Students discover new pathways at Learning the Ropes
Students discover new pathways at Learning the Ropes
The Old Andreans Association generously host a biennial careers conversations event, recognising how valuable it is for students to hear real-life stories from graduates about their often-unconventional career pathways.
By Lyn Jarvis.
Hosted on 1 June this year, the Learning the Ropes event commenced with a panel of graduates from 2011 and 2012 sharing their personal and very varied career journeys since leaving school. Studying in unusual ways at a variety of institutions, both in Sydney and overseas, their tales of straight, bumpy and curvy pathways since graduation were insightful and entertaining. It was a wonderful way to commence the evening and set the tone for the rest of the event.
“I wished this event existed when I was in school, which is why I come back and volunteer as a mentor every two years,” said Lynley Hurst (OA2013), who has a wealth of knowledge in the public health sector.
“My son was very motivated after speaking with a few industry professionals – he feels like he is headed in the right direction with a possible career path.”
– Year 12 parent
After the panel discussion, students and parents were invited to engage in casual conversations, either 1:1 or in small groups, with Old Andrean and Hessian volunteers (parents of Old Andreans), who were at various stages in their career journeys, across a wide range of industries. The relaxed conversations worked very well, with students confident to ask questions and discover some of the joys and pitfalls of both study and work.
Students and parents engaged in important, honest conversations with Old Andrean, Hessian and Parent industry professionals.
Recent graduates from a variety of tertiary institutions were also in attendance to chat to students about their experiences of university life.
A programme with the biographies of each industry volunteer was made available prior to the event, allowing the students to select who they wished to speak to on the night.
One Year 12 student who is unsure of her next steps said the programme was particularly helpful as she could choose who to speak to based on what school subjects she had in common with them, and those conversations gave her some new career ideas.
Out of the many conversations had, a number of students were offered work experience, mentoring and even internships.
“We are most grateful to be able to partner with our Old Andreans for this event,” said Director of Community Engagement Lyn Jarvis. “Building networks of connections between current students and graduates is invaluable.”