Blog

What do I look for in a career coach for my child?

The question that I’m addressing in this blog is around what information parents need when looking for career coaching for their child? There are so many businesses now calling themselves career consultants, career coaches, career counsellors, how can a parent make the right decision? As a parent of young adult daughters myself, whom I’ve supported […]

Why is year 9 such a difficult school year?

I read in The Age, on 29th august, that “Year 9 is (the) toughest time for students.” It’s being reported elsewhere too and is a discussion topic among teaching staff. So why is year 9 such as difficult school year and is there a light on the horizon? Many parents wonder why their child is […]

How do you decide on your VTAC preferences?

This is the time to decide on your VTAC preferences if you are applying for tertiary courses in 2020. This applies to both year 12 and non year 12 applicants. So, how do you decide on your VTAC preferences? And how important is it to get your preferences in order? A lot of applicants are […]

How careers aptitudes and interests tests can help school students

I am using a few careers aptitudes and interests tests with school age students, as well as with young adults post-secondary education. Career coaching is not the same as it was in the early 20th century. Vocational advisory services used to suppose that the advisor was all-knowing and could, therefore “test and tell” the client. […]

Reforming the Australian Tertiary System

I am posting a quick blog on the suggested reforms to the Australian tertiary system, as discussed this morning on the Breakfast show on ABC Radio National. I am aware of changes to the tertiary sector in Australia, in particular with respect to the new model of study, called the Block Model, at Victoria University […]

How to apply for courses through VTAC

If you have a student in year 12, who needs help with applying for courses using the VTAC application process I can help. The VTAC application process can be overwhelming. If your year 12 child is confused and doesn’t know what tertiary courses he or she wants to apply for, I can help by working […]

What if my child says he wants to drop out in year 12?

It’s worrying if your child says that he or she wants to drop out of school. Even more concerning is if your child said this to you during year 12. Many parents hope that their child will continue in compulsory education until the end of year 12, indeed this is strongly encouraged in Australia. Retention […]

Why a youth career advisor can help your child

As a youth career advisor, I am asked what benefits professional career counselling can bring to a student. According to the systems approach to career development, career decision making can be complex and confusing, especially for youth, which is when some of the first career decisions are made. There are so many career influences: Family […]

Job Search and Networking.

Job search skills include active networking. Networking is so important for ongoing career success that I’m prompted to share a story about a current job search I’m helping with. The example I offer here demonstrates the importance of keeping doors open. My client works in the corporate sector. He has a long and distinguished career, […]