Volume 33 Issue 8 22 Mar 2024 12 Adar II 5784

Careers

Claire Pech – Careers Advisor

Life after school 

Last week our Year 12s heard about some new ideas in the world of life after they leave school.

Sacha Rosen and Remy Waller, from the Class of 2022,  gave up their valuable time to help our current Year 12s decide about whether to take a GAP year, what to do on a GAP year and how to finance it. I have rarely met Alumi who have told me they really regretted their GAP year decision, but I have met many who regretted not taking one.

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Some key take aways that they shared with the group:

  • Figure out if your travel buddies want to do the same kinds of things as you.
  • How to finance the trip and the benefits of working hard to make it happen.
  • How to budget and tips on travel, food, accommodation and transport when away.
  • Doing a program in Israel (e.g. Sacha did Yalla) and the benefits of travelling to Israel as well as doing the Chavayah program.
  • Doing an overseas program (Remy did Work America) and how this was a great continuation of being a peer support leader, a buddy, a House captain and so on.
  • Travel as a group or as solo depending on your needs and interests.
  • Stay in hostels to keep the costs down and to meet lots of new people along the way.
  • Ensure some of the trip is unplanned so you can be spontaneous and can alter plans if need be.
  • If you are unsure about what to study after school, uni vs TAFE vs work vs more travel, taking a GAP year can give you clarity on this.
  • Taking a GAP year – particularly if you are burnt out from HSC – can really help give see a clearer picture about your tertiary studies.
  • With more student flexibility  more and more students taking a mini-GAP year where they may enrol for Semester 2 and just take six months off.
  • Make your GAP year count with a program or a volunteering opportunity. Some work can be a great conversation starter for future employers.
  • Some students do not like the length of time between the end of school and tertiary commencing. This  can be from November to early March the following year (16 months for some) which can be too long.
  • If you love structure and want to get a jump on with your career and don’t want to waste time – taking a GAP year may not be for you. Don’t forget the holidays between semesters or trimesters can be just the right amount of time for you to work, travel, rest, socialise and meet your needs.
  • Don’t follow the crowd and map out your own plan.

Here are some interesting articles for more reading in this area:

Professional Cadetship Australia

Alister Wilkinson – PCA

This week w Professional Cadetships Australia came to speak to our Year 11 and Year 12 students.

This group specialises in students working and learning at the same time. PCA runs programs in Business, Engineering and Technology, and Computing. Alister Wilkinson explained the rigorous process of application.

Requirements are a minimum ATAR of 84, with a strong application showing why you want to learn while you earn. Students study their degree alongside working almost full time in industry e.g. UBS and Barrenjoey. Usually students have a strong interest in finance, economics, commerce and banking. 

Notices, links and dates

For anyone keen on recording themselves practising video preparation, or giving a speech or standing in class to give a presentation, this is a great AI app, that allows you to do your recording. It can analyse what you say, how you say it, how long you pause, how long you stall, and gives you tips on how to get better. I think everyone (including myself) could benefit from this tool!