Course and Career Chat

What happens if you don't get the ATAR you were hoping for? If you're in Year 12, it's important to think about this before results day , rather than trying to work out your options when your ATAR arrives. In this episode, I explain how to prepare your VTAC preferences so that you have options if your ATAR is higher or lower than expected. We look at VTAC change of preference, how to structure you...

Does the university you attend actually make a difference when you're looking for a job? Is a degree from one university more valuable to employers than the same or a similar degree from another university? And when you're comparing courses, is the course name really enough to tell you what you'll be studying and where it could lead? In this Q&A episode, I look at what you should actually be compa...

If you're trying to choose a university, you might find yourself with a problem: you like more than one! Maybe you've listened to my university series and now you're considering Monash, RMIT, La Trobe, Swinburne, ACU or the University of Melbourne — but you're not sure how to actually decide between them. Or perhaps you're wondering whether you've got the whole process backwards. Should you choose...

Considering La Trobe University ? In this episode, I look at some of the things that make La Trobe different from other Melbourne universities, including its flexible degree structure, strong health science courses and beautiful Bundoora campus. We look at: La Trobe's flexible degrees and the Open Access majors and minors that allow you to explore different interests alongside your main area of st...

Considering Monash University? In this episode, I look at what makes Monash different from the University of Melbourne and other Melbourne universities, including its wide range of courses and double degrees, flexible study options, pathways and entry schemes. We look at: How Monash compares with the University of Melbourne Monash's wide range of courses and double degree combinations Double major...

Considering Swinburne University of Technology ? In this episode, I look at some of the things that make Swinburne different from other Melbourne universities, including its smaller size, practical approach to education, industry connections and flexible study pathways. We look at: The benefits of studying at a smaller university and why the size and feel of a campus can be an important considerat...

Considering Deakin University ? In this episode, I look at some of the areas Deakin is particularly well known for, including sport science, health sciences, psychology, criminology and forensic science. We look at: Deakin's reputation for sport science and why it could be worth considering if you're interested in a career in sport, exercise, human movement or the broader sports industry. Other ar...

Considering Victoria University (VU) ? In this episode, I look at some of the common perceptions about VU and the things students should actually consider when researching the university and its courses. We look at: Common misconceptions about Victoria University , where some of these perceptions came from, and why it's important to look beyond a university's reputation. Student perspectives and s...

Considering the University of Melbourne ? In this episode, I look at the Melbourne Model , how University of Melbourne degrees are structured, and some of the factors you should consider when deciding whether it could be the right university for you. We look at: What is the Melbourne Model? I explain how the University of Melbourne's undergraduate degree structure works and how it differs from mor...

Considering Australian Catholic University (ACU) ? In this episode, I look at what makes ACU different from other Melbourne universities, including its smaller campus environment, strong health and education courses, connection to Rome and alternative entry pathways. We look at: Do you have to be Catholic to study at ACU? No. I explain why you don't need to be Catholic to attend ACU and whether yo...

Considering RMIT University ? In this episode, I look at some of the things that make RMIT different from other Melbourne universities, including its city location, dual-sector structure, industry connections and strong reputation in practical and creative fields. We look at: RMIT's location in the heart of Melbourne and what being a city-based university means for students. RMIT as a dual-sector...

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 measu...

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 ex...

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 E...

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 a...

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...

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 impor...

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...

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 supp...

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...

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 actual...

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 whe...

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 industr...

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...

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 t...