LIBERATING EDUCATION 113 ST PATRICK’S COLLEGE STRATHFIELD LUMEN 2024 Guiding students to a future they’ll love begins with finding the balance between passion and potential The role of a Careers Advisor extends beyond merely suggesting potential career paths; it involves understanding each student’s unique strengths, interests, and aspirations, all while keeping the practicalities of the job market in mind. By guiding students toward paths that resonate with their passions and align with their skills, we help them envision a future where they feel fulfilled and self-assured. This balanced approach enables students to set realistic, yet inspiring goals, providing them with a strong sense of purpose and direction as they transition from school to their chosen careers. During Pathway Interviews with Year 12, the focus was on helping students explore options that excited them while also considering their potential for success and the career outlook in each field. Students were encouraged to think broadly, investigating pathways they may not have previously considered and accounting for the evolving nature of the job market. For those inclined toward university, options like pursuing double degrees were discussed to enhance their versatility and job prospects. Academic goals were also set for each student to help them maximise their HSC results, all while working towards their ultimate career goals. For the 2023 cohort, most students successfully secured their first-choice course or job, with 82% accepting offers for university degrees. Among the remaining students, 10% entered apprenticeships in Carpentry, Plumbing, or Electrical, and 6% found other full-time employment, while 2% enrolled in TAFE or College courses. The table below shows the distribution of university placements for the 2023 cohort who began their studies in 2024. UNIVERSITY % OF 2023 COHORT ATTENDING UNIVERSITY INSTITUTION Australian National University (ANU) 5% Macquarie University 14% University of NSW (UNSW) 11% University of Sydney 18% University of Technology Sydney 40% University of Western Sydney 8% Other 4% In Terms 1 and 2, Year 10 students participated in career education sessions that covered modules on personal profiling, career and course options, the future of work and resume writing, interview techniques, and employability skills. These sessions were well-timed to align with subject selection, helping students make informed decisions about their Year 11 subject preferences. During these lessons, each student had the opportunity to engage in a one-on-one interview about their subject choices. This year, the College hosted the Old Boys’ Careers Information Evening for Year 11 and Year 12 students. This event offered students a chance to be inspired by hearing Old Boys share their educational journeys and the paths they took to achieve their career goals. A total of fifty Old Boys generously set aside time from their busy schedules to share their experiences, reflecting their strong sense of community and commitment to supporting the next generation. In the months ahead, I am eager to see the post-school destinations of our current Year 12 cohort and to guide a new group of students in setting and achieving their career goals. CAREERS Ms J Cupac Head of Vocational Learning and Careers Old Boys Joseph Bejjani (Class Of 2016), Dr Julian Leto (Class Of 2012), And Dr Sean Mccrystal (Class Of 1981) Sharing Their Career Pathways Into Medicine And Dentistry With Year 11 And 12 Students Old Boys Presenting At The Old Boys Careers Information Evening On 18 March
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