Career Advice Archives - In Focus Careers

Posted on April 16, 2021April 15, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

Year 12. Thinking of a law degree next year? Think again.

There are more law graduates in Australia each year than the total number of lawyers in Australia.

It may take you years after you graduate to find a job where you practise law.

DIY Law

Not only are there too many law graduates for the job vacancies that are available, you can get advice on how to write your will online. You can file for divorce online. Artificial intelligence delivers instant information that law degrees take years to deliver.

People don’t go to lawyers if they can save themselves money by doing law themselves.

person holding black ceramic pig coin bank — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

The cost of a law degree is now over $70,000.

The demand is down. The price is up. There is a glut of law graduates looking for work.

You might think again about doing a law degree.

Law degrees deliver great thinking and analytical skills

If someone with a law degree applied for a job I advertised, chances are they would get an interview. The job probably wouldn’t demand law work but I would presume the applicant could problem solve, think of good wording for contracts and warn me of any dodgy stuff that was in paper work. Someone with a law degree would probably be a good employee.

On the other hand, someone with a business or commerce degree may be better for my business, AND their degree would have cost them half as much.

Make Smart Decisions

If you bought a car for $70,000 you would check out a few car sales places before you made your decision to buy.

five assorted color cars parked inside room — Photo by Sourav Mishra on Pexels.com

All universities in Western Australia deliver law degrees. Pick two or three universities and make an appointment with career advisors. Check out what law degrees you can specialise in. Compare the different courses and support that the different unis deliver…. there is a big difference between the support provided by unis in WA.

Ask current students questions about the courses on Whirlpool.

Compare employment statistics for graduates.

Law degrees are great, but they are expensive and chances are you will never work as a lawyer.

Get Essential Career Information for West Australians

Posted on April 15, 2021April 15, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

Give yourself every chance to succeed

Every life comes with a story … and a possibility for a great adventure.

Make this the year your future self will thank you for as you create your amazing life.

If you are lucky, you will have family and friends and teachers who all WANT you to succeed. They can help you to achieve your amazing life.

A great school experience can set you up for your great future. Get all of the help they can give to boost your academic and life experiences.

If academic success is what you need to to make your crazy dreams come true, you can get extra academic support to boost your ATAR, OLNA and NAPLAN results.

Revision Programs

Check out these different programs to see if any of them can help you to take the next step to your amazing life.

Revise Online

ReviseOnline specialises in providing online education. It provides teaching resources and support as well as practice tests and exams.

Mastermind

Master Mind Australia intensive revision of the syllabus and assessment preparation, including the effective modelling of answers to ATAR-style exam questions.

Academic Task Force

Academic Task Force specialist teachers work with students showing them how to apply what they have learnt at school, how to prepare for their exams and how to maximize their exam performance.

ATARGET

ATARget ATAR Revision, ATAR Exam Preparation and Study Skills programs focus on strengthening students’ understanding of subjects, boosting classroom confidence and improving examination performance.

WACE+

WACE+ ATAR Revision, ATAR Exam Preparation and Study Skills programs focus on strengthening students’ understanding of subjects, boosting classroom confidence and improving examination performance.

TEE Consultants

TEE Consultants deliver intensive courses for year 12 students seeking university.

Courses are run at UWA and Murdoch.

Academic Associates

Academic Associates conducts courses in most WACE subjects.

Accredited Tutor

Accredited Tutor delivers small group classes in most WACE classes, exam preparation and study skills.

INDIVIDUAL TUTORS

Many semi-retired teachers continue to tutor in their specialty subject.

These teachers have a lifetime of knowledge of their subject, what examiners are looking for and tips for success.

Ask at your school front office to see if they know anyone you can contact.

ECU ATAR Free Program

ECU ATAR revision programs are run during the September holidays at the Joondalup and Bunbury campuses.

These are a free service to Year 12 students.

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Testimonial

I have found your material invaluable. The information you have put together is thorough – a one-stop-shop in a sea of information that is out there. I have utilised this information on a regular basis with others throughout the school.

(South Metropolitan Government High School.)

M: 0434 056 412

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Posted on March 31, 2021April 16, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

What’s New in Careers for West Australians?

April 2021

FREE Careers WA April Issue out now.

Discover new opportunities and tips for your career.

Subscribe to the Infocus Careers News for West Australian schools

Talk with me about how I can help your school.

Evangelist for insanely great careers education in Western Australia

Posted on March 29, 2021March 30, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

2022 Early Offers and Alternative Pathways

Universities in WA are already competing for students for 2022.

UWA was first out of the blocks with the decision to take enrolments for 2022 based on Year 11 results.

ECU came next.

Curtin and Murdoch then joined the rush for your attention.

Notre Dame keeps being scored as the best university in Australia by its students. You can register your interest in an early offer HERE.

All of the universities are putting in place more requirements that they did last year so students don’t have the freedom to drop out of school once they get offered a place. Each of the universities is slightly different and you can apply for a place at more than one university.

University Career Advisors will get you there

They ALL want you to enrol at their university and are bending over backwards to help you.

– Don’t meet the course pre-requisites? We have a bridging program for you.

– Don’t know how to do referencing? Do this support program.

– Having trouble settling in to uni life? Check out our wellness program.

here to help lettering text on black background — Photo by Anna Tarazevich on Pexels.com

How to Decide

Pick a university. Is it close? Are your friends going there? Does it have a great course? Do you like its ranking by past students?

– Go to that university and meet with a career advisor. Tell them what you would like to study.

– Ask them what is available to help you to meet entry requirements. They will point you to the best course for you, or design one that meets your needs.

– Repeat at your second choice. Remember you are making a big investment of time and money. You want to check out more than one option.

Murdoch has the Horizon Summer Program which introduces you to uni and gives you credits towards a degree. You can do the Horizons Program at the end of Year 11. Email info@murdochinstitute.wa.edu.au for information.

There are many free places in alternative pathway programs but apply early to secure one of them.

What Do Alternative Pathways Give?

Alternative entry programs are from 4 weeks to one semester long and they give much more than academic skills.

You may change your mind about what course to take.

You will find your way around the campus, where to park, where the libraries are.

You find out about uni life and about a range of degrees that are available. You may find out about less expensive ways of achieving your degree.

Although each course is different there are usually 4 subject like….

Academic Writing
Communication Skills
Essential Maths
Research Skills and Information Literacy

Courses like medicine, that have strict quotas, are not available through alternative pathways but most courses will be open to you.

Summary

– You can approach any university or all universities in Western Australia and apply for a place in 2022.

– If your Year 11 ATAR score is good enough your will be offered a place, conditional on how well you do in Year 12.

– If you don’t meet the pre-requisites, or don’t think you will get the ATAR score you need, the university will have a pathway that will help you to get there.

woman wearing black bra and white tank top raising both hands on top — Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

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Posted on March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

April Issue of In Focus Careers News Out Now

The March issue is out now with news about holiday programs for school students at uni, particularly at Murdoch, and details about the Construction Industry Expo.

The first issue of Career Opportunities for Adults makes its debut as a supplement to the monthly In Focus Careers News.

You can get your free copy HERE.

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Posted on March 22, 2021April 16, 2021 by Bev Johnson — 1 Comment

Career Opportunities for Adults

Discover career opportunities that are available to adults in Western Australia and where to find help with your new career.

Download Career Opportunities for Adults.

First Edition of Career Opportunities for Adults April 2021

In Focus Careers News has been a trusted source of career information for West Australian school students for years. As I do research for In Focus News I discover information that would help kids who have already left school, and adults who are looking for jobs and career opportunities.

Career Opportunities for Adults collates all of that information so that adults can make informed decisions.

Subscribe to the Infocus Careers News for West Australian schools

I come across careers information for adults every month as I am putting together the In Focus Careers News for schools. I have collated it in this monthly supplement because so many people have no idea what is available or where to start looking.

I hope it helps you to create a better life for yourself.

Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.

I can talk about careers under water so if you would like to chat about how I can help you to improve your career or the services you deliver, give me a ring on 0434056412 or email me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Posted on March 13, 2021March 21, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

Building Back Better – Indigenous Land Management Careers

Greta Thunberg inspired us to stand together and make a noise in the fight for action against climate change. Indigenous land management careers are gaining traction as a uniquely Australian response to climate change which will build back agriculture better.

Greta Thunberg Photo courtesy The Guardian

Careers incorporating traditional land management practices are gaining popularity as Australians work to learn more about sustainable farming.

TAFE’s Move to Traditional Land Management

Murchison environmentalist Michael Clinch told me that…

Australia’s biggest export is its top soil.

In response to the regenerative farming movement that is happening across the region, Central Regional TAFE has introduced Indigenous regenerative land management as part of the College’s agricultural program.

First Indigenous Chair for Biodiversity and Environmental Science

Curtin University has appointed Australian ecologist Dr Stephen van Leeuwen as Australia’s first Indigenous Chair for Biodiversity and Environmental Science.

He will lead research programs promoting excellence and innovation in the fields of biodiversity and environmental science through collaborative networks within Indigenous communities and the broader academic community in Western Australia, Australia and internationally.

See Curtin University Environmental Sciences HERE.

Murdoch University also has a reputation for outstanding Environmental and Conservation Sciences

Dark Emu Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture

Bruce Pascoe wrote Dark Emu Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture which revived awareness of the extensive farming practices undertaken across all of Australia prior to Europeans coming. He was recently on 7am talking about work he is doing to regenerate a property using traditional Aboriginal farming methods that he learned while writing his book.

He said young people are showing increasing interest in traditional agriculture and he thinks they will be the ones who will take on Indigenous farming practices with a passion.

You can hear his talk HERE.

Adopting traditional land management practices is an important strategy for regenerating Australia’s farmlands. Starting a career in this field could lead to a life of discovery and achievement.

Subscribe to the Infocus Careers News for West Australian schools

I come across careers information for adults every month as I am putting together the In Focus Careers News for schools. I have collated it in this monthly supplement because so many people have no idea what is available or where to start looking.

I hope it helps you to create a better life for yourself.

Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.

Posted on March 12, 2021March 12, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

Where do adults get career advice in WA?

If you aren’t connected to an employment service provider, where do you find career information in Western Australia? Even adults who do get assistance because they are unemployed, can be pushed into unsuitable jobs by service providers who get paid when they place a person in a job….. any job.

Families who receive the In Focus Careers News through schools are able to cherry pick from career information for students, but I hadn’t thought to put in a special section just for people who are no longer at school.

Well, that’s about to change. I will start to share them in the In Focus Careers News this month.

This month I have information about the Westfarmers Bootcamp at Muresk, changes to the New Enterprise Incentive Scheme, Jobs and Skills Centres and opportunities through the ParentsNext program.

If you have any questions about career opportunities for adults in WA or if you have information about career opportunities for adults, please send it to me at Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au.

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Posted on March 11, 2021March 11, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

It’s Career Expo Time Again – Get tips on how to get the most from your visit

Tip 1: Don’t sign ANYTHING.

The Careers Expo is great fun. There are happy, smiling people. There are glossy brochures and beautiful displays. People on the stands are friendly and helpful. Of course they are! They are professionals. You aren’t going to buy something from someone who isn’t nice.

Many visitors sign up for thousands of dollars worth of training based on a noisy 5 minute discussion in the crowded Convention Centre.

The Expos are a prime marketing place for all education and training organisation. They spend a lot of money on their displays and get their best, nicest, most professional sales people to tell you about their courses.

Tip 1:

Don’t sign ANYTHING.

STEP 2:

Know that the biggest displays, those closest to the entry doors, and the most professional looking displays have spent the most money on trying to sell to you.

STEP 3:

Check out the list of Exhibitors.

Some are pure information, like the WA Police Force, Construction Training Fund, WA Department of Education – Teaching and Defence Force Recruiting. Others have courses they would like you to know about.

If you are interested in having a Gap Year check out which exhibitors will have information that will interest you. If you are interested in Trades, check out the ones that you must visit.

https://www.careers-expo.com.au/visitors/exhibitor-list-floor-plan

Make the decision about which ones to visit before you get sucked in by the bright lights and music!

STEP 4:

Figure out three questions to ask exhibitor one before you meet with them. Make sure one of your questions is about price if they are selling courses.

Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to answer you about. You may get answers like “It depends on…… ” and “We have a great loan to cover your costs”.

You could also ask….

How much will it cost?
How long the course will take.
What are the entry requirements.
For contacts with current students.
What successful students are like.
Do they have a mid year intake.
If they have links with industry that provides work placement.
How long it takes their graduates to get a job in the industry.
What sort of work graduates get.

STEP 5 – FINAL STEP

Go to see your career advisor to discuss what you have discovered.

If you don’t know a career advisor go to a Jobs and Skills Centre and talk with them. Its FREE. The Jobs and Skills Centres are based in TAFE colleges but they also have information about unis.

Go back to the places you are interested in. You will end up paying a lot for your course. This is probably the first BIG thing you have ever bought. Make sure you are buying something that is perfect for you.

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Testimonial:

Thanks for the latest newsletter Bev, and for all the information and inspiring ideas over the year. Since I have become a part of the (In Focus Careers) network I have grown in knowledge and motivation to really make a difference for our young people.

(South West Regional Government High School.)

I come across careers information for adults every month as I am putting together the In Focus Careers News for schools. I have collated it in this monthly supplement because so many people have no idea what is available or where to start looking.

I hope it helps you to create a better life for yourself.

Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.

Email: Bev.J@infocus-careers.com.au

Posted on February 21, 2021February 21, 2021 by Bev Johnson — Leave a comment

Year 11 University Open Day Cheat Sheets

Discover what is possible at Uni Open Days. Year 11 is time to bite off more than you can chew.

If you went to Open Days in Year 10 you will have an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. If you didn’t go last year, don’t worry. Follow the steps below.

Have fun at Open Day.

Step 1 Humanities or Science

You need to narrow down what you want to see. There is too much to see at an Open Day so if you don’t think about it before you go, you could miss out on important stuff.

Think about which direction do you want to take when you leave school? What are 3 humanities or science courses that you might be interested in?

………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………….

See a careers advisor if you do not have any idea what you want to do.

Step 2 Which universities run the 3 courses?

You don’t need to go to EVERY open day. If you want to have a career in medicine for example, check out what each uni has to offer, then go to the ones that interest you.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Step 3 Check the Open Day Programs

There will be presentations planned throughout the day. The schedule will be online. Plan to go to as many information sessions as possible.

Prepare questions to ask during or after the session.

Universities have support services like First in Family to Go to Uni, or Disability Support Services or Aboriginal Support Services. Contact them and find out how they can help you to get the most from the Open Day program.

Step 4 Go to the Open Day

Have your itinerary ready.
Go to as many information sessions as possible. Have questions ready.
Explore the campus and find vital information like, where are the key buildings you need, where is the library, where the student services building is.
There will be student guides. Ask them about the uni, the course and job prospects.
Talk to people. Ask questions. This is not the time to be cautious.

Subscribe to the Infocus Careers News for West Australian schools

I come across careers information for adults every month as I am putting together the In Focus Careers News for schools. I have collated it in this monthly supplement because so many people have no idea what is available or where to start looking.

I hope it helps you to create a better life for yourself.

Infocus Careers is an independent organisation which is solely supported by insanely great subscribers who share information with me, support each other and help me to pay my bills.