Course and Career Chat

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...

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 pr...

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'r...

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...

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 wit...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. I...

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 ac...

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 chos...

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...

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...

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...

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 orde...

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...

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 websit...

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 Uni...

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 ho...

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 t...

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 r...

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...

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 t...