points
• Catchment Area
• Elite Athlete – 4 points

Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Scheme

The Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Scheme is hoping to open on Tuesday 1 June 2021 and close on Friday 20 August 2021. MQ is putting on a webinar to inform students about this next Tuesday. Register here.

• Students apply directly. Offers are released before the HSC.
• The scheme will look at Year 11 results and an application. They are looking for a B average. Due to the COVID impact, the application has three areas to apply for, but students are only judged on two. It’s about the quality of the activities not the amount. Examples are: school captain, committee member, prefect, cadets, youth leaders, sports coach or co-ordinator, paid casual work, family carer responsibilities, being a mentor, team work skills and giving back to the community.
• Students can now only get ONE offer in the whole process.
• First round offers come out on Thursday 16 September 2021, with the second round on Thursday 30 September 2021.  

Notices 

Dr Lyn O’Grady, a psychologist specialising in the mental health and wellbeing of young people and their parents, will explore the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on student emotional and psychological wellbeing, which may create obstacles for students facing complex career decisions and transitions.

Dr O’Grady will be delivering a presentation for parents and carers on Friday 4 June 2021. The webinars are free and are now open for registration.