In year 12 our children are expected to make decisions about courses, to attend Open Days and know how to enrol, usually through VTAC, in higher education courses. That’s a lot to do when they’re busy studying for SACs, doing their VCEs, IB, VET or VCAL subjects.

Parents, did you know how to do all of this when your were 17? Making decisions that could make a big difference to your future? I expect not. Now, psychologists are saying that it’s even harder today, because there’s a “choice overload”. So many higher education courses on offer, plus the choice of taking a Gap Year break, or to doing an apprenticeship, traineeship, or to simply get a job and think about studying later as a mature student.

Now is the time to be thinking about visiting tertiary providers, as they are holding events and Open Days in the June – July school holidays and into August. But which Open Day does your child attend? There are around 30 Open Days coming up in and around Melbourne for 2017. There is absolutely no need, never mind being almost impossible, to attend them all – some clash; are literally on the same day! It’s important to prioritise and with some, if not most, you need to register to attend.

Many Open Days have special events running throughout the day, so it’s important to check what’s going on so that you don’t miss out on a presentation, or specialist tour.

By attending an Open Day, you get to see the size and extent of the entire tertiary provider; the size of the lecture halls, the library, student services facilities, the environment. You will have the chance to talk to current students and to some of the lecturers and other staff and to ask questions. It’s no different to making any other major investment choice, such as buying a car – you need to check things out for yourself.

So by talking to a professional, independent and impartial careers coach, you will be able to clarify your preferences and attend the right events. Not all careers coaches specialise in adolescent counselling. Not all careers coaches are accredited professional members of the Career Development Association of Australia (CDAA) as well as the Career Education Association of Victoria (CEAV). You need to be sure that the person you approach for careers coaching for your child is qualified to post-graduate level in career development; someone who can achieve a rapport with adolescents, whom they can trust.

Contact Karen to chat about how your child can work out which courses may suit them, what Open Days to attend and then how to enrol in a higher education course. You will find comfort, clarity and confidence with a professional careers coach.